Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Indirect Monetary Policy Instruments and Poverty Reduction in Nigeria: An Empirical Evidence from Time Series Data

The paper examines the effectiveness of indirect monetary policy instruments in reducing poverty in Nigeria using a multiple regression model as well as time series data covering the period 1986 to 2012. The Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) technique was used in the estimation of the regression model. The OLS regression result revealed that interest rate (INTR), banking sector’s credit to the economy (BSCE), bank reserve requirement (BARR), bank liquidity ratio (BLQR), central bank discount rate (CBDR) and inflation rate (INFR) could not significantly impact on poverty rate except money supply (MS), real gross domestic product (RGDP), unemployment rate (UNEMPR) and balance of payment (BOP). A major implication of this result is that indirect monetary policy instruments alone were grossly inadequate measure/policy to reduce poverty in Nigeria during the period under review. The paper therefore recommends that in addition to combining monetary policy with other economic policies (fiscal, income policies) etc to fight poverty in Nigeria, the monetary authorities as a matter of obligation must strengthens banking rules and regulations to enhance compliance with CBN’s rules and directives by commercial banks in order to further facilitate and enhance the effectiveness of monetary policy instruments in the economy in order to influence poverty reduction in Nigeria.
Nonlinear integral sliding mode control for a second order nonlinear system

A nonlinear integral sliding-mode control (NISMC) scheme is proposed for second order nonlinear systems. The new control scheme is characterized by a nonlinear integral sliding manifold which inherits the desired properties of the integral sliding manifold, such as robustness to system external disturbance. In particular, comparedwith four kinds of slidingmode control (SMC), the proposed control scheme is able to provide better transient performances. Furthermore, the proposed scheme ensures the zero steady-state error in the presence of a constant disturbance or an asymptotically constant disturbance is proved by Lyapunov stability theory and LaSalle invariance principle. Finally, both the theoretical analysis and simulation examples demonstrate the validity of the proposed scheme.
Orbits and invariants of super Weyl groupoid

We study the orbits and polynomial invariants of certain affine action of the super Weyl groupoid of Lie superalgebra $\mathfrak {gl}(n,m)$, depending on a parameter. We show that for generic values of the parameter all the orbits are finite and separated by certain explicitly given invariants. We also describe explicitly the special set of parameters, for which the algebra of invariants is not finitely generated and does not separate the orbits, some of which are infinite.
Oxygen Absorption into Stirred Emulsions of n-Alkanes

Absorption of pure oxygen into aqueous emulsions of n-heptane, n-dodecane, and n-hexadecane, respectively, has been studied at 0 to 100% oil volume fraction in a stirred tank at the stirring speed of 1000 min−1. The volumetric mass transfer coefficient, 𝑘𝐿𝑎, was evaluated from the pressure decrease under isochoric and isothermal (298.2 K) conditions. The O/W emulsions of both n-dodecane and n-hexadecane show a 𝑘𝐿𝑎 maximum at 1-2% oil fraction as reported in several previous studies. Much stronger effects never reported before were observed at high oil fractions. Particularly, all n-heptane emulsions showed higher mass-transfer coefficients than both of the pure phases. The increase is by upto a factor of 38 as compared to pure water at 50% n-heptane. The effect is tentatively interpreted by oil spreading on the bubble surface enabled by a high spreading coefficient. In W/O emulsions of n-heptane and n-dodecane 𝑘𝐿𝑎 increases with the dispersed water volume fraction; the reason for this surprising trend is not clear.
Intraguild predation: a widespread interaction related to species biology

Intraguild predation (IGP), defined as killing and eating among potential competitors, seems to be a ubiquitous interaction, differing from competition or predation. In the present study we assess the frequency of IGP among 763 potential intraguild prey and 599 potential intraguild predators. Our results indicate that IGP is common in nature, reaching frequencies between 58.4 and 86.7%. A null model suggests that IGP in different groups of predators and prey (i.e. carnivores, omnivores, herbivores, detritivores, or top and intermediate species) have different deviations from a chance expectation, indicating these attributes of species biology as main determinants of IGP persistence. We suggest that IGP satisfies two basic requirements to be considered as important to the trophic structuring of communities. First, its occurrence is not random, rather it is associated with well-defined attributes of species biology, and secondly, it is a widespread interaction.
Behaviour of hens deprived of dustbathing.

