Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Credit Card Rates and Consumer Switch: New Evidence

This paper investigates the underlying determinants of consumeri¯s choices regarding switching credit-card balances. To estimate the likelihood that consumers switch credit cards, two logit models are estimated. Using data from the Consumer Finance Monthly (CFM) of The Ohio State University, the author finds that at the conventional 5 percent level of significance, the following variables have significance: old interest rate, new interest rate, duration of the introductory rate, balances, number of credit cards, homeownership, and age. As expected, interest rates, balances, the duration of new introductory offer rates, and homeownership have the greatest influence on why or why not people switch credit cards. The findings are consistent with the view that consumers make rational decisions in the credit card market, challenging Ausubeli¯s (1991) argument of credit card consumer irrationality and Calem and Mesteri¯s (1995) empirical finding that credit card rates are sticky because consumers are irresponsive to rate cuts.
Guaranteed Cost Control for Uncertain Neutral Systems with a Minimal Order Observer

This paper presents a design scheme of a minimal order observer-based guaranteed cost controller for uncertain neutral systems, in which some state variables can not be measured. The uncertainties are assumed to be norm-bounded. The initial state is assumed unknown but their mean and covariance are assumed known. A sufficient condition for robust stability analysis and robust stabilization are derived via linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). To show the advantage of the proposed method, a numerical example is given.
Development and in vitro/in vivo Evaluation of Liposomal Gels for the Sustained Ocular Delivery of Latanoprost

Objective: Conventional eye drops commonly used in the treatment of glaucoma suffer from short residence time, which results in frequent administration and poor patient compliance. The objective of this work was to develop a liposome-based delivery system for the sustained ocular delivery of latanoprost, a prostaglandin analog commonly used in the management of glaucoma. Methods: Latanoprost was incorporated into different liposomes that were evaluated using variety of techniques. Selected liposomes were incorporated into different gels and their viscosity and drug release kinetics were evaluated. Optimal liposomal gels were evaluated in vivo in rabbits’ eyes for their irritation potential and ability to reduce intraocular pressure. Results: Fourier transform infrared and differential scanning calorimetry studies confirmed the interaction between the drug and different excipients in the vesicles, which resulted in drug encapsulation efficiency ≥ 90%. Drug encapsulation efficiency increased with the drug/lipid ratio and encapsulation efficiency ~98% was obtained at drug/lipid ratio of 50%. Vesicles incorporated into Pluronic® F127 gel had sustained drug release where ~45% of the encapsulated drug was released in 2 days. Latanoprost liposomal gels had neither irritation nor toxic effects on the rabbits’ eyes. Further, they had a sustained reduction in the rabbit’s intraocular pressure over a period of 3 days, which was significantly longer than that achieved by the commercial latanoprost eye drops. Conclusion: These results confirm the potential of latanoprost liposomal gels as viable alternatives to conventional eye drops for the safe and efficient management of glaucoma.
Do the Exchange Rates of the Countries of Freely Floating Exchange Rate Regimes Mean Reverting

The aim of this study is to estimate whether the exchange rates are mean reverting or not in the twenty-three countries, where the free-floating exchange rate system is followed. The study used annual data set over the period of 1961 to 2014. In this study, we have incorporated both first generation panel unit root tests, i.e., the LLC test, the IPS test and the ADF-Fisher test, as well as second-generation panel unit root test, for instance, the Pesaran CIPS test. Some ambiguous results have been appeared in the first-generation tests. However, the second-generation test has failed to resolve the ambiguity. Hence, one cannot firmly assert from the results of this study that the PPP theory is valid in the freely floating exchange regime countries. Since, the exchange rates do not mean reverting, demand-side factors cause shocks in the market rather than the supply-side. Furthermore, relative change of the price levels of two trading partners is not properly reflected in the relative change of the nominal exchange rate movements. Consequently, the relative PPP theory would not be a complete theory for determining the exchange rates in the long-run for the countries belong to the floating exchange rate regimes. Keywords: Freely floating exchange rate regime; Panel unit root test
Recombinant vectors construction for cellobiohydrolase encoding gene constitutive expression.

