Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Ivorian Debt : Should we worry ? N '

The objective of this paper is to shed light on Cote d’Ivoire’s indebtedness and see to what extent, the country’s current level of debt is worrisome. This research is parametric using a time series data spanning from 1970 to 2015 to investigate the debt and growth nexus. After investigating the time series characteristics of the data, it was found that the variables were I(1) and co-integrated. Findings show evidence of a nonlinear relationship between debt and growth and more importantly found a threshold point of 42.9% beyond which debt accumulation will negatively affect economic growth. Thus, given the current level of the country’s debt level which stood at 48.3%, one should be worried and call on the attention of the authorities for more prudential economic governance.
Biochemical Response Trends of Macrotyloma uniflorum, Lam. Subjected to Dehydration Stress in Different Growth Conditions

The mechanismof plant toleranceagainst dehydration is differs according to the growth status of the plant. To understand the similarities and differences in the drought responses of two different growth situations of horse gram, seedlings of normal plants along with regenerated tissue culture were subjected to dehydration stresshave been investigated. Enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants of both seedlings behaved similar albeit minor variations. Activity of antioxidant enzymes of both seedlings compared to their controls showed a similar trend. Peroxidase (POX; EC 1.11.1.7), Superoxide dismutase (SOD; EC 1.15.1.1) and Glutathione reductase (GR; EC 1.6.4.2) were elevated. However, Catalase (CAT; EC 1.11.1.6) was reduced in both stressed seedlings. Also the antioxidants levels in both stressed plantlets exhibited 2 folds elevation of ascorbic acid and ~3 folds of GSH, but the elevation of proline was different where it was 6 folds in callus, while normal seedlings increased by 10 times compared to control. Stress markers hydrogen peroxide and thiobarbeturic acid reactive substances (TBARS) 2 folds increased, these coincides with higher levels of Peroxidase, reflecting a great damage of membrane in both stressed status. These suggest that horse gram seedlings behave in similar manner even if grown in different conditions and circumstances which confirm their similar biochemical resistance mechanism when exposed to water deficiency stress. Abbreviations: PMSF: phenyl methyl sulphonyl fluoride; SGH: reduced glutathione; ROS: Reactive Oxygen Species; ABA: Abscisic Acid
Divergent Defensive Strategies of Young Leaves in Two Species of Inga

In the recently radiated genus Inga (Fabaceae), few nucleotide substitutions have accumulated among species, yet large divergences have occurred in defensive phenotypes, suggesting strong selection by herbivores. We compared herbivory and defenses of young leaves for I. goldmanii, a more derived species that follows a “defense” strategy, and I. umbellifera, a more basal species that follows an “escape” strategy. The two species suffered similar rates of herbivory (22% of the leaf area eaten during expansion) but were attacked by different communities of herbivores. I. goldmanii relied heavily on extra-floral nectaries and on a diversity of effective secondary metabolites, while I. umbellifera minimized damage through rapid leaf expansion and synchronous flushing. The major classes of secondary compounds in both species were flavanoids and non-protein amino acids; however, there were large differences in structure, biosynthetic pathways, and efficacy against herbivores. Growth rates of lepidopteran larvae .
Experimental and Numerical Study on the Semi-Closed Loop Control of a Planar Parallel Robot Manipulator

This paper implements the model predictive control to fulfill the position control of a 3-DOF 3-RRR planar parallel manipulator. The research work covers experimental and numerical studies. First, an experimental hardware-in-the-loop system to control the manipulator is constructed. The manipulator is driven by three DC motors, and each motor has an encoder to measure the rotating angles of the motors. The entire system is designed as a semiclosed-loop control system. The controller receives the encoder signals as inputs to produce signals driving the motors. Secondly, the motor parameters are obtained by system identification, and the controllers are designed based on these parameters. Finally, the numerical simulations are performed by incorporating the manipulator kinematics and the motor dynamics; the results are compared with those from the experiments. Both results show that they are in good agreement at steady state. There are two main contributions in this paper. One is the application of the model predictive control to the planar parallel manipulator, and the other one is to overcome the effects of the uncertainties of the DC motors and the performance of the position control due to the dynamic behavior of the manipulator.
Macroeconomic Theory I Southern Methodist University

∗Erwan Quintin: Research Department, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, 2200 N. Pearl St. Dallas, TX 75201, (214) 922 5157, erwan.quintin@dal.frb. org. The views expressed herein are those of the authors and may not reflect the views of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas or the Federal Reserve System. This document draws heavily from the class notes of Tim Kehoe, Ed Prescott, Jim Dolmas and Dirk Krueger. I would like to thank Erasmus Kersting and my SMU students for weeding out many errors in previous versions of this document. All remaining errors are mine.
Scleractinian corals as facilitators for other invertebrates on a Caribbean reef