Aim of this study was to confirm the hypotheses that dustbathing behaviour of adult hens is influenced by previous manners of housing. We used 40 hens; first group was from enriched cages (EC) and second group from conventional cages (CC). The observations were performed in an experimental aviary equipped with dust bath of ash. There was a barrier – a ford with water – that prevented them from entrance into the ash bath. The observations were performed during 12 hours of light, in 5 consecutive days. During this time the ashbath was accessible with changing difficulty from 1 to 5 days. The duration of eating was higher in the EC group. The greatest difference was observed at difficulty level 3 (302 versus 207 min; P<0.001). Locomotion and standing were longer in the CC group throughout all difficulties. Durations of perching were higher in the CC group (P<0.05) and increased from difficulty 1 to difficulty 5. The length of vacuum dustbathing was shorter in the EC group than in the CC group (1.2 min vs. 4.2 min) per one hour of observation. The average length of normal dustbathing represented 6.6 min (EC) or 5.4 min per hour (CC). The results suggest that the manner of preliminary housing in enriched or conventional cages can have an influence on hen’s
The Local Anesthetic and Pain Relief Activity of Alkaloids

Alkaloids have been known for several centuries and have been mainly obtained from natural sources that presented important properties with biochemical, pharmacological, and medical effects in living organisms. Alkaloids are derived from amino acids like other important molecules in the functioning of life in our body. Hence, alkaloids are considered as pharmacologically important. Alkaloids are secondary metabolites widely distributed in leaves, stem, root, and fruits of plants which synthesize them. However, administration and consumption of them at right doses are beneficial in terms of health; excess doses will be definitely poisonous and may cause even death. The pharmacological activities of alkaloids are quite diverse. They are important natural products with a wide range of medicinal properties including relief of pain (e.g., morphine), analgesic (e.g., codeine), antiarrhythmic (e.g., quinidine), antibacterial (e.g., chelerythrine), antiasthma (e.g., ephedrine), cholinomimetic (e.g., galantamine), and vasodilatory (e.g., vincamine). cardiac stimulant (quinidine), muscle relaxant, pain killer, analgesic (codeine), antioxidant, anticancer (berberine), antimicrobial and amebicidal, anti-inflammatory, central nervous system stimulants or depressants, sym -pathomimetics, purgative, vasodilator (vincamine), etc.
Simulation Based Study to Present the Performance of Ad-hoc Routing Protocols

Ad-hoc mobile/802.11 networks are fully considered as networks with no fixed physical line connections. Ad-hoc networks have no fixed topology due to the movement of the end nodes. All the nodes in ad-hoc networks are mobile. Each node taking part in this network can act as host and router which can send and receive data. In this type of situations some kind of routing protocols are needed for these mobile nodes to fully operate and function properly. Ad-hoc network has some common features, which need some routing protocol. The most significant one is the dynamic routing protocols, which quickly change the topology. Reactive routing protocols search a route to destination/remote device on needed basis. Proactive protocols maintain the whole routing table at each node. In order to show the performance, NS2 network simulator has been used. The purpose of this study is to show the performance of two widely known ad-hoc routing protocols, AODV and DSR, in terms of packet delivery ratio, average end-to-end delay and routing overhead by changing the mobility. The simulation has been carried out using NS2 2.29 as the simulation platform.
Ground-based Laser Imaging for Assessing Three-dimensional Forest Canopy Structure

Improved understanding of the role of forests in carbon, nutrient, and water cycling can be facilitated with improved assessments of canopy structure, better linking leaf-level processes to canopy structure and forest growth. We examined the use of high-resolution, ground-based laser imaging for the spatially explicit assessment of forest canopies. Multiple range images were obtained and aligned during both leaf-off and leaf-on conditions on a 20 m × 40 m plot. The plot location was within a mixed species broadleaved deciduous forest in western North Carolina. Digital terrain and canopy height models were created for a 0.25 m square grid. Horizontal, vertical, and three-dimensional distributions of plant area index, created using gap-fraction based estimation, had 0.5 m resolution for a cubic lattice. Individual tree measurements, including tree positions and diameter at breast height, were made from the scanner data with positions, on average, within 0.43 m and diameters within 5 cm of independent measurements, respectively. Our methods and results confirm that applications of ground-based laser scanning provide high-resolution, spatially-explicit measures of plot-level forest canopy structure.
Mathematical aspects of the kriging applied on landslide in Halenkovice (Czech Republic)

Abstract Kriging is one of the geostatistical techniques for spatial data analysis that is usually used for a modelling of natural phenomena or a creation of digital elevation models. In this paper, we introduce kriging methods in the context of a landslide modelling in time. The proposed procedure, as well as most of the statistical methods, is designed for complete data sets, i.e. the observations at the beginning and the end of the study are available. In order to use all the information from the data and to avoid the loss of information after omitting observations with missing values, the algorithm for imputation of missing data values based on kriging techniques is proposed. The methodology was verified by the landslide modelling in Halenkovice, Czech Republic, during the period from June 2008 to March 2010. The obtained results showed a potential of kriging methods for the landslide modelling.
Free to Enterprise : Economic Freedom and Entrepreneurship In Romania

