Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Piketty, Inequality and Housing

For the past 40 years, there has been growing income inequality in the western world, starting in the USA, then in other Anglophone countries, before affecting traditionally more egalitarian societies in continental Europe and Scandinavia. A variety of explanations have been put forward in an attempt to explain these trends. These include the impacts of globalization as trade barriers have come down, opening up western economies to competition from developing countries and, combined with technological advances, weakening the bargaining position of the skilled and semiskilled working class. Labour markets have polarized as the rates of return at the higher end of the value chain have rewarded workers with the requisite skills. The process may have been exacerbated by the weakening or abandonment of collective wage negotiating agreements which tended to suppress wage differentials, and the cultural acceptance of growing economic rents among senior managers. The popular policy prescription in the 1990s – exemplified by the OECD (1994) Jobs Study – was for governments to accept what Paul Krugman called a “devil’s bargain” whereby growing income inequality was the price that had to be paid for maintaining (or restoring) high levels of employment. The logic of “tax wedges” and “unemployment traps” pointed towards weakening social insurance systems, and shifting towards more residual models of social security. Even before the Global Financial Crisis, a softening of this approach to emphasize the importance of education and training to improve employability and earnings potential had become more widely accepted by institutions such as the European Commission, without rejecting the underlying logic of the approach (Stiglbauer 2006). The “Hartz” labour market and social security reforms in Germany represent an example of this approach. On a global scale, the rise of the “BRIC” economies has been associated with rising absolute incomes within them, but in the case of China soaring income inequality. Piketty’s (2014) monumental work Capital in the Twenty-First Century seeks to resurrect political economy as the framework for understanding the development of capitalism, and in particular the growth in inequality. It is an attempt to escape the “marginalism” of the Jobs Study approach whereby
Nearest-Neighbor Analysis of Higher-Plant Photosystem I Holocomplex

Photosystem I (PSI) preparations from barley (Hordeum vulgare) and spinach (Spinacia oleracea) were subjected to chemical cross-linking using the cleavable homobifunctional cross-linkers dithiobis(succinimidylpropionate) and 3,3[prime]-dithiobis(sulfosuccinimidyl-propionate). The overall pattern of cross-linked products was analyzed by the simple but powerful technique of diagonal electrophoresis, in which the disulfide bond in the cross-linker was cleaved between the first and second dimensions of the gel, and immunoblotting. A large number of cross-linked products were identified. Together with preexisting data on the structure of PSI, it was deduced that the subunits PSI-D, PSI-H, PSI-I, and PSI-L occupy one side of the complex, whereas PSI-E, PSI-F, and PSI-J occupy the other. PSI-K and PSI-G appear to be adjacent to Lhca3 and Lhca2, respectively, and not close to the other small subunits. Experiments with isolated light-harvesting complex I preparations indicate that the subunits are organized as dimers, which seem to associate to the PSI-A/PSI-B proteins independent of each other. We suggest which PSI subunit corresponds to each membrane-spanning helix in the cyanobacterial PSI structure, and present a model for higher-plant PSI.
Determinants of Quality in Higher Education Institutions in Morocco

In today's modern economies, education has become a crucial competitive differentiator. The quality of different products and services is hugely determined by how engineers, businesspersons, executives, managers, and educators think about and execute quality measures. Similarly, higher education (HE) in today’s competitive world is driven by quality because of the growth and development of the global market of education. Although there are some voices that are skeptical about the outcomes of implementing the total quality management philosophy in an educational context, it argues in this paper that educational institutions are one of the most fitted platforms for the implementation of total quality management values. Furthermore, the literature suggests a plethora of critical success factors with potential influence on quality management in higher education institutions (HEI’s) with no universal agreement. Hence, this paper aims to identify the critical success factors of quality management in HEI’s in Morocco. By using the Delphi Technique and university professors from eight different Moroccan public universities as panelists, this research revealed that top management commitment and responsibility, working environment, employee involvement, employee training and development, infrastructure, and cultural and organizational transformation ability are critical success factors of quality management in HEI’s in Morocco. It is hoped that this study will showcase to Moroccan decision makers that education is not a one size fit all matter and that we should stop projecting the French educational system into ours. The focus and challenges of each system are indeed widely different. Education is the most intimate national matter of all, and it should be treated at such in Morocco.
Zebrafish mutants with disrupted early T‐cell and thymus development identified in early pressure screen