Cellobiohydrolases (EC 3.2.1.91) are important exo enzymes involved in cellulose hydrolysis alongside endoglucanases (EC 3.2.1.4) and βglucosidases (EC 3.2.1.21). Heterologous cellobiohydrolase gene expression under constitutive promoter control using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as host system is of great importance for a successful SSF process. From this point of view, the main objective of the work was to use Yeplac181 expression vector as a recipient for cellobiohdrolase cbhB encoding gene expression under the control of the actin promoter, in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Two hybrid vectors, YEplac-Actp and YEplac-Actp-CbhB, were generated using Escherichia coli XLI Blue for the cloning experiments. Constitutive cbhB gene expression was checked by proteine gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) after insertion of these constructs into Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Blind deconvolution with principal components analysis for wide-field and small-aperture telescopes

Telescopes with a wide field of view (greater than 1°) and small apertures (less than 2 m) are workhorses for observations such as sky surveys and fast-moving object detection, and play an important role in time-domain astronomy. However, images captured by these telescopes are contaminated by optical system aberrations, atmospheric turbulence, tracking errors and wind shear. To increase the quality of images and maximize their scientific output, we propose a new blind deconvolution algorithm based on statistical properties of the point spread functions (PSFs) of these telescopes. In this new algorithm, we first construct the PSF feature space through principal component analysis, and then classify PSFs from a different position and time using a self-organizing map. According to the classification results, we divide images of the same PSF types and select these PSFs to construct a prior PSF. The prior PSF is then used to restore these images. To investigate the improvement that this algorithm provides for data reduction, we process images of space debris captured by our small-aperture wide-field telescopes. Comparing the reduced results of the original images and the images processed with the standard Richardson–Lucy method, our method shows a promising improvement in astrometry accuracy.
Moisture Content Influences Ignitability of Slash Pine Litter

--The influence of moisture content on the ignitability of slash pine litter was measured by dropping lighted matches onto fuel beds conditioned to different levels of moisture content. The percentage of matches igniting the fuel bed was used to indicate ignition probability at each moisture content. The “crit ical range” of fuel moisture contents within which the ignition percent changed from near 100 to near 0 was relatively narrow and was different for each of three different sizes of matches: 16 to 25 percent for a wooden miniature match, 18 to 30 percent for a wooden kitchen match, and 24 to 40 percent for three kitchen matches bound together. M a y 1 9 7 2 The ignitability of litter fuels is an important consideration in estimating forest fire danger. It is particularly important because wildfires can spread much more rapidly when small firebrands develop along moving fire fronts and are cast into unburned fuel, thereby causing numerous spot fires. At present, we know little about how the ignitability of natural fuels is influenced by such conditions as moisture content, particle size and arrangement, chemical content of particles, and other key fuel properties. Also, we have no well-established technique for measuring the effect that these properties have on the ignitability of forest fuels. This report presents one approach to studying ignition probability and shows how moisture content can affect the ignitability of slash pine (Pinus elliottii var. elliottii) needle litter, a common forest fuel in the Southeast. Of the many properties which affect the ignitability of forest fuels, moisture content is one of the more important. Wrighti developed a test for measuring the influence of fuel moisture on flammability. He placed lighted matches on the litter surface while shielding them by a windscreen. Rate of spread of the spot fire, flame size, and ash residue were used to estimate flammability. He also observed the range of fuel moisture contents below which ignition was near certain and above which ignition rarely occurred. He found that this range of moisture . ‘Wright , J . G . Forest fire hazard research as developed and conducted at the Petawawa Forest Experiment Station. Forest Fire Res. Inst . Ottawa, Ontario, Inf . Rep. FF-X-5, Forest Fire Hazard Pap. 2, 63 pp. 1932. Southeastern Forest Experiment Station Asheville -North Carolina U.S. Department of AgricultureForest Seruice contents was about 19 to 29 percent for red pine litter and 16 to 18 percent for mixed. litter of red, white, and jack pines. His experiments raise the question of what this range of moisture contents would be for other kin,ds of fine fuel. The large difference in the size of these two ranges in moisture content (10 percent for red pine and 2 percent for the mixed pine litter) suggests that the effect of moisture on ignitability may vary wid.ely among . different kinds of fuel.
Comparaison du temps cognitif et du temps réel pour le trajet domicile-hypermarché. Quelles implications pour la définition des zones de chalandise ?

Trade area determination represents a major stake in the retail field. Faced to this problem, numerous academics researches were proposed and recognized the influence of the distance and thus the time of route in the modelling of the catchment area. This definition leans on a linear modelling of time. Based on an empirical study, this research shows that there is a gap between perceptual time and actual driving time. It raises questions about this linear conception of driving time and proposes a typology of consumers based on their own perceptions.
Diagnosis, management and prophylaxis of bleeding related to post-esophageal variceal band ligation ulcer in cirrhotic patients

