Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Human Capital Investment and Globalization in Extortionary States

This paper considers education investment and public education policy in closed and open economies with an extortionary government. The extortionary government in a closed economy chooses an education policy in order to overcome a hold-up problem of time-consistent taxation similar to benevolent governments. The two types of government differ in their education policies if highly productive labor is mobile. Extortionary governments‘ incentives for a policy that stimulates higher private education efforts vanish; instead they have incentives to prevent individuals from mobility-increasing education investment. Tax competition therefore reduces hold-up problems of time-consistent extortionary taxation, but introduces other distortions that reduce workers' utility.
Evaluation of antibiotic susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from nasal and thumb prints of University students and their resistance pattern.

Staphylococcus aureus has long been known as one of the most important bacteria that cause disease in humans. It may gain access to underlying tissues or the bloodstream and cause infection and it’s a leading cause of skin and soft tissue infections such as abscesses. Colonization with S. aureus usually precedes an infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of S. aureus carrier frequency among students community and to characterise the antibiotic susceptibility of the isolated organism. The frequency of S. aureus carriage among students from University of Nigeria, Nsukka was investigated. A total of 120 nasal swabs and thumbprint samples were collected from healthy microbiology and biochemistry students. All swabs were streak on mannitol salt agar (MSA); incubated at 37C for 24 h. Characterization of the bacterial isolates was based on standard microbiological methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was also assayed in order to detect any antibiotic resistant S. aureus. Antimicrobial susceptibility of confirmed isolates was determined by disc-diffusion method. The results obtained showed that, 42(70 %) of microbiology students had Staphylococcus aureus colonization in both nasal and thumb. Also, 49 (81.66 %) biochemistry students, had staphylococcus colonisation. Antibiotic susceptibility test of isolated S. aureus demonstrated a varying degree of resistance with the highest seen with β lactam antibiotics. Amongst the β lactam antibiotics, Cloxacillin showed the highest resistance with 100 %, while all the isolates were 100 % susceptible to Gentamicin, 95 % to Streptomycin. This result shows the likelihood of a changing resistant pattern among the students community. The reasons could be multifactorial and warrants further investigation.
Memristors' Potential for Multi-bit Storage and Pattern Learning

Memristor is a two-terminal device, termed as fourth element, and characterized by a varying resistance depending on the charge (current) flown through it. This leads to many interesting characteristics, including a memory of its past states, demonstrated in its resistance. Smaller area and power consumed by memristors compared to conventional memories makes them a more suitable choice for applications needing large memory. In this paper we explore one of the unique properties of memristors which extends their suitability by allowing storage of multi-bit data in a single memristor. Their ability of storing multi-bit patterns will be shown via a simplified proof and simulations. This characteristic can be advantageous for many applications. In this paper particularly, we briefly discuss its advantages in pattern learning applications.
ECD seed copper layer for seed enhancement in advanced interconnects

With ultra-large scale integration progress and circuit dimensions reduction, new challenges have been raised. One of the major challenges is efficient copper metallization of the narrow geometries. In this context, the copper seed layer used to initiate the bulk copper electrochemical deposition (ECD) plays a key role. For future generations, physical vapor deposition (PVD) techniques that are currently used will probably reach a limit, as they are not able to perfectly cover the sidewalls of the features. The resulting discontinuous seed layers can cause defects like voids in the copper lines and contact holes. In this article, we evaluate an electrodeposition process called ECD seed, designed to repair such discontinuous copper layers. In this process, copper is grown from an alkaline and copper complexing electrolyte. Electrochemical characteristics of this system, copper properties and step coverage capabilities are explored. A first interesting result is that this electrolyte limits copper consumption, preserving the thinnest regions of the seed layer. The deposits are continuous and very conformal, but rougher than PVD seed layers. Improvement of feature filling when introducing the ECD seed process in the metallization process flow is demonstrated, with elimination of the bottom voids present in narrow vias when performing ECD Seed repair directly on PVD seed layers.
Platyhelminth phylogenetics - a key to understanding parasitism?

