Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Purchasing Power Parity between the UK and the Euro Area

We use the Johansen cointegration approach to assess the empirical validity of the purchasing power parity (PPP) between the UK and the Euro Area, which we represent by Germany, the largest of its members. We conduct the empirical analysis in the context of the global financial crisis that began in 2007 and find that it directly affects the cointegration space. We fail to validate the Johansen and Juselius (1992) original hypothesis that nonstationarity of the PPP associates with the nonstationarity of interest rate differentials to produce a stationary relation. On the other hand, we do not reject PPP. We find that PPP cointegrates with inflation differentials. We also find, contrary to conventional wisdom, that (i) equilibrium adjustment occurs between the German and UK inflation rates, while weak exogeneity exists for the German and UK interest rates and the PPP condition, and (ii) three common trends associated with the German interest rate, the UK interest rate, and the PPP condition “push” the system with the German interest rate and the PPP condition playing dominant roles.
Professional policy work in federal states: Institutional autonomy and Canadian policy analysis

Despite all the attention paid to the topic of policy analysis, the actual work of policy analysts in government is little investigated and little known (Colebatch 2005, 2006a, 2006b; Colebatch and Radin 2006). This is true not only at the national level, which has been the subject of most existing studies, but especially at the sub-national level, where substantial powers rest. In order to address this gap, this article presents evidence from the first, large-scale set of surveys of Canadian federal, provincial and territorial policy analysts, examining the similarities and differences in their policy work. While many similarities exist in areas related to overall governance trends, such as consultation and participation work overtaking more technical policy evaluations, there are significant differences in the nature of policy work and attitudes, which are linked to the lesser autonomy from political masters experienced by sub-national analysts. The results suggest that sub-national policy work must be studied carefully in its own right. Sommaire Malgre toute l'attention accordee a l'analyse des politiques, le travail des analystes de politiques au gouvernement n'a ete que tres peu etudie et est peu connu (Colebatch 2005, 2006a, 2006b; Colebatch et Radin 2006). Cela est vrai non seulement a l'echelle nationale, ce qui a fait l'objet de la plupart des etudes existantes, mais plus particulierement a l'echelle infranationale, ou les gouvernements detiennent d'enormes pouvoirs. Pour remedier a cette lacune, cet article presente des temoignages de la premiere serie de sondages a grande echelle menee aupres des analystes de politiques federaux, provinciaux et territoriaux du Canada, qui examine les similarites et les differences dans le travail d'elaboration des politiques. Alors que de nombreuses similarites existent dans les domaines lies aux tendances de gouvernance en general, comme le travail de consultation et de participation depassant des evaluations de politiques plus techniques, il existe egalement d'importantes differences dans la nature du travail d'elaboration de politiques et dans les attitudes, qui sont liees au fait que les analystes infranationaux jouissent de moins d'autonomie que les maitres politiques. Les resultats laissent entendre que les etudes de politiques a l'echelle infranationale doivent etre examinees attentivement en tant que tel.
Joint interference and user association optimization in cellular wireless networks

In cellular wireless networks, user association refers to the problem of assigning mobile users to base station cells - a critical, but challenging, problem in many emerging small cell and heterogeneous networks. This paper considers a general class of utility maximization problems for joint optimization of mobile user associations and bandwidth and power allocations. The formulation can incorporate a large class of network topologies, interference models, SNR-to-rate mappings and network constraints. In addition, the model can applied in carrier aggregation scenarios where mobiles can be served by multiple cells simultaneously. While the problem is non-convex, our main contribution shows that the optimization admits a separable dual decomposition. This property enables fast computation of upper bounds on the utility as well as an efficient, distributed implementation for approximate local optimization via augmented Lagrangian techniques. Simulations are presented in heterogeneous networks with mixtures of macro and picocells. We demonstrate significant value of the proposed methods in scenarios with variable backhaul capacity in the femtocell links and in cases where the user density is sufficiently low that lightly-used cells can reduce power.
The Garnaut Review: What do emissions-intensive trade-exposed industries really think about emerging climate change policies?