Generation of mature T lymphocytes requires an intact hematopoietic stem cell compartment and functional thymic epithelium. We used the zebrafish (Danio rerio) to isolate mutations that affect the earliest steps in T lymphopoiesis and thymic organogenesis. Here we describe the results of a genetic screen in which gynogenetic diploid offspring from heterozygous females were analyzed by whole‐mount in situ hybridization for the expression of rag‐1. To assess immediately if a global defect in hematopoiesis resulted in the mutant phenotype, α‐embryonic globin expression was simultaneously assayed for multilineage defects. In this report, we present the results obtained with this strategy and show representative mutant phenotypes affecting early steps in T‐cell development and/or thymic epithelial cell development. We discuss the advantage of this strategy and the general usefulness of the zebrafish as a model system for vertebrate lymphopoiesis and thymic organogenesis. Developmental Dynamics 237:2575–2584, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Social capital in Malaysian homestays: exploring hosts’ social relations

This paper explores social capital among Malaysian homestay providers. More specifically, this work focuses on the social relationships between (a) the homestay providers and their family members; (b) the homestay providers and other accommodation providers; and (c) the homestay providers and other members of the community not involved in the homestay business. Despite the conspicuous body of knowledge on social capital in the social sciences and the increasing number of studies on social capital in tourism, little is known on whether and how homestays contribute to increase levels of social capital among the host families and between the host families and other members of the community in Malaysia. In an attempt to fill in this gap in knowledge, a qualitative study was conducted in a Malaysian homestay programme to explore hosts’ social relationships. One of the findings of the study is that homestay contributes to strengthen social capital among certain groups of the host community. However, as communities are constituted by heterogeneous groups with diverse interests, the dynamics of social capital and conflict vary according to the different groups of the host community.
Comparing EMG amplitude patterns of responses during dynamic exercise: Polynomial vs log‐transformed regression

The purposes of this study were to determine if (a) the log‐transformed model can be applied to dynamic exercise and (b) the slope and y‐intercept terms can provide additional information above and beyond the polynomial regression analyses. Eleven physically active individuals performed incremental cycle ergometry on a single occasion. Electromyographic electrodes were placed on the three superficial quadriceps muscles to record muscle activation during the exercise test. The patterns of responses for electromyographic amplitude vs power output were analyzed with polynomial and log‐transformed regression models. The results of the polynomial regression for the composite data indicated that the best‐fit model for the vastus lateralis muscle was linear (R2 = 0.648, P < 0.0001), whereas the best‐fit model for the rectus femoris (R2 = 0.346, P = 0.013) and vastus medialis (R2 = 0.764, P = 0.020) muscles was quadratic. One‐way repeated measures analyses indicated no significant differences (P > 0.05) across the three superficial quadriceps muscles for the slope and y‐intercept terms. These findings suggest that the log‐transformed model may be a more versatile statistical approach to examining neuromuscular responses during dynamic exercise.
A transient specialization of the microtubule cytoskeleton is required for differentiation of the Drosophila visual system.

Drosophila beta3-tubulin is an essential isoform expressed during differentiation of many cell types in embryos and pupae. We report here that during pupal development transient beta3 expression demarcates a unique subset of neurons in the developing adult visual system. beta3 is coassembled into microtubules with beta1, the sole beta-tubulin isoform in the permanent microtubule cytoskeleton of the adult eye and brain. Examination of beta3 mutant phenotypes showed that beta3 is required for axonal patterning and connectivity and for spatial positioning within the optic lobe. Comparison of the phenotypes of beta3 mutations with those that result from disruption of the Hedgehog signaling pathway shows that beta3 functions early in the establishment of the adult visual system. Our data support the hypothesis that beta3 confers specialized properties on the microtubules into which it is incorporated. Thus a transient specialization of the microtubule cytoskeleton during differentiation of a specific subset of the neurons has permanent consequences for later cell function.
An Analysis of Energy Use, CO2 Emissions and Relation Between Energy Inputs and Yield of Hazelnut Production in Guilan Province of Iran

The objectives of this research were to investigate influences of energy inputs and energy forms on output levels and evaluation of CO2 emissions for hazelnut production in Guilan province of Iran. Moreover, the sensitivity analysis was done by marginal physical productivity (MPP) method for energy inputs and energy using linear regression. Initial data were collected from 120 orchardists in September and October 2012. The total energy of 2862.62 MJ ha-1 was calculated for gardening in one year. The results of energy forms analysis revealed the share of non-renewable and indirect energy was more than renewable and direct energy, significantly. The ratio of energy output to energy input was approximately 3.93. Total CO2 emissions of hazelnut production was calculated as 77.66 kgCO2eq. ha-1. Also, the diesel fuel had the highest share of emissions among all inputs with 33.84%. Econometric model estimation indicated that the impact of human labor, machinery, diesel fuel and pesticides energy inputs were significantly positive on hazelnut yield. The sensitivity analysis was presented that the marginal physical productivity (MPP) value of pesticides, farmyard manure and diesel fuel energy were the highest with 9.43 and -4.86 and 0.97, respectively. In energy forms econometric models, impact of direct, indirect and renewable energies were significantly. Furthermore, direct and renewable energies was the most sensitive groups in energy forms with MPP value of 0.98 and 1.19, respectively
A novel minimal model to describe non-esterified fatty acid kinetics in Holstein dairy cows

