Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Do Innovative Firms Find Corruption to be a Bigger Problem than Non-Innovative Firms? Evidence from African, Latin American and Caribbean Countries

3 Introduction 4 Literature Review 6 Data 12 Dependent Variable 13 Core Explanatory Variable 13 Control Variables 14 Multicollinearity 14 Summary statistics 15 Empirical Methodology 16 Results 18 Econometric Issues and Robustness 20 Conclusion 21 Policy Implications 22 Bibliography 23 Appendix 26 Table 1: Description of the variables 26 Table 2: Correlations between explanatory variables 27 Table 3: Summary statistics of variables used in the model 28 Table 4: Regression results of the ordered logit model 29 Table 5: Countries and number of firms used in the study 30
Oxygen Vacancies on Layered Niobic Acid Weaken the Catalytic Conversion of Polysulfides in Lithium Sulfur Battery.

Oxygen vacancies are usually considered as beneficial in catalytic conversion of polysulfides in lithium sulfur battery. In this work, we demonstrated that the conversion of polysulfides was hindered by creating oxygen vacancies on ultrathin layered niobic acid. The inferior performance induced by oxygen vacancy was mainly attributed to the decreased electric conductivity as well as the weakened adsorption of polysulfides on catalyst surface. This work showed that the care should be taken when designing a new catalyst for lithium-sulfur battery using defect-engineering strategy.
Cigarette Smoke Induces the Risk of Metabolic Bone Diseases: Transforming Growth Factor Beta Signaling Impairment via Dysfunctional Primary Cilia Affects Migration, Proliferation, and Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells

It is well established that smoking has detrimental effects on bone integrity and is a preventable risk factor for metabolic bone disorders. Following orthopedic surgeries, smokers frequently show delayed fracture healing associated with many complications, which results in prolonged hospital stays. One crucial factor responsible for fracture repair is the recruitment and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) at early stages, a mechanism mediated by transforming growth factor β (TGF-β). Although it is known that smokers frequently have decreased TGF-β levels, little is known about the actual signaling occurring in these patients. We investigated the effect of cigarette smoke on TGF-β signaling in MSCs to evaluate which step in the pathway is affected by cigarette smoke extract (CSE). Single-cell-derived human mesenchymal stem cell line (SCP-1 cells) were treated with CSE concentrations associated with smoking up to 20 cigarettes a day. TGF-β signaling was analyzed using an adenovirus-based reporter assay system. Primary cilia structure and downstream TGF-β signaling modulators (Smad2, Smad3, and Smad4) were analyzed by Western blot and immunofluorescence staining. CSE exposure significantly reduced TGF-β signaling. Intriguingly, we observed that protein levels of phospho-Smad2/3 (active forms) as well as nuclear translocation of the phospho-Smad3/4 complex decreased after CSE exposure, phenomena that affected signal propagation. CSE exposure reduced the activation of TGF-β modulators under constitutive activation of TGF-β receptor type I (ALK5), evidencing that CSE affects signaling downstream of the ALK5 receptor but not the binding of the cytokine to the receptor itself. CSE-mediated TGF-β signaling impaired MSC migration, proliferation, and differentiation and ultimately affected endochondral ossification. Thus, we conclude that CSE-mediated disruption of TGF-β signaling in MSCs is partially responsible for delayed fracture healing in smokers.
On the damper cage bars ’ currents calculation for salient pole ... 165 ON THE DAMPER CAGE BARS ’ CURRENTS CALCULATION FOR SALIENT POLE LARGE SYNCHRONOUS MACHINES

The damper cage bars’ currents occur only when the synchronous machine operates in a dynamic regime and its rotor speed differs from the stator field speed. Basically there are two ways of calculating the damper cage currents, by using the machine equivalent circuit or by employing a 2D or 3D finite element method (FEM) analysis. In this paper are discussed two methods to calculate the damper cage currents, one based on a coupled field-circuit approach when all the machine dimensions and winding should be known and another based on DC-decay tests conducted with the rotor on d, respectively q axis when all the transient parameters and time constants are obtained. Both methods are quite simple and offer an acceptable accuracy.
Optimization of laccase and manganese peroxidase production in submerged culture of Pleurotus sajorcaju