Purpose – Following the Australian Government's Garnaut Climate Change Review (CCR), the implementation of a joint business and climate change agenda is weighing heavily on the minds of those executives whose firms fit within the Emissions‐Intensive Trade‐Exposed Industry (EITEI) sectors. The purpose of this paper is to analyse and explain the major concerns that confront EITEI firms as the government moves Australia towards a low carbon economy.Design/methodology/approach – The paper adopts an economic regulation perspective that focuses on public and private interests, coupled with the leximancer software package, which was used to analyse submissions made by EITEI firms to the Garnaut CCR.Findings – The authors observed that the impact of costs on business and trade performance, future emissions trading schemes, investment in low emissions technologies, world greenhouse gas production levels in emissions‐intensive industries, and conflicting government policies form the foundations of serious corporate.
The segmentation method of degree-based fusion algorithm for coronary angiograms

In allusion to the low contrast of the image between the backdrop and the small blood vessels, the blurred and fuzzy background of coronary artery image, a new blood vessel extraction method based on degree is proposed. First of all, two enhanced coronary angiograms are obtained from the original image by using two different image enhancement methods. Secondly, coronary arteries are extracted from two enhanced coronary angiograms through using the transition region extraction method based on degree, and then two extracted coronary artery images are acquired. At last, two extracted blood vessel images are fused, and the result of the fusion is the final segmentation image. The experimental results show that the backdrop can be eliminated and the small vessels can be remained effectively.
Students ’ uses of data as evidence in scientific explanations

A central goal of scientific explanation is to account for patterns of data. An important way to assess students' abilities to construct scientific explanations is to examine how they use data as evidence. A good deal of cognitive research has explored how students respond to specific pieces of data and evaluate them in terms of a current theory or belief. This work finds that, from a normative view, students often ignore data that they ought to consider when evaluating claims, or assimilate such data in ways that do not damage their current theories. Researchers differ on whether or not such reasoning reflects an epistemological stance that is fundamentally non-scientific, or is essentially reasonable and consistent with scientific practice. This study examines high school students' efforts to use complex, multi-faceted data sets to construct causal explanations of natural selection phenomena, consistent with the theory of natural selection. The study seeks answers to two questions. What data do students select to use as evidence for their explanations? How do they refer to specific data to justify particular causal claims? Content analyses of explanations examined how students referred to data as evidence: the features of inscriptions (e.g., graphs, field notes) they referred to, and the justifications they gave for the importance of specific data. Students largely cited relevant, but insufficient, data for claims, and preferred numerical data over textual field notes. These and other uses of evidence indicate not just students' understanding of what specific data mean, but their ideas about what counts as persuasive evidence. These findings highlight the need for instruction focused on epistemic criteria for good explanations, in addition to the conceptual relations between data and potential causal mechanisms. Students’ use of evidence 1
Validity and reliability tests in case study research: a literature review with “hands‐on” applications for each research phase

Despite the advantages of the case study method, its reliability and validity remain in doubt. Tests to establish the validity and reliability of qualitative data are important to determine the stability and quality of the data obtained. However, there is no single, coherent set of validity and reliability tests for each research phase in case study research available in the literature. This article presents an argument for the case study method in marketing research, examining various criteria for judging the quality of the method and highlighting various techniques, which can be addressed to achieve objectivity, and rigorous and relevant information for planning to marketing actions. The purpose of this article is to invite further research by discussing the use of various scientific techniques for establishing the validity and reliability in case study research. The article provides guidelines for achieving high validity and reliability for each phase in case study research.
The Influence of Streambed Heterogeneity on Hyporheic Flow in Gravelly Rivers

Deposits of open‐framework gravel occurring in gravelly streambeds can exert a significant influence on hyporheic flow. The influence was quantified using a numerical model of the hyporheic zone. The model included open‐framework gravel stratasets represented with commonly observed characteristics including a volume fraction of about one‐third of the streambed sediment, a hydraulic conductivity two orders of magnitude greater than other strata present, and a spatial connectivity forming preferential‐flow pathways. The influence of open‐framework gravel stratasets on hyporheic flow was much greater than the influence of the channel morphology including meanders, point bars, dunes, and ripples. Seventy percent of the total hyporheic exchange occurred across 30% of the channel boundary at locations of open‐framework gravel stratasets. The maximum local interfacial flux rates occurred at these locations, and were orders of magnitude greater than those at other locations. The local flux rates varied by six orders of magnitude over the channel boundary. The composite flow rate through the model with open‐framework gravel stratsets was an order of magnitude greater than that through an equivalent but homogeneous model.
CEO Risk Preference and Investing in R&D

type="main"> This study aims at: (1) developing an index to measure CEO risk tolerance using publicly available data, and (2) examining the association between this index and investment in risky projects. Using relative pay-at-risk as a proxy for risk preference (tolerance) is a new proposition and is supported by having significant association with CEOs' socio-demographic variables—the variables often studied in connection with risk aversion. Furthermore, this risk preference indicator has a positive association with risk-taking behaviour as proxied by R&D expenditures. The in-sample estimation and out-of-sample predictions support (a) using relative pay-at-risk as a valid proxy for risk tolerance, and (b) finding statistically significant positive association between this measure and R&D expenditures. The association has different degrees of strength for nine out of 11 industries.
GZ Cancri: a cataclysmic variable at the lower edge of the period gap ⋆

