Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
IgA deficiency in children

Clinical, immunological, and intestinal studies on 26 children with IgA deficiency in the age range 2 to 16 years are reported. 9 of these children were suffering from autoimmune disease, namely thyroiditis (5), thyrotoxicosis (1), rheumatoid arthritis (2), and probable Sjögren's syndrome (1). The last-mentioned patient had defective cellular immunity. Altogether 11 patients were subject to recurrent respiratory tract infections. The symptomatology of the remaining patients was variable. In a boy with growth retardation, a chromosome anomaly was found, and endocrinological studies indicated total absence of growth hormone. In 21 patients IgA was undetectable, while 5 had trace amounts of IgA in their sera. IgG was raised in 11 patients, and one patient had low serum IgG. IgM levels were mostly normal. Precipitating antibodies to cow's milk proteins were present in all but one serum. Small intestinal biopsy was performed on all patients. In 3 cases total villous atrophy was detected and these probably had coeliac disease, though malabsorption symptoms were not always evident. Disaccharidase assay of biopsy specimens revealed 2 cases of isolated lactase deficiency among 8 tested. Results show that the increased incidence of autoimmune disease reported in IgA deficiency in adults also holds true in children; i.e. that there is a raised incidence of coeliac disease with or without symptoms in IgA deficiency.
Empirical Analysis of Poverty Dynamics: With Case Studies from Sub-Saharan Africa

The empirical analysis of poverty over time is still severely constrained by the available survey data in developing countries. In the past, this has led to a neglect of certain aspects of poverty dynamics or even biased assessments of poverty dynamics. This book explicitly takes into account the present data limitations, proposing alternative methods for the empirical analysis of poverty dynamics. The work addresses both the problems related to limited data in the analysis of macro-level (or national) as well as micro-level (or household) poverty dynamics. The proposed methods are applied to survey data from various sub-Saharan African countries. As these countries do not only have the most limited economic survey data but also show the highest poverty rates in the world an accurate understanding of the underlying poverty dynamics seems to be most important for these countries.
How Frequently Do Consumer Prices Change in Austria? Evidence from Micro CPI Data

In this paper a data set with price records collected for the computation of the Austrian CPI is used to estimate the average frequency of price changes and the duration of price spells to provide empirical evidence on the degree and characteristics of price rigidity in Austria. Depending on the estimation method applied, on average, prices are unchanged for 10 to 14 months. We find a strong heterogeneity across sectors and products. Price increases occur only slightly more often than price decreases. For both cases the typical size of the weighted average price change is quite large (11 and 15 percent, respectively). Like in related contributions we find that the aggregate hazard function is decreasing with time. Apart from heterogeneity across products and price setters, this is due to oversampling of products with a high frequency of price changes. Accounting for the unobserved heterogeneity in estimating the probability of a price change with a panel logit model (with fixed elementary product effects), we find a small but positive effect of the duration of a price spell on the probability of a price change. We also find that during the Euro cash changeover period the probability of price changes was higher.
Assessment of the Implementation of the Secondary School Skill-Based Curriculum to Youth Empowerment in Nigeria

This study was conducted to assess how the Nigerian secondary school vocational and technical education curriculum was implemented with a view to ascertain the extent to which it has empowered students for self-employment. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The sample comprised 380 junior and senior secondary school [JSS and SSS] students and 120 teachers, selected from twelve secondary schools drawn across three states in Nigeria, one state from each of North Central, South East, and South West geopolitical zones of the country. Stratified random sampling technique was applied to select student-sample while purposive sampling was used for teachersample. The schools covered by the study comprised four categories: federal government school [FGS], state government school [SGS], high class private school [HCPS], and low class private school [LCPS]. The study utilized both quantitative and qualitative techniques in data collection and analysis with questionnaires and observation as main instruments. Results revealed that sampled students have learnt significant self-employable entrepreneurial skills in 6 out of 36 vocational areas. Also, their entrepreneurial capability was found low, as there were no significant production of marketable goods and services to show for their practical knowledge. The study recommends, amongst others, integration of entrepreneurship education in the teaching-learning process, as this will enable students to be motivated in identifying entrepreneurial opportunities. Key words: Nigerian youth, entrepreneurial skills, self-employment, vocational and technical education, skill-based curriculum, implementation
Finite-Time Stabilization of Nonlinear Systems With Parametric and Dynamic Uncertainties

In this note, non-smooth finite-time stabilization of nonlinear systems with parametric and dynamic uncertainties is investigated. To solve this problem, the input-to-state stability property is used to characterize unmeasured dynamic uncertainties. A constructive partial-state control design is proposed on the basis of involved combined use of Lyapunov, backstepping and input-to-state stability techniques. Under small-gain type local conditions, a solution for the finite-time regulation of a class of uncertain nonlinear systems is obtained
Free Unit Groups in Algebras