A white-rot fungus, Pleurotus sajor-caju , was isolated from coastal Tanzania and screened for crude lignolytic enzymes production using rhemazol brilliant blue R (RBBR) dye, 2,2-azino-bis (3- ethylbenzthiazoline)-6-sulfonate (ABTS) and guaiacol in a semi-solid medium. Laccase (Lac) and manganese peroxidase (MnP) were detected by a-napthol and pyrogallol solutions, respectively, on the guaiacol supplemented semi-solid media. The effect of temperature, pH, carbon, nitrogen, Cu 2+ , 2,5- xylidine, ferulic acid, Mn 2+ and immobilization using Luffa cylindrica sponges in submerged culture fermentations were investigated for maximum enzymes production. After 7 days of incubation, 83 to 100% oxidation of RBBR, ABTS and guaiacol was observed. With optimized culture conditions, the fungal filtrate had maximum Lac and MnP activities of 80 and 0.94 U/ml, respectively compared to 0.62 and 0.0003 U/ml obtained with non-optimized ones; amounting to 129 and 3133 times increase in Lac and MnP activities, respectively. The improved crude enzymes activities, RBBR decolourization, ABTS and guaiacol oxidation capabilities of P. sajor-caju show its potential as a source of industrial enzymes for biotechnological applications. Key words : White-rot fungi, optimization, Pleurotus sajor-caju, laccase, manganese peroxidase, submerged fermentation, immobilization.
Effect of Inoculation with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Selected Spring Wheat Lines

An experiment was performed in a completely randomized split-plot design using five lines of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) (AW-774, AC Carberry, HY-162, Major and AAC Scotia) and two arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) strains (Rhizoglomus irregulare and Glomus cubense). Two different inoculant forms (solid and liquid) for the G. cubense strain were evaluated. The main plot was AMF, and the subplot was spring wheat lines. Data on heading date, plant height, fresh, and dry biomass, yield, grain quality (chemical composition of the seeds, gluten, and sugar), root structure, and colonization by AMF were collected. The results show a positive effect of inoculation in comparison with the control treatment. The liquid and solid G. cubense inoculants provided better results than inoculation with R. irregulare. Fungus indicators were in agreement with root morphological parameters because of the effect induced by AMF activity. Yield increased significantly in the mycorrhizal treatments.
Sleep as a Potential Biomarker of Tau and β-Amyloid Burden in the Human Brain

Recent proposals suggest that sleep may be a factor associated with accumulation of two core pathological features of Alzheimer's disease (AD): tau and β-amyloid (Aβ). Here we combined PET measures of Aβ and tau, electroencephalogram sleep recordings, and retrospective sleep evaluations to investigate the potential utility of sleep measures in predicting in vivo AD pathology in male and female older adults. Regression analyses revealed that the severity of impaired slow oscillation-sleep spindle coupling predicted greater medial temporal lobe tau burden. Aβ burden was not associated with coupling impairment but instead predicted the diminished amplitude of <1 Hz slow-wave-activity, results that were statistically dissociable from each other. Additionally, comparisons of AD pathology and retrospective, self-reported changes in sleep duration demonstrated that changes in sleep across the lifespan can predict late-life Aβ and tau burden. Thus, quantitative and qualitative features of human sleep represent potential noninvasive, cost-effective, and scalable biomarkers (current and future forecasting) of AD pathology, and carry both therapeutic and public health implications. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Several studies have linked sleep disruption to the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Tau and β-amyloid (Aβ), the primary pathological features of AD, are associated with both objective and subjective changes in sleep. However, it remains unknown whether late life tau and Aβ burden are associated with distinct impairments in sleep physiology or changes in sleep across the lifespan. Using polysomnography, retrospective questionnaires, and tau- and Aβ-specific PET, the present study reveals human sleep signatures that dissociably predict levels of brain tau and Aβ in older adults. These results suggest that a night of polysomnography may aid in evaluating tau and Aβ burden, and that treating sleep deficiencies within decade-specific time windows may serve in delaying AD progression.
Determination of Thermal Comfort for Social Impact Assessment: Case Study in Kota Damansara, Selangor, Malaysia