The dynamics of non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) metabolism in lactating dairy cows requires quantification if we are to understand how dietary treatments and disease influence changes in body condition (adipose reserves) and the production of milk fat. We present here a novel compartmental model that employs the pattern of plasma glucose concentrations to predict the dynamic changes that occur in plasma NEFA concentrations during an intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) in lactating dairy cows. The model was developed using data obtained from ten early-lactation, Holstein-Friesian cows given a standard IVGTT. The model described all of the major features of the NEFA response to an IVGTT; it was consistent with physiological processes and provided a number of parameters that can be used to quantify NEFA production and utilization. For all of the individual cows, all model parameters were well identified and usually had CV<10% of their estimated values. In the model, elevated plasma glucose concentrations cause an increase in the level of glucose in a remote compartment, which in turn suppresses the rate of entry of NEFA to the plasma compartment. The means (±sd) for the five adjustable parameters of the model were: rate of entry of NEFA to the plasma pool (SFFA) 183±71 [μmol l−1 min−1], rate of removal (oxidation, sequestration in adipose tissue and uptake by the mammary gland for milk production) of NEFA from the plasma pool (KFFA) 0·140±0·047 [min−1], a threshold parameter (gs) representing a plasma glucose concentration above which elevated levels of plasma glucose result in entry of glucose into a ‘remote’ or inaccessible glucose compartment, 3·30±0·52 [mmol/l], a rate constant (K) describing the movement of plasma glucose (above gs) into a remote compartment 0·063±0·033 [min−1] and a parameter Φ which is a Michaelis Menten type affinity constant which modulates the extent to which remote glucose inhibits the provision of NEFA to the plasma pool, 0·812±0·276 [mmol/l]. It is concluded that the model is suitable to describe NEFA kinetics in lactating dairy cows and it may have application in other species.
Family meal patterns: associations with sociodemographic characteristics and improved dietary intake among adolescents.

OBJECTIVE To examine family meal patterns and associations with sociodemographic characteristics and dietary intake in adolescents. DESIGN A population-based cross-sectional study design was employed. Adolescents completed the Project EAT (Eating Among Teens) survey and the Youth and Adolescent Food Frequency Questionnaire within their schools. Subjects/setting The study population included 4,746 middle and high school students from Minneapolis/St. Paul public schools with diverse racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. Statistical analyses Associations were examined using cross tabulations, log-linear modeling, and linear regressions. RESULTS There was a wide distribution in the frequency of family meals during the previous week: never (14.0%), 1 or 2 times (19.1%), 3 to 6 times (40.1%), and 7 or more times (24.8%). Sociodemographic characteristics associated with more frequent family meals included gender (boys), school level (middle school), race (Asian American), mother's employment status (not employed), and socioeconomic status (high). Frequency of family meals was positively associated with intake of fruits, vegetables, grains, and calcium-rich foods and negatively associated with soft drink consumption. Positive associations were also seen between frequency of family meals and energy; protein (percentage of total calories); calcium; iron; folate; fiber; and vitamins A, C, E, and B-6. CONCLUSIONS Family meals appear to play an important role in promoting positive dietary intake among adolescents. Feasible ways to increase the frequency of family meals should be explored with adolescents and their families.
Elite athletes' estimates of the prevalence of illicit drug use: evidence for the false consensus effect.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS The false consensus effect (FCE) is the tendency for people to assume that others share their attitudes and behaviours to a greater extent than they actually do. The FCE has been demonstrated for a range of health behaviours, including substance use. The study aimed to explore the relationship between elite athlete's engagement in recreational drug use and their consensus estimates (the FCE) and to determine whether those who engage in the behaviour overestimate the use of others around them. DESIGN AND METHOD The FCE was investigated among 974 elite Australian athletes who were classified according to their drug use history. RESULTS Participants tended to report that there was a higher prevalence of drug use among athletes in general compared with athletes in their sport, and these estimates appeared to be influenced by participants' drug use history. While overestimation of drug use by participants was not common, this overestimation also appeared to be influenced by athletes' drug use history. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that athletes who have a history of illicit drug use overestimate the prevalence of drug use among athletes. These findings may be helpful in the formulation of normative education initiatives.
APNEA-HYPOPNEA INDICES: IMPACT OF ALTERNATE FOR HYPOPNEAS Calibration Model for Apnea-Hypopnea Indices: Impact of Alternative Criteria for Hypopneas