The comparative method, the inference of biological processes from phylogenetic patterns, is founded on the reliability of the phylogenetic tree. In attempting to apply the comparative method to the understanding of the evolution of parasitism in the phylum Platyhelminthes, we have highlighted several points we consider to be of value along with many problems. We discuss four of these topics. Firstly, we view the group at a phylum level, in particular discussing the importance of establishing the sister taxon to the obligate parasite group, the Neodermata, for addressing such questions as the monophyly, parasitism or the endo or ectoparasitic nature of the early parasites. The variety of non-congruent phylogenetic trees presented so far, utilising either or both morphological and molecular data, gives rise to the suggestion that any evolutionary scenarios presented at this stage be treated as interesting hypotheses rather than well-supported theories. Our second point of discussion is the conflict between morphological and molecular estimates of monogenean evolution. The Monogenea presents several well-established morphological autapomorphies, such that morphology consistently estimates the group as monophyletic, whereas molecular sequence analyses indicate paraphyly, with different genes giving different topologies. We discuss the problem of reconciling gene and species trees. Thirdly, we use recent phylogenetic results on the tapeworms to interpret the evolution of strobilation, proglottization, segmentation and scolex structure. In relation to the latter, the results presented indicate that the higher cestodes are diphyletic, with one branch difossate and the other tetrafossate. Finally, we use a SSU rDNA phylogenetic tree of the Trematoda as a basis for the discussion of an aspect of the digenean life-cycle, namely the nature of the first intermediate host. Frequent episodes of host-switching, between gastropod and bivalve hosts or even into annelids, are indicated.
InterSCity: A Scalable Microservice-based Open Source Platform for Smart Cities

Smart City technologies emerge as a potential solution to tackle common problems in large urban centers by using city resources efficiently and providing quality services for citizens. Despite the various advances in middleware technologies to support future smart cities, there are no universally accepted platforms yet. Most of the existing solutions do not provide the required flexibility to be shared across cities. Moreover, the extensive use and development of non-open-source software leads to interoperability issues and limits the collaboration among R&D groups. In this paper, we explore the use of a microservices architecture to address key practical challenges in smart city platforms. We present InterSCity, a microservice-based open source smart city platform that aims at supporting collaborative, novel smart city research, development, and deployment initiatives. We discuss how the microservice approach enables a flexible, extensible, and loosely coupled architecture and present experimental results demonstrating the scalability of the proposed platform.
Girls and Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Scientific advances fuel American economic competitiveness, quality of life, and national security. Much of the future job growth is projected in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). However, the supply of domestic students who pursue STEM careers remains small relative to the demand. On the supply side, girls and women represent untapped human capital that, if leveraged, could enhance the STEM workforce, given that they comprise 50% of the American population and more than 50% of the college-bound population. Yet the scarcity of women in STEM careers remains stark. What drives these gender disparities in STEM? And what are the solutions? Research points to different answers depending on the stage of human development. Distinct obstacles occur during three developmental periods: (a) childhood and adolescence, (b) emerging adulthood, and (c) young-to-middle adulthood. This article describes how specific learning environments, peer relations, and family characteristics become obstacles to STEM interest, achievement, and persistence in each period. Evidence-based policies and programs promise to eliminate these obstacles, increasing girls and women’s participation in STEM.
A Nonlinear Certainty Equivalent Approximation Method for Dynamic Stochastic Problems

This paper introduces a nonlinear certainty equivalent approximation method for dynamic stochastic problems. We first use a novel, stable and efficient method for computing the optimal policy functions for deterministic dynamic optimization problems, and then use them as certainty-equivalent approximations for the stochastic versions. Our examples demonstrate that it can be applied to solve high-dimensional problems with up to four hundred state variables with an acceptable accuracy. This method can also be applied to solve problems with inequality constraints that occasionally bind. These features make the nonlinear certainty equivalent approximation method suitable for solving complex economic problems, where other algorithms, such as log-linearization, fail or are far less tractable.
Development of Physical Pretreatment Method for Wood Fire Retardant Impregnation

To achieve a deeper and more uniform impregnation of water-soluble phosphorous-based fire retardants (WPFRs), in this work several physical pretreatment methods were developed including kerfing, boring, and the combination of both for structural square-wood posts in wooden buildings. Research was performed on three wood species, sugi (Cryptomeria japonica), larch (Larix olgensis), and Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii Franco), which are generally recognized as refractory wood species. The effects of pretreatment method on chemical uptake, chemical penetration, and mechanical properties were evaluated. The methods were compared with the incising method, a traditional method used for wood preservation. The results indicated that the pretreatments effectively increased the chemical uptake and penetration, especially in larch wood. Although the traditional incising method also increased the chemical uptake, it decreased the modulus of rupture (MOR) and compressive strength. The boring and combined method with a boring diameter less than 12 mm are recommended for WPFR wood impregnation.
The Molecular Motor KIFC1 Associates with a Complex Containing Nucleoporin NUP62 That Is Regulated During Development and by the Small GTPase RAN1

