Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
YBCO Films With � Doping Grown by MOD Method

YBa2Cu3O7-delta (YBCO) films with Zr doping have been prepared successfully by the trifluoroacetate metal-organic deposition (TFA-MOD) method through dissolving Zr acetylacetonate into the precursor solution. Yttria-stabilized zirconia(YSZ)nanoparticles were detected in the doped YBCO films by XRD. From the analysis of XRD omega and phi scans, the doped films have better out-of-plane and in-plane textures than those of the un-doped YBCO film. Although the doped YBCO films have lower T-c than that of the un-doped YBCO film, a very significant enhancement of normalized J(c) is displayed as compared to the undoped film at applied fields, indicating that an effective pinning force was created by Zr doping.
Self-Driving Cars and the City: Long-Run Effects On Land Use, Welfare, and the Environment

This paper considers the widespread adoption of electric, shared, autonomous vehicles (AVs). Numerical simulations suggest falling transportation costs and changing center-city land use patterns will reshape the urban form of the city, with several primary consequences. The most likely scenarios suggest substantial household welfare increases, suburbanization, and increased household energy consumption, calling into question claims that autonomous vehicles will save energy.
The credit rating puzzle : a study on the relationship between equity returns and corporate credit ratings in the US stock market

This study search to investigate the relationship between credit risk, measured by S&P longterm domestic issuer credit rating, and stock returns. Analyzing 3,172 companies over the period January 1985 to December 2013 we investigate if it exist a relationship using several methods. In the first part we generate portfolios sorted by credit rating, and analyze how certain firm characteristics and returns varies between good and bad rated stocks. Secondly, we are running panel data regressions on individual securities controlling for several control variables, such as book-to-market, market value of equity, and share turnover. We find a negative relationship between stock returns and credit ratings, suggesting that worst rated stocks on average yield lower returns than better-rated stocks. Market value of equity decrease monotonously as rating deteriorates. However, we also find that the credit rating effect is related to worst rated stocks. Excluding the worse rated stocks, we find no statistical evidence that there exist a negative effect, until we include BBrated stocks. In times of recession the effect is stronger than in expansions, suggesting that credit ratings may be of more interest for investors when there exist a higher risk of financial distress. Around downgrades (upgrades) returns have a downward (upward) trend ex-ante the event. After change in credit quality, we notice returns bounce back on a level equal securities that did not experience any rating action. It is no clear explanation to this negative relationship. Existing literature suggest that majority shareholders can extract private benefits from distressed companies, buying the companies assets or output at lower price. Hence, the observed return is lower than the realized return. For smaller companies with low analyst coverage, bad news travel more slowly than in large firms with higher analyst coverage, and the underperformance can be explained due to investor’s underreaction to negative information.
The Impact of Financial Development in China 1993-2008: A Non- linear Model approach

This paper investigates non-linearity in the development of financial sectors in China that would suggest a threshold point for inflation materially entering into decision of policy markers. We use a Smooth Transition Regression model (STR) which recently developed by Terasvirta and Anderson (1992), Granger and Terasvirta (1993), and Terasvirta (1994). One of our main results is the existence of non-linearity among financial development, economic growth and inflation in China. No mater we apply which indicator to measure the development of finance, the transition mechanism specified tests strongly reject the linearity assumption. Consequently we found that when inflation was above 2% and less than 20%, the model was in a transition period. A positive impact of total market capitalisation occurred in China during 1993Q1 to 2008Q4, when inflation was above 7%. Meanwhile, we found the inflation-real economic output nexus from the STR model. A transition from a positive to a negative occurred when the rate of inflation was more than 2% and below 20%. Inflation had a negative impact on real per capita GDP, when inflation was above 11% in China during 1993Q1 to 2008Q4.
STRENGTH AND DEFORMATION OF SOFT ROCKS UNDER CYCLIC LOADING CONSIDERING LOADING PERIOD EFFECTS