We present calibrated photometry and time-resolved spectroscopy of the cataclysmic variable GZ Cnc. Radial ve- locities of the H emission line reveal an orbital period of 0.08825(28) d, or 2.118(07) h, placing the system at the lower edge of the period gap. One of our observations catches the system on the rise to an overlooked, possibly small-amplitude, outburst. At certain phases during this stage the profiles of the emission lines are distorted by a high velocity absorption component. We discuss this phenomenon in the context of the recent suggestion that the long-term lightcurve of GZ Cnc resembles those of intermediate polars.
Do Single-Sex Schools Enhance Students’ Stem (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Outcomes?

In many countries, males currently lag behind females in schooling attainment but females are still underrepresented in STEM studies. This pattern has raised renewed interest in the potential of single-sex schools for enhancing STEM outcomes. Utilizing the unique setting in Seoul, where assignment to single-sex or coeducational high schools is random, and with multiple years of administrative data from the national college entrance examinations and a longitudinal survey of high school seniors, we assess causal effects of single-sex schools on students' math test scores and choice of the science-math test. We also assess whether single-sex schools affect students' interests and self-efficacy in math and science, and expectations and actual choices of a STEM college major in university. We find significantly positive effects of all-boys schools consistently across different STEM outcomes but not for girls. We address one possible mechanism by conducting mediation analysis with the proportion of same-gender math teachers.
Why Plant-Level Productivity Studies are Often Misleading, and an Alternative Approach to Interference

Applied economists often wish to measure the effects of managerial decisions or policy changes on plant-level productivity patterns. But plant-level data on physical quantities of output, capital, and intermediate inputs are usually unavailable. Therefore, when constructing productivity measures, most analysts proxy these variables with real sales revenues, depreciated capital spending, and real input expenditures. The first part of this paper argues that the resultant productivity indices have little to do with technical efficiency, product quality, or contributions to social welfare. Nonetheless, they are likely to be correlated with policy shocks and managerial decisions in misleading ways. The second part of the paper develops an alternative approach to inference. Using Steven Berry's (1994, RAND Journal) representation of equilibrium in a differentiated product market, we show how to impute each plant's unobserved marginal costs and product quality from its observed revenues and costs, and how to use this mapping to calculate plant-specific welfare-based performance measures. (Bayesian estimation techniques are required because the vector of unknown parameters is under-identified.) The final part of the paper demonstrates our methodology using panel data on Colombian pulp and paper plants.
Relation of behavior problems with findings of cranial diffusion tensor MRI and MR spectroscopy in autistic children.

PURPOSE To investigate any relation of behavior problems with cranial Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) findings in autism spectrum disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 20 males children (12 autistic patients and 8 healthy controls) was examined by cranial DTI and MRS. The Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) was used to calculate the irritability, lethargy-social withdrawal, stereotypic behavior, hyperactivity, and speech disorder scores for each patient. The results of MRS and DTI were evaluated together with the ABC scores. RESULTS Fractional anisotropy (FA) values demonstrated significant decreases in the left frontoparietal white matter, anterior limb of the right internal capsule, and left middle cerebellar peduncle as the behavior problem scores elevated (P < 0.05). With the exception of social withdrawal, as the behavior problem scores increased, metabolite levels increased, as well. CONCLUSION The positive correlation between the MRS findings, behavior problem scores, and metabolite levels suggests the presence of a dysfunction leading to hypo and hyper neuronal function in various locations. Reduced FA values in DTI and negative correlation of behavior problems with FA values in the contralateral hemisphere, may indicate reduced myelination and abnormal axonal organization.
Construct Validation of a short Five-Factor Model Instrument: A Self-Peer Study on the German Adaptation of the Ten-Item Personality Inventory (TIPI-G).