Abstract Let R be an algebra over a field K, and let G be a finite group of units in R. Suppose that either char K = 0 and G is nonabelian, or K is a nonabsolute field of characteristic π > 0 and G/𝕆π(G) is nonabelian. Then we show that there are two cyclic subgroups X and Y of G of prime power order, and two special units u X ∈ KX ⊆ R and u Y ∈ KY ⊆ R, such that ⟨u X , u Y ⟩ contains a nonabelian free group. Indeed, we obtain a rather precise description of these units, generalizing an earlier result where R = K[G] was the group algebra of G over K.
The great vessel rarely completes : translating corporate sustainability

This thesis contributes to our understanding of Corporate Sustainability (CS) in Multinational Corporations (MNCs) by offering a non-western perspective. A review of the extant literature reveals CS-related studies are mainly based on theories and implications in and for western contexts. It leads us to question the definitions of CS that have been taken for granted in current management and organisation studies. This thesis argues CS should be considered as a nonfixed, contextual and culturally-sensitive notion. When the ideas of CS travel from western scholarship to Chinese organisation practices, the meanings are forever constructed, altered, and mobilised. This is beyond linguistic translation, and functions as a continuous stream of temporary hermeneutic processes of translating. This research explores how CS has been translated in a Japanese MNC in China (the organisation is called ‘OMG’ in the research). The ethnographic enquiry provides a visual and narrative representation of corporate culture as promoted in OMG; ‘Communal Vessel’ evolves as a translational construct symbolising the culturally-derived meanings of CS. The intrinsically oxymoronic meanings of ‘Communal Vessel’ can be drawn from classical Chinese philosophies, which could have implications for understanding contemporary organising practices in China, and globally. In summary, this thesis problematises the construction of CS, and contributes an indigenous, non-western way of understanding CS via an ethnographic representation focusing on processes of translating. The implications are summarised through an analysis of the classical phrase ‘The Great Vessel Rarely Completes’.
Multivariate Volatility Estimation with High Frequency Data Using Fourier Method

Availability of high frequency data has improved the capability of computing volatility in an efficient way. Nevertheless, measuring volatility/covariance from the observation of the asset price is challenging for two main reasons: observed asset prices are generally affected by noise microstructure effects and tick-by-tick returns are asynchronous across different assets. In this paper we review the definition and the statistical properties of the so called Fourier estimator of multivariate volatility, with particular focus on using high frequency data. Exploiting the fact that the method allows to compute both the integrated and the instantaneous volatility, we show how to obtain estimators of the volatility of the volatility and the leverage as well. Further, we study the performance of the estimator in forecasting and in terms of portfolio utility in the presence of microstructure noise contaminations.
Smad3 Mediates Transforming Growth Factor-β–Induced α-Smooth Muscle Actin Expression

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)–induced α-smooth muscle actin (ASMA) expression is a key indicator of myofibroblast differentiation from fibroblasts. Recent studies suggest that a TGF-β control element is important in the regulation of the ASMA gene promoter by TGF-β. In this study, the role of Smad3, a key component of the Smad pathway that mediates TGF-β signaling in regulation of ASMA gene expression, is investigated. All members of the Smad family were expressed in rat lung fibroblasts, and Smad3 expression was elevated upon TGF-β1 treatment. Transfection with a Smad3-expressing plasmid markedly increased Smad3 and ASMA protein expression, whereas transfection with an antisense Smad3 plasmid suppressed Smad3 and ASMA expression. Similar effects were noted when the cloned rat ASMA promoter-luciferase reporter gene construct was used to monitor transcriptional activation of the ASMA gene. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays and DNA affinity precipitation indicated Smad3 binding to at least two re.
Mobile Scientists and International Networks

This paper explores the link between mobility and the presence of international research networks. Data come from the GlobSci survey of authors of articles published in 2009 in four fields of science working in sixteen countries. Summary evidence suggests that migration plays an important role in the formation of international networks. Approximately 40 percent of the foreign-born researchers report having kept research links with colleagues in their country of origin. Non-mobile researchers are less likely to collaborate with someone outside their country than are either the foreign born or returnees. When the non-mobile collaborate, their networks span fewer countries. Econometric results are consistent with the hypothesis that internationally mobile researchers contribute significantly to extending the international scope and quality of the research network in destination countries at no detriment to the quality of the research performed. Results also suggest that the "foreign premium" on collaboration propensity is driven in large part by mobile researchers who either trained or worked outside the destination country where they were surveyed in 2011. With but one exception, the mobility findings persist when we estimate models separately for the US, Europe, and other countries.
Inside the One Room Schoolhouse: A Look at Nongraded Classrooms from the Inside Out.