Abstract KIFC1 is a C-terminal kinesin motor associated with the nuclear membrane and acrosome in round and elongating spermatids. This location in developing spermatids is consistent with possible roles in acrosome elongation and manchette motility or both. Here we describe the association of the KIFC1 motor with a complex containing the nucleoporin NUP62. Formation of this complex is developmentally regulated, being absent before puberty and appearing only after nuclear elongation has begun. In addition, the integrity of this complex is dependent on GTP hydrolysis and the GTP state of the small GTPase RAN. Concomitant with the association of this motor with the NUP62-containing complex is an apparent reorganization of the nuclear pore with loss of NUP62 from larger complexes containing other nucleoporins. The association of KIFC1 with a component of the nuclear membrane is more consistent with a role for this motor in acrosome/manchette transport along the nuclear membrane than for a role for this motor in transport of vesicles along the outer face of the manchette.
Simulation of Dynamic Interaction Between Maglev and Guideway Using FEM

Maglev vehicles, which are levitated and propelled by electromagnets, often run on elevated flexible guideways comprised of steel and concrete. Therefore, an analysis of the dynamic interaction between the Maglev vehicle and the flexible guideway is needed in the design of the critical speed, ride, controller design and weight reduction of the vehicle. This study introduces a dynamic interaction simulation technique that applies structural dynamics. Because the proposed method uses detailed 3D FE models, it is useful to calculate the deformation of the elevated flexible guideway, the dynamic stress, and the motion of the vehicle. By applying the proposed method to an urban transit Maglev vehicle, UTM01, the dynamic response is simulated and validated. From the results of the study, we concluded that simulation of dynamic interaction between the Maglev vehicle and the flexible guideway is possible and that computational mechanics has a potential.
Rekindling Jeannel’s Gondwanan vision? Phylogenetics and evolution of Carabinae with a focus on Calosoma caterpillar hunter beetles

The subfamily Carabinae is a diverse clade distributed across all biogeographical regions except Antarctica. In a seminal work, René Jeannel hypothesized a Gondwanan origin for this group, but this has hitherto remained untested with molecular data. We test this hypothesis by using a supermatrix approach. We also infer the most comprehensive phylogeny of the genus Calosoma, the only lineage within Carabinae comprising predominantly flying species. We use a recent timetree of Coleoptera to infer divergence time estimates in Carabinae. Our results identify four main lineages within Calosoma and reject the monophyly of several species groups erected by Jeannel. The subfamily Carabinae is estimated to have arisen in the Jurassic as suggested by Jeannel, and this dating is congruent, to some extent, with a vicariant hypothesis linked to the timing of the fragmentation of Gondwana. The main lineages of Calosoma are suggested to have diverged from each other in the Palaeogene, suggesting a dynamic biogeography, possibly shaped by dispersal rather than vicariance. This pattern could have resulted from the unique morphological evolution in Calosoma, allowing certain lineages to actively fly. Our divergence times within Carabinae are markedly inconsistent with previous studies, therefore reiterating the need for a fine-scale, fossil-based timetree of Adephaga.
The Calibration of Some Stochastic Volatility Models Used in Mathematical Finance

Stochastic volatility models are used in mathematical finance to describe the dynamics of asset prices. In these models, the asset price is modeled as a stochastic process depending on time implicitly defined by a stochastic differential Equation. The volatility of the asset price itself is modeled as a stochastic process depending on time whose dynamics is described by a stochastic differential Equation. The stochastic differential Equations for the asset price and for the volatility are coupled and together with the necessary initial conditions and correlation assumptions constitute the model. Note that the stochastic volatility is not observable in the financial markets. In order to use these models, for example, to evaluate prices of derivatives on the asset or to forecast asset prices, it is necessary to calibrate them. That is, it is necessary to estimate starting from a set of data the values of the initial volatility and of the unknown parameters that appear in the asset price/volatility dynamic Equations. These data usually are observations of the asset prices and/or of the prices of derivatives on the asset at some known times. We analyze some stochastic volatility models summarizing merits and weaknesses of each of them. We point out that these models are examples of stochastic state space models and present the main techniques used to calibrate them. A calibration problem for the Heston model is solved using the maximum likelihood method. Some numerical experiments about the calibration of the Heston model involving synthetic and real data are presented.
Acute effects of device-guided slow breathing on sympathetic nerve activity and baroreflex sensitivity in posttraumatic stress disorder.

Patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have elevated sympathetic nervous system reactivity and impaired sympathetic and cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity (BRS). Device-guided slow breathing (DGB) has been shown to lower blood pressure (BP) and sympathetic activity in other patient populations. We hypothesized that DGB acutely lowers BP, heart rate (HR), and improves BRS in PTSD. In 23 prehypertensive veterans with PTSD, we measured continuous BP, ECG, and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) at rest and during 15 min of DGB at 5 breaths/min ( n = 13) or identical sham device breathing at normal rates of 14 breaths/min (sham; n = 10). Sympathetic and cardiovagal BRS was quantified using pharmacological manipulation of BP via the modified Oxford technique at baseline and during the last 5 min of DGB or sham. There was a significant reduction in systolic BP (by -9 ± 2 mmHg, P < 0.001), diastolic BP (by -3 ± 1 mmHg, P = 0.019), mean arterial pressure (by -4 ± 1 mmHg, P = 0.002), and MSNA burst frequency (by -7.8 ± 2.1 bursts/min, P = 0.004) with DGB but no significant change in HR ( P > 0.05). Within the sham group, there was no significant change in diastolic BP, mean arterial pressure, HR, or MSNA burst frequency, but there was a small but significant decrease in systolic BP ( P = 0.034) and MSNA burst incidence ( P = 0.033). Sympathetic BRS increased significantly in the DGB group (-1.08 ± 0.25 to -2.29 ± 0.24 bursts·100 heart beats-1·mmHg-1, P = 0.014) but decreased in the sham group (-1.58 ± 0.34 to -0.82 ± 0.28 bursts·100 heart beats-1·mmHg-1, P = 0.025) (time × device, P = 0.001). There was no significant difference in the change in cardiovagal BRS between the groups (time × device, P = 0.496). DGB acutely lowers BP and MSNA and improves sympathetic but not cardiovagal BRS in prehypertensive veterans with PTSD. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Posttraumatic stress disorder is characterized by augmented sympathetic reactivity, impaired baroreflex sensitivity, and an increased risk for developing hypertension and cardiovascular disease. This is the first study to examine the potential beneficial effects of device-guided slow breathing on hemodynamics, sympathetic activity, and arterial baroreflex sensitivity in prehypertensive veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder.
Interactive comment on “ The stoichiometric ratio during biological removal of inorganic carbon and nutrient in the Mississippi River plume and adjacent continental shelf ” by W .-J . Huang et al

Thanks for your comments. We appreciate the chance to respond. Therefore, we would like to emphasize that this study is focused on DIC uptake and nutrient removal. We are not checking the Redfield ratio in organic matter itself. We are checking “if the DIC uptake and nutrient removal stoichiometry to be the Redfield ratios”, which has been used in large-river-plume biogeochemical models but lacks evidence to support.
Noise stress impairs prefrontal cortical cognitive function in monkeys: evidence for a hyperdopaminergic mechanism.

BACKGROUND Stress can exacerbate a number of psychiatric disorders, many of which are associated with prefrontal cortical (PFC) cognitive deficits. Biochemical studies demonstrate that mild stress preferentially increases dopamine turnover in the PFC. Our study examined the effects of acute, mild stress exposure on higher cognitive function in monkeys and the role of dopaminergic mechanisms in the stress response. METHODS The effects of loud (105-dB) noise stress were examined on a spatial working memory task (delayed response) dependent on the PFC, and on a reference memory task with similar motor and motivational demands (visual pattern discrimination) dependent on the inferior temporal cortex. The role of dopamine mechanisms was tested by challenging the stress response with agents that decrease dopamine receptor stimulation. RESULTS Exposure to noise stress significantly impaired delayed-response performance. Stress did not impair performance on "0-second" delay control trials and did not alter visual pattern discrimination performance, which is consistent with impaired PFC cognitive function rather than nonspecific changes in performance. Stress-induced deficits in delayed-response performance were ameliorated by pretreatment with drugs that block dopamine receptors (haloperidol, SCH 23390) or reduce stress-induced PFC dopamine turnover in rodents (clonidine, naloxone hydrochloride). CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that stress impairs PFC cognitive function through a hyperdopaminergic mechanism. Stress may take the PFC "off-line" to allow more habitual responses mediated by posterior cortical and subcortical structures to regulate behavior. This mechanism may have survival value, but may often be maladaptive in human society, contributing to the vulnerability of the PFC in many neuropsychiatric disorders.