Study Objective: To characterize the association among apnea-hypopnea indices (AHIs) determined using three common metrics for defining hypopnea, and to develop a model to calibrate between these AHIs. 4% fall in oxyhemoglobin saturation—AHI 3% in oxyhemoglobin saturation—AHI (3) 3% in oxyhemoglobin saturation or an event-related arousal—AHI 3a . Median values were 5.4, 9.7, and 13.4 for AHI 4 , AHI 3 , and AHI 3a , respectively (P < 0.0001). Penalized spline regression models were used to compare AHI values across the three metrics and to calculate prediction intervals. Comparison of regression models demonstrates divergence in AHI scores among the three methods at low AHI values and gradual convergence at higher levels of AHI. Conclusions: The three methods of scoring hypopneas yielded significantly different estimates of the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), although the relative difference is reduced in severe disease. The regression models presented will enable clinicians and researchers to more appropriately compare AHI values obtained using differing metrics for hypopnea.
Adaptive Arrival Price; ; Trading; Algorithmic Trading III. Precision control, execution

Arrival price algorithms determine optimal trade schedules by balancing the market impact cost of rapid execution against the volatility risk of slow execution. In the standard formulation, mean variance optimal strategies are static: they do not modify the execution speed in response to price motions observed during trading. We show that with a more realistic formulation of the mean variance tradeoff, and even with no momentum or mean reversion in the price process, substantial improvements are possible for adaptive strategies that spend trading gains to reduce risk, by accelerating execution when the price moves in the trader's favor. The improvement is larger for large initial positions.
Regulatory genes coordinating antibiotic‐induced changes in promoter activity and early transcriptional termination of the mycobacterial intrinsic resistance gene whiB7

Diseases caused by various Mycobacterium sp. , especially Mycobacterium tuberculosis, are a major burden on global health care. Due to high intrinsic antibiotic resistance, treatment options are severely limited. In mycobacteria, WhiB7 coordinates intrinsic resistance to a broad range of antibiotics. While WhiB7 has been established as an auto‐regulatory transcriptional activator, the signals and genes needed to induce its expression are poorly understood. Using Mycobacterium smegmatis as a model, we coupled transposon mutagenesis and next generation sequencing with WhiB7‐specific antibiotic selection to identify genes that contribute to WhiB7 regulation and function. We showed that whiB7 expression was regulated by two coordinated processes: early termination of the whiB7 transcript and increased whiB7 promoter activity. Early termination was irreversibly maintained by constitutive expression of a putative aspartate aminotransferase gene, MSMEG_4060. A pair of hypothetical genes, MSMEG_3637 and MSMEG_3638, were identified as important contributors to whiB7 promoter induction on antibiotic challenge. Expansion of our understanding of the WhiB7‐resistance pathway may lead to identification of inhibitors that allow the use of previously ineffective antibiotics to treat mycobacterial diseases.
E-voting adoption in a developing country

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present factors that affect e-voting adoption in the Middle East and, in particular, Jordan. Changing the election voting method for the people in Jordan from traditional voting to interactive voting via the web needs exploration to understand the factors affecting e-voting adoption by citizens. Therefore, this paper reports on a study undertaken to identify the main factors that would influence citizens’ intentions to adopt the use of an e-voting system in Jordan, using an established e-government adoption model and a theoretical framework consisting of the diffusion of innovations (DOI) theory and the technology acceptance model (TAM). Design/methodology/approach A survey study of 267 Jordanian citizens who were internet users investigated the influence of the aforementioned factors on the adoption and use of e-voting websites. Multiple regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses. Findings Contrary to the previous established e-government adoption model, beliefs and website design were not found to be significant predictors of the intention to use e-voting websites. The paper found that trust in government, attitudes, perceived usefulness and complexity were significant factors in Jordanian citizens’ intentions to use e-voting websites. Originality/value This is one of few studies to have used an established e-government adoption model to test the adoption of e-voting as one of the e-government applications. In addition, this paper is one of the few to examine the factors that influence the adoption and use of e-voting systems by citizens in the Middle East. Although the previous e-government adoption model showed the impact of attitude to be non-significant on e-government adoption, this paper shows the significant influence of attitudes on citizens’ intentions to use e-voting websites. On the other hand, this paper supports previous e-government adoption studies in showing the importance of including constructs of the DOI theory (relative advantage and complexity) and those related to TAM (perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use) when considering the topic of e-government adoption in a Middle Eastern country, although previous studies have shown similarities between these constructs.