In this article we analyze the relation between the economic freedom and the level of entrepreneurship in Romania. The widely used hypothesis that a free economic environment tend to generate high levels of entrepreneurship is discussed for the case of Romania. The evolution of a few fundamental features of the institutional environment for doing business in recent years is investigated, along with some measures of the level of entrepreneurship. A strong direct relation between economic freedom and entrepreneurship level was found for a large number of countries and geographic areas around the world. The available data does not allow us to make a quantitative analysis for Romania, but some suspected reasons for a direct relation between economic freedom and entrepreneurship level are presented. Future research directions are also suggested.
Specific Binding of 17D3 Anti-pZP mAb to Porcine and Human Zona Pellucida but not to Other Tissue Antigens Identified by ABC Immunohistochemistry

Objective To characterize the binding effects of 17D3 anti-pZP monoclonal antibody (mAb) on porcine and human ZP, ovary and other important tissues Methods The 17D3 anti-pZP mAb was produced by immunizing mouse with porcine zona pellucida and hybridoma and monoclonal antibody preparation. An ABC immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate reaction of mAb 17D3pZP to porcine and human ZP antigens as well as important human tissue antigens. Results mAb 17D3pZP specifically bound to porcine and human ZP antigen, but not to other cells of ovaries and other important human tissue antigens. Conclusion 17D3 anti-pZP mAb can recognize porcine and human ZP antigen without cross-reaction with other human tissue antigens including ovary, so it may further help us to abstract and purify corresponding target antigen and settle basis for producing human ZP contraceptive vaccine.
Exchange Rate Volatility and its Impact on Risk Management with Internal Models in Commercial Banks

Financial markets create a business environment of a commercial bank. Price movement of an asset is an important attribute of a financial market and is defined with its size. Central banks adjust price movements with monetary policy based on market activity. The same holds for foreign exchange markets where central bank affects market activity with its exchange rate. Due to the capital decree legislated by Bank of Slovenia, Slovenian commercial banks can apply internal models for capital requirements calculation for currency risk and selected market risks (general position risk in line with debt and equity instruments, price change risk for commodities) as an alternative or in combination with standardized methodology. If banks use internal models for capital charge calculations all features of financial markets should be embedded in the internal model in order to assure proper accuracy of the model. The goal of this paper is to identify reasons for a decay factor application in internal models in small financial markets, and to show a proper back testing procedure in case of application of a decay factor. A proper back testing procedure shall be found using linear programming.
Genotyping wine and table grape cultivars from Apulia (Southern Italy) using microsatellite markers

Thirty-eight typical grapevine varieties of the Apulia region, Southern Italy, were genotyped at 6 microsatellite loci (VVS2, VVMD5, VVMD7, VrZAG47, VrZAG62, VrZAG79) with the aim to find synonymy and to confirm some pedigrees reported in literature. Microsatellites were amplified by PCR with 3 3 P-ATP labelled primers and alleles separated by electrophoresis using 6 % acrylamide sequencing gels. The results confirm the high information level of the selected microsatellites. The number of alleles ranged from 7 to 11, producing up to 23 different combination patterns. The observed heterozygosity varied between 81.6 and 94.7 %, the discrimination power between 0.888 and 0.939, and the probability of identity was as low as 0.06-0.12. All cultivars of the study were discriminated from each other, except Regina (syn. Afuz Ali) and Mennavacca, which had the same profile. Finally, we were able to confirm the parentage of Victoria (Cardinal x Afuz Ali) and Matilde (Italia x Cardinal).
Does Inequality Promote Employment? An International Comparison

This paper investigates whether the ‘big tradeoff’ between efficiency and inequality exists, and analyzes empirically the relationship between inequality, redistribution, and employment/unemployment. The analysis is based on a cross-country longitudinal data set (panel data) of 21 OECD countries in the period 1980 to 2010. We use inequality and redistribution measures (output indicators) rather than institutional variables (input indicators) as independent variables. We do not find a significant effect of income and wage distribution on labor market performance and cannot confirm the hypothesized ‘big tradeoff’.
Isolation and purification of plant secondary metabolites using column-chromatographic technique

Chromatographic techniques have significant role in natural products chemistry as well as contribute dramatically in the discovery of novel and innovative compounds of pharmaceutical and biomedical importance. This study focused on step-by-step visual demonstration of fractionation and isolation of biologically active plant secondary metabolites using column-chromatographic techniques. Isolation of bioactive compounds using column-chromatographic involves: a) Preparation of sample; b) Packing of column; c) Pouring of sample into the column; d) Elution of fractions; and e) Analysis of each fractions using thin layer chromatography. However, depending on nature of research, compounds can be further purified using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectral analyses. Video Clips of Methodology: Part 1: 3 min 45 sec Full Screen Alternate Part 2: 6 min 21 sec Full Screen Alternate Part 3: 4 min 45 sec Full Screen Alternate
Mechanisms of tumour metastasis: anatomical mimicry?