The five-factor model (FFM) is currently the predominant model in trait psychology. To meet the need for an extremely brief measure of the FFM, Gosling, Rentfrow, and Swann (2003) developed the Ten-Item Personality Inventory (TIPI), which can be admin- istered in about a minute. Here we describe the development and construct validation of a German version of the TIPI (the TIPI-G). Using a multijudge (self and peer), multiinstrument (TIPI-G and the German version of the NEO-PI-R) design, we evaluated the TIPI-G in terms of internal consistency, factor structure, convergent and discriminant validity, and coverage of the NEO-PI-R facets. Together the analyses suggest that the 10 unipolar items of the TIPI-G can provide an efficient approximation for longer measures of the FFM personality constructs. As such, the TIPI-G is recommended for research where time is limited, where the primary theoretical focus is on other constructs, or where it is desirable to reduce the testing burden on participants.
Domain Shuffling in a Sensor Protein Contributed to the Evolution of Insect Pathogenicity in Plant-Beneficial Pseudomonas protegens

Pseudomonas protegens is a biocontrol rhizobacterium with a plant-beneficial and an insect pathogenic lifestyle, but it is not understood how the organism switches between the two states. Here, we focus on understanding the function and possible evolution of a molecular sensor that enables P. protegens to detect the insect environment and produce a potent insecticidal toxin specifically during insect infection but not on roots. By using quantitative single cell microscopy and mutant analysis, we provide evidence that the sensor histidine kinase FitF is a key regulator of insecticidal toxin production. Our experimental data and bioinformatic analyses indicate that FitF shares a sensing domain with DctB, a histidine kinase regulating carbon uptake in Proteobacteria. This suggested that FitF has acquired its specificity through domain shuffling from a common ancestor. We constructed a chimeric DctB-FitF protein and showed that it is indeed functional in regulating toxin expression in P. protegens. The shuffling event and subsequent adaptive modifications of the recruited sensor domain were critical for the microorganism to express its potent insect toxin in the observed host-specific manner. Inhibition of the FitF sensor during root colonization could explain the mechanism by which P. protegens differentiates between the plant and insect host. Our study establishes FitF of P. protegens as a prime model for molecular evolution of sensor proteins and bacterial pathogenicity.
Comparison of the Low Dose Polyethylene Glycol with Lactulose and Magnesium Hydroxide in Constipated Children . A Multicentric Randomized Clinical trial

This study was designed to compare the efficacy and safety of very low dose of polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG) with magnesium hydroxide (MOM) and lactulose in functional constipation of children. A total number of 468 patients 1-15 year old with chronic constipation entered a randomized comparative multicenteric trial. Subjects were healthy outpatients who had hard, painful or < 3 stools per week. Their parents were given a teaching pamphlet about constipation, diet and toilet training. The patients were allocated to 3 treatment groups; lactulose (70%) 1ml/kg/day/BID, MOM (400mg/5ml) 1ml/kg/day/BID, and PEG (40%) 1ml/kg/day/BID. The dose was adjusted up to three times depending on responding. Treatment scheduled for two months and data were collected on 2ed, 4th and 8th weeks. 354 patients completed the trial. After eight weeks, patients in the PEG groups had higher number of bowel movement (Pv< 0.001) and low straining at stool (Pv <0.001) than patients in two others groups. Patient’s adherences with PEG were better than lactulose and magnesium hydroxide (Pv<0.001). Soiling and blood on stool declined significantly in three groups (Pv<0.001) without differences among. There were no serious adverse effects. Thus low dose of polyethylene glycol 3350 was more effective than lactulose and similar to M.O. M for the treatment of functional constipation and better tolerated without any significant adverse events in children. [Gheibi Sh, Imanieh MH, Haghighat M, Niknahad H, Sayyafan MS, Moatamed F, Saneian MH, Karami H, Esmaeili Dooki MR. Comparison of the Low Dose Polyethylene Glycol with Lactulose and Magnesium Hydroxide in Constipated Children. A Multicentric Randomized Clinical trial. Life Sci J 2012;9(4):5344-5350] (ISSN:10978135). http://www.lifesciencesite. com. 794
IC technology and learning: an impact evaluation of Cl@ssi 2.0

ABSTRACT In this paper We present a pilot study providing ICT resources at some Italian junior high schools. In 2009, 156 classes at 6th grade were endowed with additional resources earmarked for purchasing ICT equipment. By selecting an equivalent number of classes in the same schools, we are able to conduct an evaluation of the causal effect of ICT on student achievements, controlling for their initial level. Despite a significant investment, the impact on literacy and numeracy achievement is negligible: if we take the most encouraging results, the average improvement would be 3 test points, corresponding to 17% of a standard deviation.
The Art of the Probable: System Control in the Adaptive Immune System

The immune system provides very effective host defense against infectious agents. Although many details are known about the cells and molecules involved, a broader “systems engineering” view of this complex system is just beginning to emerge. Here the argument is put forward that stochastic events, potent amplification mechanisms, feedback controls, and heterogeneity arising from spatially dispersed cell interactions give rise to many of the gross properties of the immune system. A better appreciation of these underlying features will not only add to our basic understanding of how immunity develops or goes awry, but also illuminate new directions for manipulating the system in prophylactic and therapeutic settings.