Esophageal varices develop in half of cirrhotic patients. Endoscopic variceal band ligation is the current treatment for acute bleeding and applicable for primary and secondary prophylaxis. However, there is a risk of complications, including ligationinduced ulcer bleeding. The aim of this study is to review the current diagnosis, management and prophylaxis of bleeding related to post-esophageal variceal band-ligation ulcers in cirrhotic patients. PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for English language articles about the theme. The main findings were that Child-Pugh class C, higher model of end-stage liver disease, emergency ligation, presence of hepatocellular carcinoma, peptic esophagitis and bacterial infection were reported as the most important risk factors for post-banding ulcer hemorrhage. There are few studies with proton pump inhibitors and sucralfate showing size reduction of post-banding ulcers. Many treatment modalities have been used to control post band ulcer bleeding, such as band local injection of epinephrine or cyanoacrylate, balloon tamponade, stent placement and ligation of the ulcerated bleeding site. However, the optimal management remains uncertain. The principal conclusions of the study were that post-banding ulcer bleeding is potentially life-threatening and must be suspected in the presence of hematemesis, melena or anemia after endoscopic variceal band ligation (EVL). Predictors of rebleeding must be assessed and controlled as much as possible before band ligation. The post-banding treatment with proton pump inhibitors or sucralfate seems advisable, in particular for high-risk patients. Further investigation and new approaches are still required to achieve optimal management of this complication.
Comparison of 3D accuracy of terrestrial laser scanning and digital photogrammetry: an archaeological case study

Terrestrial laser scanning is already successfully being used in a broad variety of applications where a very dense and highly accurate recording of an object is needed. Also in the field of cultural heritage and archaeology, laser scanning is more and more being used for 3D geometric information and conservation of historic buildings or excavation sites. This paper deals with the high resolution terrestrial laser scanning and photogrammetric restitution of the historic site of the Sint-Baafs Abbey (Gent, Belgium) to obtain a geometrically accurate 3D model. Previous research indicated that for high accuracy applications, a sufficiently fine lateral resolution is necessary. The laser scan recording of the site in a previous project did not meet this required lateral resolution to firmly compare both terrestrial laser scanning and digital photogrammetric restitution. Therefore, the complete setup has been repeated and improved. The inside and outside walls of the Abbey which were of interest for this project have been scanned with the phase-based Leica HDS6100 laser scanner. The recording of the digital stereo couples and the topographical measurements for the photogrammetric restitution have been done simultaneously. Topographical measurements were also performed for a set of control points. The coordinates of these control points function as the 'ground truth' to which the results of the laser scanning and the photogrammetric restitution are compared. The results indicate that terrestrial laser scanning meets the feasible accuracy with digital photogrammetry. If a suited type of laser scanner and optimal resolution settings are applied, terrestrial laser scanning enables the high accuracy recording of cultural heritage and archaeological sites.
Public Support for the Development of Organic Farming in Europe

The growth of organic farming in the European Union and the reasons for supporting organic farming are examined in the context of policy support for organic farming under EC Reg. 2078/92 (the agri-environment programme) and the structural measures (including the development by some countries of integrated action plans combining these measures). The potential for the future expansion of organic farming and the pre-conditions necessary for this to happen are considered in the context of the Agenda 2000 commodity measures and the Rural Development Regulation.
Effect of organic fertilizers on susceptibility of potted durian seedlings to Phytophthora diseases.

This research was aimed on evaluating the effect of organic fertilizers on susceptibility of durian seedlings to Phytophthora palmivora. The green compost, chicken manure and rice husk, alone or in a mixture, significantly increased seedling survival. Therefore, such growing media composition should be taken into account as one of the elements of integrated Phytophthora control in durian. On the other hand, goat manure has a ruinous effect on the growth and survival of durian seedlings and shall be avoided in durian orchards.
Global morphology of night-time NmF2 enhancements

Abstract. An overall statistical study of night-time enhancements of Nm F2 has been carried out. All available fo F2 observations since 1955 at 53 ionosonde stations distributed worldwide in the latitude range f geom = 15° - 60° were used in the analysis. More than 200 000 station-nights of data were analysed. This large data base allowed us to study seasonal, solar cycle and spatial variations of the Nm F2 nighttime enhancements. Both pre-midnight and post-midnight Nm F2 peaks demonstrate distinct variations with geophysical conditions, indicating different physical mechanisms responsible for their formation. Key words. Ionosphere (mid-latitude ionosphere, ionosphere-magnetosphere interactions) Radio science (ionospheric physics)
Nutrient and mineral assessment of edible wild fig and mulberry fruits