This study examined nongraded, multi-age elementary classrooms from the perspective of involved principals, teachers, and parents. Data came from field notes taken at on-site observations and from in-person structured and unstructured interviews with principals and teachers. The schools were all located in a small urban town in north central Mississippi. The study found that the schools set up and operated the nongraded classrooms in different ways. The classrooms operated according to the philosophy of the teachers in charge of the classes under the guidance of the principal; each classroom was different from the next. The schools that experienced the most success were those in which the teachers did not feel threatened and were given the freedom to operate as they deemed appropriate. Some parent concerns included mixing the sexes, having siblings in the same room, giving up traditional grading and assessment, and possibly short-changing math. Keeping parents continually informed and working together with the school, teacher, and students were important guiding principles to ensure success, according to one principal. Another principal stated that authentic assessment was the key to success. (Contains 8 references.) (SM) ******************************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ******************************************************************************** Nongraded Classrooms 1 INSIDE THE ONE ROOM SCHOOLHOUSE A LOOK AT NONGRADED CLASSROOMS FROM THE INSIDE OUT
Modeling the dynamics of biomimetic underwater robot fish

In this paper we propose the model for undulatory locomotion in the developed biomimetic underwater robot fish. The expressions for the momentum and hydrodynamic force on the swimming robot fish's body are based on large-amplitude elongated body theory and inviscid hydrodynamics, and these are coupled to rigid-body dynamics to derive the kinematic and dynamic equation of the swimming robot fish. Through solving ordinary differential equation, propulsive parameters including swimming velocity, thrust, side force and efficiency can be obtained. For improving the swimming performances, influences of kinetic parameters of body curve and wake structure on these indexes are discussed and we also present the optimal body curve's parameters and the Strouhal number
Regional Convergence, Structural Funds and the Role of Agricolture in the EU. A Panel-Data Approach

This article investigates the impact of structural funds expenditure on EU regions by estimating a conditional convergence econometric model. According to this model, regional convergence is affected by both the policy treatment and the regional economic structure proxied by the agriculture employment share, which affects regional steady state level by influencing its aggregate productivity. The convergence model is specified in a dynamic panel-data form on a dataset of 206 NUTS II EU15 regions observed over more than 10 years (from 1989 to 2000). A GMM estimation is applied to obtain consistent estimates of both the a parameter and the impact of the regional policies and agriculture employment share.
Suppressive expression of CD274 increases tumorigenesis and cancer stem cell phenotypes in cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma is an aggressive malignant tumor originating from intrahepatic or extrahepatic bile ducts. Its malignant phenotypes may be assumed by cancer stem cells (CSC). Here, we demonstrate that CD274 (PD‐L1), known as an immunomodulatory ligand, has suppressive effects on CSC‐related phenotypes of cholangiocarcinoma. Using two human cholangiocarcinoma cell lines, RBE and HuCCT1, we attempted to isolate the CD274low and CD274high cells from each cell line, and xenografted them into immunodeficient NOD⁄scid⁄γcnull (NOG) mice. We found that the CD274low cells isolated from both RBE and HuCCT1 are highly tumorigenic in NOG mice compared with CD274high cells. Furthermore, the CD274low cells possess several CSC‐related characteristics, such as high aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity, reduced reactive oxygen species production and a dormant state in the cell cycle. Furthermore, depletion of CD274 expression by shRNA in RBE cells enhances their tumorigenicity and increases ALDH activity. These findings are compatible with our observation that clinical cholangiocarcinoma specimens are classified into low and high groups for CD274 expression, and the CD274 low group shows poorer prognosis when compared with the CD274 high group. These results strongly suggest that CD274 has a novel function in the negative regulation of CSC‐related phenotypes in human cholangiocarcinoma, which is distinct from its immunomodulatory actions.
Ergodic rate analysis for massive MIMO relay systems with multi-pair users under imperfect CSI

In this paper, we consider a multi-pair relay system with massive antenna arrays deployed at a single relay. We analyze the ergodic achievable rate when MRC/MRT is utilized at relay with the consideration of imperfect channel state information (CSI). An analytical expression of the ergodic rate is derived, based on which, the asymptotic analysis and power scaling law are conducted when the number of antennas N grows large. It is shown that the ergodic rate logarithmically increases over the number of relay antennas. Moreover, the transmit power at the terminals and relay can be scaled down simultaneously maximally by 1/VN in the imperfect CSI and by 1/N in the perfect CSI with the achievable rate unchanged.
Inflation Analysis and Interest Rate in Indonesian