There is increasing evidence that facilitative effects of various organisms can play important roles in community organization. However, on tropical coral reefs, where scleractinian corals have long been recognized as important foundation species creating habitat and resources that are utilized by a diversity of taxa, such relationships have rarely been studied and never within the contemporary theoretical context of facilitation. In the present study, we surveyed coral reefs on the south coast of St. John, US Virgin Islands, with the goal of quantifying the relationship between 'coral traits' (3 distinctive characteristics of scleractinian communities) and the abundance and diversity of benthic invertebrates associated with the reefs. We defined coral traits as coral diversity, percentage cover of live coral, and the topographic complexity created by coral skeletons, and statistically evaluated their roles in accounting for the abundance and diversity of conspicuous invertebrates at 25 sites. The analysis yielded contrasting results in terms of the putative facilitative roles of scleractinian corals. Coral traits were significantly and positively related to the diversity of reef-associated invertebrates, but were not related to invertebrate abundance. Topographic complexity (but not coral cover) had relatively strong explanatory ability in accounting for the variation in invertebrate diversity, although a substantial fraction of the variance in invertebrate diversity (45%) remained unexplained. While these results are correlative, they demonstrate that a statistical majority of the variation in the diversity of conspicuous invertebrates on Caribbean reefs can be explained by the role of coral skeletons in creating topographic relief with diverse morpho- logies, although processes independent of coral traits also play important roles. In an era of globally declining coral cover, these findings suggest that the progressive loss of coral skeletons from tropical reefs will lead to substantial losses of invertebrate diversity that might initially be obscured by conserved abundances.
High-Throughput Transcriptome Sequencing for SNP and Gene Discovery in a Moth

ABSTRACT The western bean cutworm, Striacosta albicosta (Smith) (Leptidoptera: Noctuidae) is a pest of corn (Zea mays L.) and dry beans that underwent a dramatic range expansion in North America during the 1st decade of the 21st century. Research into the population genetics of this species has been hindered by a lack of genetic markers. The transcriptome of adult male S. albicosta was partially sequenced using Illumina sequencing-by-synthesis. Assembly of the sequence reads yielded 16,847 transcript sequences, of which 6,631 could be assigned a putative function. A search for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified 2,487 candidate SNPs distributed among 1,265 transcripts. A panel of 108 candidate SNPs was selected for empirical testing, of which 68 proved to be assayable polymorphisms that are suitable for population studies. This work provides significant genetic resources for studying S. albicosta and demonstrates the power of applying of second-generation sequencing to previously understudied species.
A Simple Strategy to Tackle Mutual Coupling and Platform Effects in Surveillance Systems

This paper presents an optimal power pattern synthesis procedure able to tackle the mutual coupling and platform efiects even for electrically large arrays. The novelty of the approach is due to its capability to account in the synthesis procedure for two difierent aspects at the same time: the coupling between the array radiating elements and the coupling between these elements and the array platform. The mutual coupling evaluation is based on the active element pattern method, and the active element pattern is numerically computed. The kind of synthesis problems here addressed belongs to the class of convex optimization problems. Therefore, the solution is found by means of very e-cient convex programming tools, without requiring global optimization schemes, thus saving time and costs. The extension of the overall tool to adaptive arrays is also considered.
Old Software, New Purpose: Exploring PPT for Interactive Language Learning

Microsoft PowerPoint ( PPT) has frequently been used in language classes to present texts, pictures, animation, audio, and videos. The presentation software is extremely popular because it is available in most computers, easy to use, and supports multimedia. Yet it is seldom used to create instructional materials and media that allow language learners to be active and that encourage them to be more independent learners. The paper aims to stimulate language teachers to scrutinise the software to rediscover its potentials for language learning. The features provided in PPT allow language learners to explore, provide and record responses, and to receive feedback while they are in slideshow mode. In this paper, four PPT features – animations, ActiveX , hyperlinks, and pointer options – are explored in atypical manners and examples of language learning activities are presented to give language teachers ideas of what this old software can do to support language teaching and learning. Keywords: interactive activities, Microsoft PowerPoint (PPT), multimedia, animations, ActiveX, hyperlinks, pointer options
TEYSUNO™ (S-1) IS BENEFICIAL FOR EGFR-TKI REFRACTORY NSCLC PATIENTS

Feng Zhang 1* , You Yu 2 , Li-Na Xing 1 and Min Chen 1 . 1. The department Cancer Radiation Oncology of the second affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University 2. The department of surgery of the first affiliated hospital of Harbin Medical Universit . Manuscript Info Abstract . Manuscript History
Concurrent Process-Product Design Optimization Using Coupled Nonlinear Finite-Element Simulations