Cost-eŠective design is the primary motivation for adopting the performance-based design method. This method, however, requires that deformations be reliably estimated. While soft rocks are known to be competent foundation materials for large-scale structures, the deformation characteristics of this material when subjected to large cyclic loadings still have to be understood. In this study, the strength and deformation characteristics of soft rocks under cyclic loadings were investigated by conducting cyclic triaxial tests on natural soft rock samples. The loading histories that were applied to these samples were uniform amplitude cyclic loadings with loading periods between 1 s and 9000 s. The tests revealed that the longer the loading period, the larger is the residual strain accumulated for a certain number of loading cycles. This dependency of residual strain accumulation on loading period appears to be an intrinsic material property which is irrespective of loading amplitude and water content. From this ˆnding, it can be inferred that the prevailing practice of soft rock cyclic loading tests at 300 s and 9000 s of cyclic loading periods, which are much longer than that of earthquakes, can result in overestimated residual strains.
IibDMC: a Library to Operate Efficient Distributed Model Checking

Model checking is a formal verification technique that allows to automatically prove that a system's behavior is correct. However it is often prohibitively expensive in time and memory complexity, due to the so-called state space explosion problem. We present a generic multithreaded and distributed infrastructure library designed to allow distribution of the model checking procedure over a cluster of machines. This library is generic, and is designed to allow encapsulation of any model checker in order to make it distributed. Performance evaluations are reported and clearly show the advantages of multi-threading to occupy processors while waiting for the network, with linear speedup over the number of processors.
The use of visible speech cues (speechreading) for directing auditory attention: Reducing temporal and spectral uncertainty in auditory detection of spoken sentences

It is well established that auditory‐visual speech recognition is far superior to auditory‐only speech recognition. Classic accounts of the benefits of speechreading to speech recognition treat auditory and visual channels as independent sources of information that are integrated early in the speech perception process, most likely at a precategorical stage. The question addressed in this study was whether visible movements of the speech articulators could be used to improve the detection of speech in noise, thus demonstrating an influence of speechreading on the processing of low‐level auditory cues. Subjects were required to detect the presence of spoken sentences in noise under three conditions: auditory‐only, auditory‐visual with a visually matched sentence, and auditory‐visual with a visually unmatched sentence. The potential benefits of congruent visual speech cues to auditory detection will be discussed in terms of a reduction of signal uncertainty, in both temporal and spectral domains. In effect, .
Discordant results of flow cytometric ZAP‐70 expression status in B‐CLL samples if different gating strategies are applied

Recent studies have identified ZAP‐70 expression status as an excellent prognostic parameter in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). ZAP‐70 expression can be determined by direct antibody staining followed by flow cytometric analysis. However, there are currently several different gating strategies for analysis. We compared those strategies for ZAP‐70 expression analysis.
Sensory Preference in Speech Production Revealed by Simultaneous Alteration of Auditory and Somatosensory Feedback

The idea that humans learn and maintain accurate speech by carefully monitoring auditory feedback is widely held. But this view neglects the fact that auditory feedback is highly correlated with somatosensory feedback during speech production. Somatosensory feedback from speech movements could be a primary means by which cortical speech areas monitor the accuracy of produced speech. We tested this idea by placing the somatosensory and auditory systems in competition during speech motor learning. To do this, we combined two speech-learning paradigms to simultaneously alter somatosensory and auditory feedback in real time as subjects spoke. Somatosensory feedback was manipulated by using a robotic device that altered the motion path of the jaw. Auditory feedback was manipulated by changing the frequency of the first formant of the vowel sound and playing back the modified utterance to the subject through headphones. The amount of compensation for each perturbation was used as a measure of sensory reliance. All subjects were observed to correct for at least one of the perturbations, but auditory feedback was not dominant. Indeed, some subjects showed a stable preference for either somatosensory or auditory feedback during speech.
Effects of molecular architecture of phospholipid polymers on surface modification of segmented polyurethanes