The purpose of this study was to determine the inflation in Indonesia in 2013 until 2014 and value contributed Interest Rate about Inflation in Indonesia. Data is used secondary data from general Consumer Price Index (CPI) from Indonesia and Interest Rate of BI Rate monthly of January 2013 until December 2014. Model is used model econometric with Autoregressive method. Result of estimation of Autoregressive model concludes that Interest Rate significantly affect to Inflation Rate.
My City - My Brand: The Role of Residents in Place Branding

The theoretical development of place branding is in its early stages. The most important contributions so far have come from publications 'translating' insights, methods and tools from corporate branding theory to places and cities in particular. Obviously, an academic field in its early stages has many critical issues to be developed. One major issue is the role of residents in the formation and communications of place brands and their involvement in the place branding process. This paper attempts to fill in this gap by exploring in detail the role that residents are called to play in current place branding practice. The paper argues that there is an urgent need for resident involvement and participation in place branding, due to the reason, that residents simultaneously fulfil different roles in the place marketing process. Firstly, they are target groups of place marketing itself and therefore the main audience of several marketing actions. Secondly, residents are an integrated part of a place brand. Their characteristics, behaviour and reputation could make a city more attractive to visitors, new residents, investors, and companies. Thirdly, residents could function as ambassadors for their place brand. They are in the position to give credibility to any message communicated by city authorities, "making or breaking" the image and brand of their city. Fourthly, they are also citizens and are vital for the political legitimisation of the whole marketing endeavour. The paper explains in detail this fourfold role of the residents and explores the implications for place brand management. Drawing on examples from place marketing practice it demonstrates how residents exert their influence on city brands either though intentional involvement or unintentional negligence. The paper concludes that only through meaningful participation and consultation a more effective and sustainable place branding is possible. Keywords: Place branding, place marketing, urban planning, cities, residents, citizens, local communities
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial of the safety and tolerability of IC51, an inactivated Japanese encephalitis vaccine.

BACKGROUND Japanese encephalitis (JE) is the most important mosquito-borne viral encephalitis and has a high case fatality rate. It is caused by Japanese encephalitis virus. Improved vaccines are urgently needed for residents in countries of endemicity, travelers, and the military. The aim of the present trial was to evaluate the safety and tolerability of IC51, Intercell's Vero cell-derived, purified, inactivated JE vaccine. METHODS This was a randomized (3:1), double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter phase 3 trial. Healthy subjects were randomized to receive 2 doses of IC51 (n=2012) or placebo (n=663) at a 4-week interval. Adverse events following immunization (AEFI) were documented over a period of 2 months. RESULTS The rate of severe AEFI was similar in the IC51 group (0.5%) and the placebo group (0.9%). The rate of medically attended AEFI and all AEFI was also similar in the IC51 group and the placebo group. The same applied for all adverse events, including local and systemic tolerability. Importantly, there were no signs of acute allergic reactions. CONCLUSION The Intercell JE vaccine IC51 had a safety profile similar to that of placebo. These data, together with the immunogenicity data from a recent phase 3 trial, form the basis of application for licensure of this vaccine. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00605058.
Volatility Transmission Models: A Survey

This study reviews the literature on volatility transmission in order to determine what we have learnt about the different methodologies applied. In particular, GARCH, regime switching and stochastic volatility models are analysed. In addition, this study covers several concrete aspects such as their scope of application, the overlapping problem, the concept of efficiency and asymmetry modelling. Finally, emerging topics and unanswered questions are identified, serving as an agenda for future research.
The Cost of Capital for the UK Water Sector

This paper examines the issues of the appropriate cost of capital for companies operating in the regulated water industry in the UK. This issue is of importance at the current time because the water regulator Ofwat is currently in the final stages of its periodic review of prices to set for the coming five years 2000-2004. The plan for this paper is as follows. The following section summaries the board debate on the cost of capital. Section then focuses on the most important element in this debate, the appropriate market risk premium. Section 4 examines the specific and somewhat sparse evidence cited by Ofwat on the equity risk premium. We argue that this evidence can be reasonably interpreted rather differently, yielding an estimated rather higher than that proposed by Ofwat. Section 5 then reveiws the boarder UK debat on the cost of capital. Section 6 examines the riskiness of the water sector. Section 7 compares estimates of the cost of capital from Ofwat and a 'convenitional' approach with the procedure used by the MMC. Both the other procedures give an estimate some 1-1.5% higher than that proposed by Ofwat. Section 8 then draws together the principle arguments of the previous sections and underscores the risks articulated above that the current reveiw risk setting too low a cost capital to the detriment of the long run performance of the UK water section. An important point is that even the straight application of the MMC procedure for estimating the cost of capital which we judge is subject to downward biases results in a higher estimate of the cost of capital than OFWAT has een proposing in its consultation documents.