Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Political Cycles and Economic Policy in Israel: 1980-1999

This paper presents an empirical examination of political cycles in Israel by examining the instruments of fiscal and monetary policy at the time of election campaigns. In common with the findings of similar empirical studies undertaken elsewhere, the economic data for Israel support the theory of politico-economic cyclicality. The results of the study indicate that in the 1980s and 1990s (a period that includes six general elections) about two years before an election the government adopted an expansionary policy which intensified as the election drew nearer: public civilian consumption rose significantly in the two years before an election, and especially in the last six months before an election. Similar findings are evident from an examination of the real wage per employee post in the public sector: this variable also rose significantly in the two years preceding an election, and in the 1980s it soared in the last six months before an election. In addition, the rate of expansion of public consumption and the real wage per employee post was negative in the six months after an election, although not markedly so. Contrary to economic theory and empirical findings worldwide which endorse it, in Israel we did not find a significant rise in transfer payments to the public (paid by the National Insurance Institute) before an election. With regard to monetary policy (as expressed in overdraft interest), there was an increase in the average nominal interest rate prior to an election, and a decline subsequently. In contrast with nominal interest, an examination of the ex post real interest rate does not indicate any specific trend at election time.
Development of Seeded and Seedless Avocado Fruits1

The seed influences rate of growth, size, shape and maturation of avocado fruits. Seeded fruits are 8-10 times larger than seedless ones and contain more and larger cells. The growth pattern of seeded and seedless fruits is similar from June until maturation, when growth rate of seeded fruits decreases. Fruit maturation is characterized by rapid accumulation of oil in the mesocarp, preceded by shriveling of the seed coats, and the discontinuation of the seeds’ influence on fruit growth. The role of the seed in the development of avocado fruit is discussed.
Students’ evaluation of a computerized patient simulator in nursing education and its effect on the results of preclinical tests

The aim of the study was two-fold: to evaluate nursing students’ experiences of active participation in the use of a-computerized simulation manikin during preclinical first-year Bachelor’s studies, and to evaluate the effect of active participation in simulation by comparing active students’ result with observers’ result on preclinical test. An evaluative case study design was used to evaluate simulation with a computerized manikin as a pedagogical learning method. A questionnaire was used to evaluate the active students’ experiences. The second part was a comparison between the active students’ and the observers’ preclinical test results. Findings indicated that the students thought simulation was beneficial, feedback from peers and lecturer was helpful and reflection during debriefing was beneficial. A significant difference was seen between those students who actively participated and those who observed in relation to the pass/fail preclinical test. Nursing students experienced simulation with a computerized manikin as being a beneficial pedagogical learning method, and active participation in a simulation situation can help students pass their preclinical test.
Bounds on Rayleigh–Bénard convection with imperfectly conducting plates

We investigate the influence of the thermal properties of the boundaries in turbulent Rayleigh–Bénard convection on analytical upper bounds on convective heat transport. We model imperfectly conducting bounding plates in two ways: using idealized mixed thermal boundary conditions (BCs) of constant Biot number η, continuously interpolating between the previously studied fixed temperature (η = 0) and fixed flux (η = ∞) cases; and by explicitly coupling the evolution equations in the fluid in the Boussinesq approximation through temperature and flux continuity to identical upper and lower conducting plates. In both cases, we systematically formulate a bounding principle and obtain explicit upper bounds on the Nusselt number Nu in terms of the usual Rayleigh number Ra measuring the average temperature drop across the fluid layer, using the ‘background method’ developed by Doering and Constantin. In the presence of plates, we find that the bounds depend on σ = d/λ, where d is the ratio of plate to fluid thickness and λ is the conductivity ratio, and that the bounding problem may be mapped onto that for Biot number η = σ. In particular, for each σ > 0, for sufficiently large Ra (depending on σ) we show that Nu ≤ c(σ) R1/3 ≤ C Ra1/2, where C is a σ-independent constant, and where the control parameter R is a Rayleigh number defined in terms of the full temperature drop across the entire plate–fluid–plate system. In the Ra → ∞ limit, the usual fixed temperature assumption is a singular limit of the general bounding problem, while fixed flux conditions appear to be most relevant to the asymptotic Nu–Ra scaling even for highly conducting plates.
Violence indicators in Quebrada de Humahuaca, Jujuy, Argentina: The Regional Development Period from a regional perspective