© 2012 Najafi and Rais-Rohani, licensee InTech. This is an open access chapter distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Concurrent Process-Product Design Optimization Using Coupled Nonlinear Finite-Element Simulations
The impact of music downloads and P2P file-sharing on the purchase of music in Canada

This study measures the extent to which free music downloads, including the use of P2P file sharing networks, act as substitutes or complements to music purchase in markets for CDs and electronic delivered music (such as MP3). The analysis uses representative micro-data from the Canadian population. We find that those who participate in free music downloading and P2P file-sharing do not purchase more or less music compared with those who do not engaged in such activities, but that, indeed, very active file-sharers purchase more music relative to file-sharers who download fewer songs. Thus, the market substitution effect between freely acquired music and purchased music is smaller than the market creation and market segmentation effect from free music downloading. In essence, the behavioural incentives underpinning free music downloading are the effects of ‘unwilling to pay’ (market substitution), ‘hear before buying’ (market creation), ‘not wanting to buy whole album’ (market segmentation), ‘not available in the CD format or on electronic pay-sites (market creation)’.
Ameloblastic fibrodentinoma of the anterior mandible: A rare case report

Odontogenic tumors constitute a heterogeneous group of lesions with diverse histopathologic features and clinical manifestations. Ameloblastic fibrodentinoma (AFD) is a rare benign odontogenic tumor and is thought to be a spectrum of AF and ameloblastic fibro-odontoma. AFD presents as slow-growing, asymptomatic lesion commonly associated with an unerupted tooth in the mandibular posterior region. If a lesion involves deciduous dentition, it occurs in the anterior jaw. It is commonly seen in males than in females. It may present as intraosseous or extraosseous variants.
A GM(1,N) Approach to the Pricing of Auto Production in China

The study of pricing method of auto production has very important significance to analyze auto market and make strategic decision. The paper considers the current research status of pricing method of auto production, analysis the factors which influence the price of auto production, and proposes GM(1,N) model to the pricing of auto production in china. Through empirical research, we can find that this method can effectively use the limited data to construct the pricing model of auto production and is more exact than traditional method.
Deferiprone plus deferoxamine versus deferoxamine iron chalation in beta thalassemia major

Background and Objectives Iron overload especially in heart is one of the most important causes of death among patients with major thalassemia. Chelation therapy is one of the main therapeutic methods in these patients. This study was done to compare the therapeutic effects of deferoxamine (DFO) and deferiprone combination therapy with deferoxamine alone in the patients of Mazandaran, Iran. Materials and Methods In this clinical trial, major thalassemia patients with serum ferritin >3000 ng/ml were divided into two groups and matched based on age, sex, serum ferritin levels and cardiac systolic function (LVEF). First group received DFO alone and second group received combination therapy of deferiprone and deferoxamine. The patients were physically examined every month; serum ferritin, mean Hb, AST, ALT, and LVEF also started to be measured 6 months prior to the study and subsequently at every visit. Data were analyzed using t-test and χ2 test. Results There were fifty patients in each group in single and combination therapy groups. Duration of F/U was 28.5 ± 6.2 months. Serum ferritin levels in single and combination therapy groups were 4100 ± 1400 and 4500 ± 1700 ng/ml during 6 months before the study, respectively; the levels decreased to 4600 ± 2200 and 3800 ± 1400 ng/ml at the end of treatment, respectively (p<0.05). Only 3 patients had leukopenia and 10 had nausea in combination therapy group. Conclusions The study showed that the combination therapy has a better effect on decreasing the serum level ferritin. Moreover, it can improve LVEF.
Galleria mellonella 6-Tox Gene, Putative Immune Related Molecule in Lepidoptera

We have characterized full-length cDNA encoding Gall-6-tox protein, which was cloned from the fat body of the immunized Galleria mellonella larvae. The cloned cDNA of Gall-6-tox consists of 1301 nucleotides and contained an open reading frame of 891 nucleotides corresponding to a protein of 296 residues that includes a putative 16-residue signal sequence and a 280-residue mature peptide with a calculated mass of 30,707.73 Da. The deduced mature peptide contains conserved tandem repeats of six cysteine-stabilized alpha beta () motifs, which was detected in scorpion toxins and insect defensins. In the sequence homology search, mature Gall-6-tox showed 34% and 28% amino acid sequence homology with Bomb-6-tox from Bombyx mori and Spod-11-tox from Spodoptera frugiperda, respectively. Gall-6-tox orthologs were only found in Lepidopteran species, indicating that this new immune-related gene family is specific to this insect order. RT-PCR analysis revealed that Gall-6-tox was expressed primarily in the larval fat bodies, hemocytes, and midgut against invading bacteria into hemocoel. Moreover, the expression time course of Gall-6-tox was examined up to 24 h in the fat bodies and midgut after injection of E. coli. Altogether, these results suggest that Gall-6-tox is derived from defensins and Gall-6-tox may play a critical role in Lepidoptera immune system.
Rock mechanics analyses of exfoliation fractures at Långören island