To modify the surface properties of segmented polyurethane (SPU), effects of the molecular architecture of the 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) polymers on the performance of the SPU/MPC polymer membrane were investigated. We combined the random-type, block-type, and graft-type of the MPC polymers with a typical SPU, Tecoflex® using double solution casting procedure. The graft-type MPC polymers composed of a poly(MPC) main chain and poly(2-ethylhexyl methacrylate (EHMA)) side chains were synthesized through the combination of two different living radical polymerization techniques to regulate the density and chain length of the side chains. The SPU membranes modified with the MPC polymers were characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results revealed that the MPC units were located on the SPU surface. Although the breaking strength of the SPU membranes modified with block-type poly(MPC-block-EHMA) and graft-type poly(MPC-graft-EHMA) was lower than that of SPU membranes modified with random-type poly(MPC-random-EHMA), their breaking strengths were adequate for manufacturing medical devices. On the other hand, better stability was observed in the MPC polymer layer on the SPU membrane after immersion in an aqueous medium, wherein the SPU membrane had been modified with the poly(MPC-graft-EHMA). This was because of the intermixing of the hydrophobic poly(EHMA) segments in the domain of the hard segments in the SPU membrane. After this modification, each SPU/MPC polymer membrane showed hydrophilic nature based on the MPC polymers and a dramatic suppression of protein adsorption. From these results, we concluded that the SPU membrane modified with the poly(MPC-graft-EHMA) was one of the promising polymeric biomaterials for making blood-contacting medical devices.
A Model of Remittance Determination Applied to Middle East and North Africa Countries

The objective is to construct and estimate a model of remittance determination which reflects individual behaviour of the migrant and his family, treating remittances as an endogenous variable in the migration system. Behind this model is found the idea of the relative bargaining power, inherent in the implicit contract theory, which determines priorities for present or future consumption of remittances. The model has two purposes: estimate the relative significance of behavioural and macroeconomic variables in remittance determination, and interpret, in a feedback manner, the results with respect to the theoretical postulates. All countries concerned are found to demonstrate unstable and volatile income expectations, with implications to remitting behaviour, and to present-future priorities.
Is There an Expectations Gap in the Roles of Independent Directors? An Explorative Study of Listed Chinese Companies

This paper investigates whether an expectations gap exists in the control, strategic and resource provision roles that independent directors play in the corporate governance of listed Chinese firms and the factors that affect their performance of these roles. For this purpose, we interviewed Chinese executive directors, independent directors, institutional investors and stock exchange regulators. We find a performance gap but no reasonableness gap with respect to the control and strategic roles. The results suggest that the performance gap may be attributed to such factors as the ill-defined roles, independent directors' limited amount of time commitment and their lack of competence and objectivity. Interestingly, there is disagreement over the protection of minority interest as the objective of the control role. We find no consensus on the desirability, reasonableness and effectiveness of independent directors' resource provision role, perhaps because of a pejorative interpretation of this role as an exercise of guanxi.
Effects of Stuttering on Social Interaction among Young Adolescents in Kakamega County, Kenya