Abstract Quebrada de Humahuaca (Jujuy, Argentina) has been extensively studied by archaeologists. Studies have been focused mainly on the Late Regional Development Period (1250-1430 AD), which has been defined as a time of social conflict. In this paper we present bioarchaeological evidence of interpersonal violence related trauma found in populations of the region. A sample of 153 skulls from three sites of Quebrada de Humahuaca: Los Amarillos, La Huerta and Yacoraite, were analyzed, differentiating antemortem and perimortem fractures, cut marks as well as the presence of trophy skulls. The results were subjected to nonparametric statistical tests, in order to assess inter-site level differences, sex and age distribution. Bioarchaeological analysis determined a high frequency of interpersonal violence related trauma. Most registered injuries belonged to the antemortem type, demonstrating that the individuals of those events that had generated said cranial trauma had managed to survive. Interpersonal violence affected both men and women the same, registering no differences in neither sex nor age group, however evidence of trauma varied geographically from site to site. Statistical calculations reveal that the Yacoraite site is where the highest frequency of trauma was found, while La Huerta is where the highest level of trophy skulls was registered
Compact Triple-Band Antenna Using Defected Ground Structure for WLAN/WiMAX Applications

A novel triple-band microstrip-fed planar monopole antenna with defected ground structure (DGS) is proposed for WLAN and WiMAX applications. The proposed microstrip-fed antenna consists of a rectangular patch, dual inverted L-shaped strips and a defected ground. The designed antenna can generate three separate resonances to cover both the 2.4/5.2GHz WLAN bands and the 3.5GHz WiMAX bands while maintaining a small overall size of 20mm £ 27mm. A prototype is experimentally tested, and experimental results show that the antenna gives good radiation patterns and enough antenna gains over the operating bands.
Predictive Accuracy of Bioimpedance Method for Assessing Body Composition of Brazilian Menopause Women

The purpose of this study was to determine the predictive accuracy of the Bioimpedance (BIA) method for the assess- ment of the body composition of 95 Brazilian pos-menopause women (62.27 ± 7.69 years). The BIA method is relatively not ex- pensive, fast and not invasive (LUKASKI, 1987). However, the validity of this method has never been tested in older Brazilian women. Moreover, CHUMLEA & BAUMGARTNER (1989) do not recommend the use of the hydrostatic weighing in older individual. Thus, the DXA (DPX-IQ, Version 4.6) was used to obtain the reference relative fat (%BF), and the fat free mass (FFM). The total body resis- tance was measured with a BIA RJL model. The LOHMAN (1992) specifi c equation for elders, and the SEGAL et al. (1988) fatness specifi c equations (obese > 30%BF and not obese < 30%BF) were analysed in this study. The results were as follows: The LOHMAN et al. (1992) BIA equation presented a good validity coeffi cient (r = 0.88), an excellent standard error of estimation (SEE = 2.01 kg). However, the LOHMAN equation signifi cantly overestimated the FFM of the studied sample (D = - 0.63 kg). However, the BIA equations of SEGAL et al. (1988) accurately estimated the FFM of the studied sample (D = 0.40 kg), and presented an acceptable error (SEE = 2.11 kg). Based on these results, it can be recommended to physical education professionals, endocrinologists and nutritionists the use of the BIA method for the assessment of the body composition of Brazilian menopause women.
The relationship between emotional intelligence and athlete burnout