This study determined the thermal comfort of outdoor recreational park in Kota Damansara, Malaysia. Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) index, Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied (PPD) and Thermal Sensation Vote (TSV) were applied in order to determine thermal comfort in the study area. Comparison and establishment of relationship were done between PMV and Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied (PPD) to demographic factors and affecting factors among visitors of public parks in Kota Damansara. Based on the research analysis, the thermal comfort ranges in urban recreational park of Kota Damansara was within the comfort zone and satisfactory to its users. The comfort level of both public parks by using PMV and TSV was +1.5 and 0 while PPD was 56.70%. The result of this study showed that comfort zone of respondents shifted towards the right of TSV curve. Compact human settlement in the city exacerbated the development of housing to meet the demand, thus affected the amount of green areas available in study area. The results from the research could be useful for landscape's architect, urban planner and engineers to create a sustainable development in Malaysia or all over the world.
Evaluating Microcredit Using Randomized Controlled Experiments

Poverty is an issue that plagues almost one-fifth of the world’s population. Microcredit was presented as a potential solution. Microcredit is a subdivision of microfinance lending which provides small monetary loans and education to disadvantaged populations. The intent of my thesis is to examine microcredit as an institution using data collected from randomized controlled experiments. My research addresses the key characteristics of microcredit including group lending and the emphasis on female involvement. I will present both praises and criticisms of the institution. I will continue to outline the process of a randomized controlled experiment, and present both the benefits and the challenges of using this method to conduct research. I conclude that the most effective way to determine whether or not a cause and effect relationship exists between a treatment and a result is to use a randomized controlled experiment. I then present archival data from four randomized studies done on microcredit. I identified four categories in which positive change must be found for microcredit to be determined a successful means for ending poverty. Ultimately, I concluded that microcredit as it stands today provides assistances to borrowers, but not ones that are enough to bring them above the poverty line. Microcredit is useful in several aspects, but there is definitely room for improvement.
ENHANCEMENT OF YOUTUBE CDN WITH CACHING HIERARCHY AND NEW REPLACEMENT POLICY

YouTube has become a highly successful video sharing website and has had an enormous impact on the Internet traffic. Content Delivery Network (CDN) is one possible solution which can provide users on a global scale faster access while reducing traffic on the backbone. Its performance gain nevertheless depends in large part on efficient caching management. The caching techniques using caching hierarchy in surrogate servers of YouTube CDN have been proposed in this paper. Moreover, a new replacement policy (equation) for use in the replacement system and our caching hierarchy are discussed. Through a detailed simulation environment, the proposed techniques can significantly improve caching performance relative to the other polices.
The Effects of Corporate Reputation on the Competitiveness of Malaysian Telecommunication Service Providers

The competition for customers among telecommunication firms in Malaysia is fierce. The competition among them is not only limited to new customers but also to the respective customer base. In this fiercely competitive environment, existing customers are frequently exposed to offers and counter offers from the competing firms. At the same time various persuasive messages being made to encourage customers to switch their service provider. Perhaps the corporate reputation of a firm could provide certain competitive edge which could ensure the growth and survival of a firm into the future amid the highly competitive environment. This study attempts to assess the influence of corporate reputation of the firms on their competitive advantage in the market from the customers’ perspective. The study sampled 600 individual customers who have been using the mobile service at a minimum of three years. The selected respondents have been experiencing the service provided by more than one telecommunication operators. The data were collected using self-administered questionnaires and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in AMOS 6.0. The study found that the direct impact of firms’ corporate reputation on their competitive advantage in the market is not significant at ? = 0.05. Instead, the corporate reputation has an indirect impact on competitive advantage through perceived value and perceived quality of the service. In other words, the firms should communicate their favorable corporate reputation effectively to the market so that the customers’ perception level towards their products and service would arise. In other words, the firm’s corporate reputation could only help the marketability of its products or services if it could trigger the positive perception of quality and value of products or services in the mind of their potential customers. The findings provide important implications to the telecommunication operators in their effort to increase their customer base and, more importantly, to ensure the interest the customers towards the firm is preserved!
Preparing polymer films doped with magnetic nanoparticles by spin-coating and melt-processing can induce an in-plane magnetic anisotropy