Abstract Introduction Tumour metastasis occurs when cancerous cells detach from the primary tumour, travel to a distant site via the circulatory system and establish a secondary tumour. This process requires the cancerous cells to acquire certain characteristics that are not expressed by normal somatic cells and which afford them migratory capabilities. This review analyses mechanisms through which metastatic cancer cells conquer normal body structure and function for them to move from their primary site to a secondary location. Conclusion For cancer metastasis to occur, the migrating cells take advantage of and/or modify normal anatomical structures and functions.
Generalists versus Specialists in Organizations 1

In this paper, we discuss the trade-o¤ between specialization and coordination in an organizational design problem. Most papers on the assignment of heterogeneous managers to di¤erent hierarchic levels emphasize the role of talent: better managers should be on top of hierarchies. However, this requires talent to be measured on an one-dimensional scale. In this paper, we explore the implications of allowing talent to have two dimensions: breadth and depth. Specialists have deep knowledge of few areas while generalists have narrow knowledge of many areas. When perfect communication is impossible, hierarchies arise in which generalists are at the top and specialists are at the bottom. We propose a model of imperfect communication and discuss its implications for organizational design, the optimal degree of centralization and the depth of hierarchies. We show that our model also implies plausible organizational structures, like balanced hierarchies and pyramidal structures.
Investigating the Effect of Organizational Communications on the Performance of Managers in Government Agencies of Astara

One of the major changes that have been made in management is change in the attitude toward organization. Until the last few decades, organizations in order to achieve their objectives were used as a tool to create harmony among people and controlling them. But nowadays, organizations are considered in a broader perspective and special attention is paid to concepts such as culture and organizational communication. This study aims to assess the impact of organizational communication on managers' performance in government agencies of Astara. This study aims to identify the factors influencing organizational communication and also is about to evaluate the role of these factors on the performance of organizational managers which was conducted in the form of case study. In this context, the communication model of Vanra and Botherox (2006) has been used that in the form of four main premise components of appropriate information, correct information, timely information and quick information at 48 government agencies have been measured. The research findings indicate that on information, the greatest impact on the performance of the managers in government agencies in Astara is appropriate information which this factor strongly follows the latent variable of relationship with appropriate individuals, and other factors respectively fall into later stages.
Adhesive Performance of Camelina Protein Affected by Extraction Conditions

Citation: Qi, G. , Li, N. , Sun, X. S. , & Wang, D. (2016). Adhesive performance of camelina protein affected by extraction conditions. Transactions of the Asabe, 59(3), 1083-1090. doi:10.13031/trans.59. 11686
Challenges Facing the Shift from the Conventional to Problem-Based Learning Curriculum

Tremendous changes have taken place in medical curricula in the last two decades; these changes have arguably created some imbalances in the quality of medical graduates around the globe, which may be partly due to the number of resources often demanded by the design of the newer curricula. Therefore, resource-poor countries are often unable to adopt these newer models of training in their entirety and are thus compelled to follow the so- called “Subject-Based Curriculum”. The authors have discussed and prepared some guidelines to provide direction for the adaptation and implementation of Problem-Based Learning Curriculum (PBLC) in countries with different cultures and limited resources. This article addresses the issues and concerns raised by medical educationists on the implementation of PBLC especially in developing countries. These pointers include practical solutions for such common problems as staff, cost, infrastructure and training.
DEMAND FOR PORK AND MEAT IN CHINA

OF THESIS DEMAND FOR PORK AND MEAT IN CHINA As the per capita disposable income increases, the demand for meat is boosting in China. Pork, accounting for the largest part of Chinese meat consumption, plays an important role in meat demand in China. This study use data collected from a 2014 survey on Chinese meat consumption; four widely different Chinese cities, Beijing, Changsha, Tianjin and Wuhan are selected to provide a more complete view of Chinese pork and meat demand. We use both OLS model and Tobit model to analyze the effects of consumers' socio-demographic characteristics such as age, gender, income, and education on pork and meat demand. Results show that income, marital status, household size have statistically significant effects on pork and meat demand in China. Household heads with children under 18 years old tend to prefer uncooked meat while households with household heads who identify themselves as urbanites tend to spend a significant larger amount of money on cooked or semi-cooked meat.