Emotional intelligence is the ability to monitor one's own and others' feelings and emotion, to discriminate among them and to use this information to guide one's thinking and actions. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship betweenemotional intelligence and athlete burnout.There is negative significant relationship between burnout and emotional intelligence. Also there is negative significant relationship between burnout with self motivating, self awareness, self control, social awareness and social skills. Emotional intelligence is important factor on preventing athletes’ burnout.
Hypoglycemic and Nephroprotective Effects of Aqueous Extract of Stevia rebaudiana (Sweet Fraction) in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice

Background & objectives: Considering the prevalence of diabetes and importance of its prevention, control and treatment, using low-calorie natural sweetener is necessary. Hepatoprotective and antidiabetic properties of the aqueous extract of Stevia. rebaudiana were assessed in the present study. Methods: In this study, 35 mature male mice were divided into 5 groups. Diabetes was induced by administration of 60 mg/kg of streptozotocin intraperitoneally. The negative control group received normal saline and treatment groups received glibenclamide with 0.5 mg/kg and 200 and 400 μg/kg of aqueous extract of S. rebaudiana through gavage for 15 days, respectively. Also, one group was considered as positive control (as non-treated diabetic). On the last day, the blood glucose levels of samples were measured. After periodic acid Schiff (PAS) staining, 5μm of sections were used for stereological analysis. Results: The blood glucose level was decreased (p<0.05) significantly in aqueous extracttreated groups compared to the untreated diabetic mice. The weight and volume of kidneys, cortex, medulla, proximal and distal tubules, collecting ducts, loop of henle, interstitial tissues, vessels and length of renal tubules decreased significantly (p<0.05) after treatment with aqueous extract of S. rebaudiana (p<0.05). The number and volume of glomeruli restored toward normal levels with high doses of S. rebaudiana. Conclusion: According to the obtained results, aqueous extract of S. rebaudiana (sweet fraction) can regulate the blood glucose levels and inhibit diabetes-induced renal damages. It seems that S. rebaudiana can be used as an antidiabetic and nephroprotective supplement.
Study of sedative, preanaesthetic and anti-anxiety effects of Rosa damascene herbal extract in comparison with diazepam in rat

Background: Rosa damascene has a special role in the Iranian traditional medicine due to its sedative, anticonvulsant and analgesic effects. Regarding its alkaloid, flavonoid and other organic compounds, this plant has always been used to reduce nervousness and treat depression and chronic insomnia. In the present time, synthetic drugs with sedative and anxiolytic properties are used for such problems but due to their side-effects and economic issues, the significance of natural medicines with fewer side-effects is of interest. Considering the importance of sedative and anxiolytic effects of Rosa damascene, we decided to compare this plant with synthetic drugs of the same properties. Methods: Two different groups of male Wistar rats received either Rosa damascene extract in doses of 150 , 300 , 450 mg/kg or Diazepam and dimethyl sulphoxide in doses of 1.2 mg/kg intraperitoneally 30 minutes before assessing the sleep duration, sedation and preanesthetic effects induced by intraperitoneal ketamine, 40 mg/kg. The anti-anxiety effect was evaluated by using an elevated plus maze and a rota rod. Results: The results showed a meaningful increase in the period of sleep induced by Ketamine (P ≤ 0.01) and also a meaningful increase in time spent at the open arms of the device in the group receiving Rosa damascene extract (P ≤ 0.01) . Conclusion: The results showed that the Rosa damascene extract dose 450 mg/kg has sedative, preanesthetic and anxiolytic effects (P ≤ 0.01). Abstract
Multimarket Contact and Pricing : A Case of the U . S . Airline Industry