Faraday rotation has been used to investigate a series of polymer films doped with magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. The films have been prepared by spin-coating and melt-processing. In each case, upon varying the angle of optical incidence on the films, an in-plane magnetic anisotropy is observed. The effect of such an anisotropy on the Faraday rotation as a function of the angle of optical incidence is verified by comparison with magnetically poled films. These results demonstrate that care should be taken upon analyzing the magnetic behavior of such films on account of the sample preparation techniques themselves being able to affect the magnetization.
Parking Camera Calibration for Assisting Automated Road Defect Detection

Accurate and timely information is essential for efficient road maintenance planning. Current practice mainly depends on manual visual surveys that are laborious, time consuming, subjective and not frequent enough. We overcame this limitation in our previous work, by proposing a method that automatically detects road defects in video frames collected by a parking camera. The use of such a camera leads to capturing the surroundings of the road, such as sidewalks and sky due to its wide field of view. This unnecessarily reduces the method’s performance. This paper presents a process that identifies the correct Region of Interest (myROI). myROI corresponds to the region of the camera’s field of view that corresponds to the road lane, while considering defect inspection guidelines. We use the theory of inverse perspective mapping (IPM) to map the road frame coordinates to world coordinates. The camera specifications, and position, lane width and road defect detection guidelines constitute the parking camera calibration parameters for the calculation of myROI’s span and boundaries. We performed computational experiments in MATLAB to calculate myROI, and validated the results with field experiments, where we used a metric tape to measure the road defects. Preliminary results show that the proposed process is capable of calculating myROI.
The Open Chromatin Landscape of Non-small Cell Lung Carcinoma.

Non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is a major cancer type whose epigenetic alteration remains unclear. We analyzed open chromatin data with matched whole-genome sequencing and RNA-seq data of 50 primary NSCLC cases. We observed high inter-patient heterogeneity of open chromatin profiles and the degree of heterogeneity correlated to several clinical parameters. Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) exhibited distinct open chromatin patterns. Beyond this, we uncovered that the broadest open chromatin peaks indicated key NSCLC genes and led to less stable expression. Furthermore, we found that the open chromatin peaks were gained or lost together with somatic copy number alterations and affected the expression of important NSCLC genes. In addition, we identified 21 joint-QTLs that correlated to both ATAC-seq peak intensity and gene expression levels. Finally, we identified 87 regulatory risk loci associated with lung cancer-related phenotypes by intersecting the QTLs with GWAS significant loci. In summary, this compendium of multi-omics data provides valuable insights and a resource to understand the landscape of open chromatin features and regulatory networks in NSCLC.
Developmental regulation of smooth muscle contraction in the urinary bladder