Introduction . Edible wild plants are nature’s gift to mankind. Considering the growing need to identify alternative bio-nutritional sources, some underutilized species of figs (Ficus carica L., F. palmata Forssk., F. racemosa L.) and mulberries (Morus alba L. , M. nigra L, M. laevigata Wall.) of the family Moraceae were evaluated as wild edible fruits to study their nutritive and mineral composition in order to prioritize their edibility for indigenous people. Materials and methods . The major proximal components (moisture, ash, lipids, proteins, fibers and carbohydrates) were determined by standard AOAC methods. The concentration of various minerals (K, Ca, Mg and Na) and trace elements (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu and Ni) were recorded by using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results . Our results indicated a range of moisture contents from 17.82–80.37 g·100 g–1 (fresh weight basis) in F. carica-M. laviegata; protein, 6.31–13.50 g·100 g–1 (dry weight basis) in F. glomerata-M. alba ; crude fats, 1.02–2.71 g·100 g–1 in F. palmate-F. glomerata ; carbohydrates 69.47–75.58 g·100 g–1 in M. alba-M. nigra ; and fiber 7.63–17.81 g×100 g–1 in M. laviegata-F. palmate , respectively. The significantly highest energy value was computed in M. laviegata (367.7 kcal·100 g–1 ). Moreover, sufficient quantities of essential elements were found in all the studied materials. The highest levels of N [(0.24 ± 0.07) mg·g–1 ] and Fe [(1.43 ± 0.42 mg·g–1 ] were found in M. laviegata ; Na [(1.92 ± 0.11 mg·g–1 ] and Mg [(6.92 ± 0.37 mg·g–1 ] in F. palmate ; and K [(17.21 ± 0.03 mg·g–1 ] in F. glomerata . Significant variation existed among the selected species in all the nutritional parameters. Conclusion . According to our results, fig and mulberry fruits are recommended for commercial-scale production for the green industry to overcome food crises as they are potential food sources, particularly Morus laviegata and Ficus palmata, with rich nutritional attributes and mineral profiles.
REVIEW ON SURVEY FOR 5G CELLULAR AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGY

In the near future, i.e., beyond 4G, a portion of the prime destinations or requests that should be tended to are expanded limit, enhanced information rate, diminished inertness, and better nature of administration. To meet these requests, extreme upgrades should be made in cell arrange design. The vision of next generation 5G wireless communications lies in providing very high data rates (typically of Gbps order), extremely low latency, manifold increase in base station capacity, and significant improvement in users' perceived quality of service (QoS), compared to current 4G LTE networks. Ever increasing proliferation of smart devices, introduction of new emerging multimedia applications, together with an exponential rise in wireless data (multimedia) demand and usage is already creating a significant burden on existing cellular networks. As understanding the current status of 5G implementation is important for its eventual commercialization, we also discuss relevant field trials, drive tests, and simulation experiments. Finally, we point out major existing research issues and identify possible future research directions.
Visual word recognition: insights from MEG, and implications for developmental dyslexia

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An information theoretic model of target discrimination using hyperspectral and multisensor data

We address the problem of target discrimination using hyperspektral and multisensor data. The problem is of significance to detection and classification of low signature targets such as landmines. The problem will be described with stochastic models and by using information theoretic concepts we will derive limits to system performance in terms of probability of false alarm and probablility of detection. The stochastic model is suitable to evaluate and optimize sensor parameters and sensor configurations. We will for example investigate how much information different combinations of spectral and spatial data will give. With the stochastic model sensors with different types of characteristics can be compared and the contribution of the different sensors and configurations can be evaluated. Besides the optimization of different sensor configurations with respect to specific applications, the stochastic model will be used to evaluate different anomaly detectors. The strength of our approach is shown by examples from an analysis of measurements on a natural scene with various objects using an electro-optical hyperspectral sensor and several other sensors. We expect that our approach will give significant indications on how to choose and configure sensors for efficient and reliable target discrimination.
Pesticidal efficacy of Tephrosia vogelii and Tithonia diversifolia against field insect pests of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) within African farming communities

ommon bean, Phaseolus vulgaris [L. ] is the major protein source in most of the people but its quality and availability is hindered by destructive insect pests. Numerous insect pests attack beans in the field, but the most common one include; bean flies [bean stem maggot], bean pod weevil [pod borer], bean leaf beetles [Ootheca], bean beetles [bruchids], white flies, and aphids. This paper reviews the current status of field insect pests of common beans, focusing on key insect pests, their incidences, severity and control measures within African farming communities. It also explores the pesticidal efficacy of botanical pesticides; Tephrosia vogelii and Tithonia diversifolia and their impact on the growth, yield and economic output of common beans.
Worker Sorting and Agglomeration Economies

This paper argues that larger cities allow workers to find better occupational matches. We introduce a framework where workers are initially uncertain about the quality of their match with each occupation. They can switch occupations within cities at no cost, whereas moving across cities is costly. Larger cities offer workers more options, who in turn become more selective, and, in equilibrium, earn higher wages. Using data from the SIPP, we find support for the setup's implications regarding worker mobility: conditional on wages, workers in metropolitan areas are more likely to switch occupations; they are also less likely to move; the negative effect of metro areas on the moving probability is significantly larger for workers who recently moved there; workers who move and switch occupations experience significant wage gains, whereas moving without occupational switching does not affect wages; workers who move from a metro area continue to earn higher wages in their new location, but only if they do not switch occupations.