Focusing on the case of JetBlue, our study of JetBlue’s main markets with 4122 sample observations empirically investigates the effects of multimarket contacts (MMC) on U.S. air carriers’ pricing behaviors of low-cost carriers (LCCs) and full-service carriers (FSCs) as well as those among LCCs. We estimate the simultaneous demand and price (pseudo-supply) equations to derive these impacts of MMC and find: (1) the effect of multimarket contacts is lowered when FSCs compete with LCCs; (2) LCCs’ airfares stay at low levels, even though they repeat multimarket contacts among LCCs. The analysis results reveal that the JetBlue’s behaviors have strong impacts on lowering airfares. KEYWORD: MMC; pricing; LCC; JetBlue International Conference on Social Science, Education Management and Sports Education (SSEMSE 2015) © 2015. The authors Published by Atlantis Press 2295 contact may be endogenous. As a pilot study, we suppose that HHIj and output are endogenous variables. Here, ukj and ekj are random error terms of the demand equation and pseudo-supply equation, respectively. In order to determine whether the airfare level of JetBlue differed between primary and secondary airports, we introduce the dummy variables B61, B62, B6R1, and B6R2. B61 take 1for JetBlue operating in the primary airport, and B6R1 takes 1 for the FSCs that are competing with JetBlue at the primary airport. Similarly, B62 takes 1 for JetBlue operating in the secondary airport, and B6R2 takes 1 for FSCs that are remotely competing with JetBlue at the secondary airport. [Multimarket contact (MMC) measurement] There are several different ways to measure multimarket contact. The most commonly used approach is to count the number of overlapping markets in which firms compete with one another. In the context of the airline industry, the count of overlapping routes served by airlines is widely used to measure the extent of multimarket contact between carriers (for example, Evans & Kessides (1994); Gimeno & Woo (1999); and Baum& Korn(1999)). Building on this measurement, two steps were followed. First, we counted the number of contacts between any pair of carriers i and j across all routes as akl:
Interdependence Between Atrial Fibrilation and Heart Failure

Abstract Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common rhythm disorder worldwide, becoming epidemic. Heart failure (HF) is a life-threatening disease and addressing it should be a priority. In this paper, we analyse recent progress on the relationship between HF and AF. The interdependence between AF and HF has not been elucidated and therefore remains an area of interest for research. It is estimated that both the incidence of AF and HF will increase significantly in the next decades worldwide, there will be a significant problem for health systems in several countries. It remains imperative to urgently promote additional research on epidemiology, mechanisms and treatment of AF and HF.
Current Applications of Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Cartilage Tissue Engineering

Articular cartilage injuries caused by traumatic/mechanical progressive degeneration result in joint pain, swelling, the consequent loss of joint function, and eventually osteoarthritis. Articular tissue possesses a poor ability to regenerate that further complicates the therapeutic approaches. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a promising alternative treatment. Recently, it has been reported that a wide variety of strategies ranging from merely using cells in the injured area to employ biofunctional substitutes in which cells are harmonizing with scaffolding and growth factors to create an engineered cartilage tissue. This chapter reviews the state-of the-art in cartilage tissue engineering focused on tis- sue engineering approaches designed to recapitulate the native development of cartilage and its tridimensional structure as an osteochondral unit. Since the production of hypertrophied tissue is one of the most critical challenges to overcome in chondral tissue regeneration, here we show new strategies to minimize hypertrophy in cartilage. Finally, the efficacy and safety of different treatments of cartilage in current clinical trials will be discussed. framework and the for articular tissue this chapter presents a set of tools to improve approaches to orthopedic regenerative medicine based on the use of MSCs.
Indoor Environmental Quality ( IEQ ) Title Evaluation of the physiological bases of thermal comfort models

Thermal comfort models specifically the J.B. Pierce two-node model of human thermoregulation and the Fanger Comfort Equation predict comfort responses of individuals exposed to thermal environments under conditions of either rest or exercise. This paper evaluates the ability of these two models to predict the physiological variables underlying thermal comfort over a wide range of still air environments (effective temperature between 5°C and 45°C) and exercise intensities (rest to 85% of maximal aerobic capacity). The physiological data base used for comparison was taken from several published and as-yet unpublished studies at three different laboratories. Values of core temperature (TCR), skin temperature (TSK) and skin wettedness predicted by the Pierce two-node model, and PMV, predicted by the Fanger model, differed significantly from observed values (P<.05). The Pierce model tended to underestimate w (mean error = -.16) and TCR (mean error = -.31°C), and to overpredict TSK (mean error = .48°C). wettedness predictions were less accurate for high exercise intensity (6 to 8 met) than for rest, low exercise intensity (i to 3.5 met) or moderate exercise intensity (3.5 to 6 met). Accuracy was higher for males than females, and greater for females in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle than females in the luteal phase. Errors in TSK predictions were also associated with exercise intensity but not associated with either gender or effective temperature. TCR predictions were significantly more accurate for females than for males. The average error associated with PMV predictions was 1.26 scaling units and was related to both effective temperature (ET*) and exercise intensity. Based on multiple linear regression with and exercise intensity, the expected error in PMV was approximately zero at ET=28°C for resting subjects. The magnitude of error increased by approximately . 3 scaling units for each l°C change in ET, and by approximately 1.3 scaling units for each increase in exercise intensity level (e.g. rest to low).
Statistical Characterization of Medium-Duty Electric Vehicle Drive Cycles; NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory)

With funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) conducts real-world performance evaluations of advanced medium- and heavy-duty fleet vehicles. Evaluation results can help vehicle manufacturers fine-tune their designs and assist fleet managers in selecting fuel-efficient, low-emission vehicles that meet their economic and operational goals. In 2011, NREL launched a large-scale performance evaluation of medium-duty electric vehicles. With support from vehicle manufacturers Smith and Navistar, NREL research focused on characterizing vehicle operation and drive cycles for electric delivery vehicles operating in commercial service across the nation.
Discussing a More Fundamental Concept Than the Minimal Residual Method to Solve Linear System in a Krylov Subspace

A more fundamental concept than the minimal residual method is proposed in this paper to solve an n-dimensional linear equations system Ax = b in an m-dimensional Krylov subspace. We maximize the orthogonal projection of b onto y: = Ax. Then, we can prove that the maximal projection solution (MP) is better than that obtained by
Barriers Preventing Parents from Receiving Educational Feedbacks about Their Children According to Classroom Teachers: A City Sample of Kutahya

Abstract In accordance with the continuity principle, education starts in the family and continues with the organic integrity of both family and school. This integrity between family and school is an important factor in a student’s education. Neither only school nor only family is enough in a student’s academic, social, and personal improvement. The aim of the research is to introduce barriers preventing parents from receiving educational feedbacks on their children according to classroom teachers who are working at the primary stage of education where the family factor is felt the most, therefore, providing the outline of the situation in by the teachers and proposing solutions. The research covers 124 classroom teachers in Kutahya during the 2012-2013 academic years. According to the research, the most common factor preventing parents from obtaining educational feedback is low academic achievement of their children. Again, according to the classroom teachers, another factor is that parents are only interested in their children’s success and grades (77.4 %). Parents may not need to meet with the teacher when they learn their student’s grade. According to the research, concerns about personal problems of parents to be addressed with the teacher, parents finding the teacher’s requests unnecessary and their reluctant to hear negative comments about their student are other factors leading to significant differences. The research is important for the purposes of identifying and eliminating barriers to preventing parents from receiving feedback about their children’s education and having evaluation of family involvement in the training process. Moreover, this study is also important in terms of elimination of the gaps seen in school-parent communication. The research is restricted to 124 teachers and questionnaire items.
Basic and clinical research progress in acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome

Abstract Acute lung injury (ALI)/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is an acute progressive respiratory failure caused by severe infection, trauma, shock, poisoning, inhaled harmful gas, acute pancreatitis, and pathological obstetrics. ALI and ARDS demonstrate similar pathophysiological changes. The severe stage of ALI is defined as ARDS. At present, a significant progress has been achieved in the study of the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of ALI/ARDS. Whether or not ALI/ARDS patients can recover depends on the degree of lung injury, extra-pulmonary organ damage, original primary disease of a patient, and adequacy in supportive care. Conservative infusion strategies and protective lung ventilation reduce ARDS disability and mortality. In this study, the pathogenesis of ALI/ARDS, lung injury, molecular mechanisms of lung repair, and conservative infusion strategies and pulmonary protective ventilation are reviewed comprehensively.