Exfoliation fracturing is a worldwide observed and studied fracturing phenomenon in rock. However, the true cause of this type of fracturing remains still currently unidentified. While one of the most recent exfoliation fracturing observations occurred at Långören island in South-Western Finland, the aim of this thesis was to discover the reason for this local event by employing a fracture mechanics code FRACOD2D. As the fracturing occurred at the end of the exceptionally hot summer period, the thermal conditions were considered highly important for the analysis. The weather conditions were determined based on the historical data and in situ monitoring, which was performed at the island. In addition, the stress field, topography and previous post-glacial conditions were estimated in order to account different exfoliation theories. As a result, three alternative theories, which were topography induced high stress, post-glacial pressure release and summertime induced thermal expansion, were selected to be modelled. Exfoliation fractures were detected in all of the modelling cases, while the undulating convex topography and high compressive stress state were applied. In this context, the topography, which was the most capable of producing high tensile stresses was also the most appropriate regarding the development of exfoliation fractures. As the solely high in situ compression seems slightly unrealistic and the post-glacial conditions could not be included in the present day fracturing, the thermal expansion was evaluated as the most probable cause of the Långören exfoliation events. The long-term thermal expansion was also discovered to induce additional stresses much deeper compared to short-term thermal impact. Thus, the fractures very close to the rock surface could be generated by the expansion due to the sudden temperature peak while high average temperatures would be required for further fracture development. The results of this study indicate that very high stresses are necessary for the exfoliation fracturing. Actually several factors can affect behind high compression and the thermal expansion represents only one of them. This master’s thesis provided basis for the more profound exfoliation analyses with fracture mechanics approach. Consequently, for example, time-dependent fracture growth, pre-existing fractures, viscoelasticity, directiondependent rock mass strength and improved accuracy can be employed in the future modelling.
Exploring the Relevance of Europeana Digital Resources: Preliminary Ideas on Europeana Metadata Quality

Europeana is a European project aimed to become the modern “Alexandria Digital Library”, as it targets providing access to thousands of resources of European cultural heritage, contributed by more than fifteen hundred institutions such as museums, libraries, archives and cultural centers. This article aims to explore Europeana digital resources as open learning repositories in order to re-use digital resources to improve learning process in the domain of arts and cultural heritage. To carry out this purpose, we present results of metadata quality based on a study case associated to recommendations and suggestions that provide this type of initiatives in our educational context in order to improve the access of digital resources according to a specific knowledge areas.
ASCA observation of X-ray emission from the Galactic ridge

The recent Chandra result confirmed the diffuse origin for the most part of the extended X-ray emission from the Galactic ridge. The ASCA spectrum of the emission shows a hard continuum ($kT\sim 10$ keV if thermal) and the emission lines from highly-ionized ions of various elements up to iron. The thermal origin hypothesis contains fundamental problems concerning heating and confinement of the plasmas, and the energy source. This paper presents the results of renewed analysis of the ASCA SIS spectra of the ridge emission at three places, $l\sim 28.5^{\circ}, 10^{\circ}$ and near the Galactic Center. All the observed spectra are found to be essentially identical in shape, indicating the same emission mechanism regardless of the brightness (or the volume emissivity). Thermal emission models, either non-equilibrium or equilibrium ionization, cannot self-consistently explain the observed H-lile to He-like K-line intensity ratios of Si, S and Fe. In addition, the He-like and H-like Fe K-lines are significantly broadened, corresponding to a velocity dispersion of a few thousand km s -1 . This is much higher than the thermal or bulk motion velocity for plasmas of $kT\sim10$ keV, and provides strong evidence against the thermal origin of the lines. An alternative possibility of line emission by charge exchange interaction of low-energy cosmic-ray heavy ions has been proposed, which gives natural explanation of the observed line broadening. The low-energy cosmic-ray origin is also consistent with the presence of a non-thermal component in the ridge emission, most probably due to low-energy cosmic-ray electrons. Heavy ions must be accelerated simultaneously with electrons.
Becoming a hominid: Notes on the early taxonomy of Australopithecus

The paper attempts to trace the first suggestions that the Australopithecus should be classified as a hominid. It would appear that the first classification of Australopithecus as a member of the family Hominidae is to be found in the works of the German anthropologist Paul Adloff and the American scientist Dudley J. Morton. Adloff.s and especially Morton.s views, although largely neglected at the time when they were first articulated, represent the first steps towards the modern position on the taxonomy of Australopithecus.