Smooth muscle cells in the urinary bladder are involved in the control of urine filling and emptying. We have used mice to study the contractile regulation of urinary bladder smooth muscle during the fetal period. We found that nerve-induced contractions are mainly dependent on muscarinic receptor activation in the newborn whereas adult bladders are equally dependent on muscarinic and purinergic receptor activation. Muscarinic receptor-induced contractions are due to activation of the M3 subtype in both adults and newborns. Activator calcium is mainly recruited from the extracellular space via L-type calcium channels in both adult and newborn tissue. The contractile machinery of the newborn’s bladder tissue is more sensitive to calcium which enables contractions at lower intracellular and extracellular calcium concentrations. Non-muscle myosin is contributing to the force development in the newborn but is not the cause for the increased calcium sensitivity. The increased calcium sensitivity is due to a lower phosphatase activity and a lower expression of the myosin light chain phosphatase subunit MYPT1. The contractions induced by muscarinic receptor agonists are characterized by increased phasic activity in the newborn. This activity is not dependent on K+ channels, calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum or gap junctional transmission. Muscarinic receptor stimulation activates T-type calcium channels in the newborn bladder but not in the adult. The main sensitizing pathways, involving protein kinase C (PKC) and Rho-kinase, are established in the newborn tissue. The effects of PKC activation on muscarinic receptor-induced responses differ in newborn and adult tissue. The muscarinic receptor-induced response of the newborn is abolished in the presence of high PKC activation (using PDBu) whereas the response is potentiated in the adult. The phasic component of the response in the newborn bladder is particularly inhibited due to activation of PKC.
Vascular wilt of teak ( Tectona grandis ) caused by Fusarium oxysporum in Brazil

Commercial plantations of teak ( Tectona grandis L.f.) are affected by many economically important fungal diseases under Brazilian conditions. Teak plants exhibiting distinctive vascular wilt symptoms were observed in Mirassol do Oeste (MT), Brazil. Trunk samples of the affected trees were collected, disinfected, and plated onto potato dextrose agar. Fungal cultures obtained displayed morphological characteristics typical of the Fusarium oxysporum species complex. A representative F. oxysporum isolate was used in pathogenicity assays. Teak plants displayed symptoms similar to those observed under field conditions approx. 60 d after root-dipping inoculation. Amplicons corresponding to segments of the translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF-1α) and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2) genes were obtained using as template the genomic DNA extracted from two Fusarium isolates obtained from teak. Phylogenetic analyses of the amplicon sequences placed the isolates into the same cluster of isolates belonging to the F. oxysporum species complex. To our knowledge, this is the first report of vascular wilt of teak caused by F. oxysporum in the Neotropical region.
Designing a Rule Based Disambiguator for Afan Oromo Words

This paper presents designing a rule based Afan Oromo Disambiguator. The ultimate aim of this work is to develop a model that identifies the senses of the words. Hence; a word may have multiple senses, the problem is to find out which particular sense is appropriate in a given context. To this end, a rule based approach was used which is designed manually a set of rules. Some ambiguous words were collected from the Oromo society and these words are the most frequently used in the society. Due to under the resource of the language, the work was used 15 natural ambiguous words for the sake of the test. The results of the work were shown that in Afan Oromo language, an ambiguous word have 2 to the n senses (where n unlimited senses; as the number of contexts increased).
Chaotic Micromixer Based on 3D Horseshoe Transformation

To improve the efficiency of mixing under laminar flow with a low Reynolds number (Re), a novel three-dimensional Horseshoe Transformation (3D HT) was proposed as the basis for the design of a micromixer. Compared with the classical HT, the Lyapunov exponent of the 3D HT, which was calculated based on a symbolic dynamic system, proved the chaotic enhancement. Based on the 3D HT, a micromixer with a mixing length of 12 mm containing six mixing units was obtained by sequentially applying “squeeze”, “stretch”, “twice fold”, “inverse transformation”, and “intersection” operations. Numerical simulation and Peclet Number (Pe) calculations indicated that when the squeeze amplitude 0 < α < 1/2, 0 < β < 1/2, the stretch amplitude γ > 4, and Re ≥ 1, the mass transfer in the mixer was dominated by convective diffusion induced by chaotic flow. When Re = 10, at the outlet of the mixing chamber, the simulated mixing index was 96.4%, which was far less than the value at Re = 0.1 (σ = 0.041). Microscope images of the mixing chamber and the curve trend of pH buffer solutions obtained from a mixing experiment were both consistent with the results of the simulation. When Re = 10, the average mixing index of the pH buffer solutions was 91.75%, which proved the excellent mixing efficiency of the mixer based on the 3D HT.