Stuttering is a speech disorder characterized by repetitions, prolongations, interjections, hesitations and blocks. The prevalence rate of persons who stutter in the World is 1%. Kenya has an estimated 440, 000 persons who stutter, out of which 16,606 live in Kakamega county. Results from a baseline survey carried out in counties in Wesstern Kenya Region between 2010 and 2013 to find out the distribution of Learners Who Stutter (LWS) indicated that; Kakamega had 138, Vihiga 84, Bungoma 33, and Busia 10. In Kakamega county these learners were enrolled in 20 schools. The same survey showed that LWS are getting less than 250 marks out of possible 500 marks. Research has shown that this low performance is due to stuttering effects such as anxiety, stigma, fear, frustrations and embarrassment to the LWS while speaking. However, the influence of these stuttering effects on social interaction among learners are unknown. The purpose of study was to determine the influence of stuttering effects on social interactions among LWS. Objective of study were to; establish the status of social interactions among LWS and determine influence of stuttering effects on social interactions among LWS. The study employed descriptive survey and correlation research designs. The target population consisted of 84 LWS, 2301 regular learners in class six, seven and eight; 120 teachers and 20 head teachers. Stratified random sampling was used to select 329 regular learners, while saturated sampling was used to select 76 LWS, 108 teachers and 18 head teachers. Data was collected using questionnaire, interview schedule, and observation guide. Face and content validity of instruments was established. Reliability of instruments was established through test-retest method on 10% of study population using Pearson correlation; reliability was accepted at 0.7 and above. Quantitative data was analyzed and presented in percentages and means. Multiple regressions were used to find out effects of stuttering on social interactions among LWS. Qualitative data was transcribed, analyzed and reported in emergent themes and sub-themes. The findings of the study indicated that Effects of stuttering explained 57.8% (R 2 Change= .578) p<. 05 negative variance in social interactions among LWS. The finding further indicated that LWS had difficulties in social interactions due to effects of stuttering and this may explain their poor performance in class if they cannot interact easily with their peers and teachers. In conclusion, the effects of stuttering negatively influenced social interactions among LWS.
Unravelling Autobiographical Retrograde Amnesia Following Bitemporal Electroconvulsive Therapy: Effect of Treatment versus Effect of Time

Objective: To reliably quantify the autobiographical retrograde amnesia directly attributable to the effect of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) independent from normal and depression-associated changes in autobiographical memory consistency. Method: By use of retrospective case-control study design, 19 severely depressed inpatients never treated with ECT who received pharmacotherapy (noECT group) were individually matched to similarly depressed 19 patients treated with standard, bitemporal electrode placement, ECT (B-ECT). The two groups were compared at Pre-Treatment, at Post-Treatment and at three months Follow-Up on their performance on the Semantic, Episodic-Extended and Episodic-Specific Components of the Columbia Autobiographical Memory Interview-Short Form (CAMI-SF). Effects of treatment group and time on the three components were tested with 2 × 3 repeated-measures analyses of variance. Depression severity, assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, was investigated as possible covariate. To explore the results’ clinical significance, individual CAMI-SF performances were compared to available normative data. Results: At Pre-Treatment, the two groups were comparable on all three CAMI-SF components. In both groups, a significant effect of time explained decreased performance at Post-Treatment and Follow-Up on all components (p-values 0.16). The B-ECT retrieval consistency on the Episodic-Specific component was significantly worse at both Post-Treatment (p = 0.009) and Follow-Up (p = 0.012) relative to the noECT group. Ratios of impaired retrieval consistency were higher in the B-ECT group than in the noECT group at Post-Treatment only. On individual level, bitemporal ECT was associated with a clinically significant decrease in Episodic-Specific autobiographical memory recall at Post-Treatment in 37% of participants and, for about 26%, this specific impairment persisted for at least three months after end of treatment. Depression severity did not influence observed results. Conclusion: ECT-associated autobiographical amnesia is limited to specific personal episodes, does not affect all patients and is reversible for some.
Preparing the scientific basis for an all metal ITER

The use of beryllium, carbon and tungsten as plasma-facing materials (PFMs) in ITER calls for dedicated investigations on their behaviour under the expected particle and power loads and neutron irradiation. Their simultaneous use implies the formation of mixed materials during plasma operation, which can have significantly different properties compared to the initial materials concerning thermo-mechanical behaviour and T retention. This contribution presents the latest results on these issues mainly achieved under the umbrella of the European taskforce on Plasma Wall Interaction. While laboratory results provide the basis for the understanding of the basic properties and the behaviour of PFMs, experiments in fusion devices are indispensable in order to test their integral performance, incorporating also the internal feedback on the plasma properties. For this reason ASDEX Upgrade has been converted to a full W device, while JET is beginning operation with its ITER-like wall consisting of a Be main chamber plasma-facing components and a W divertor. In parallel, dedicated W experiments are performed in several devices in order to investigate specific uncertainties such as the characteristics of melt layer movement in the presence of a strong magnetic field. Based on the results on ASDEX Upgrade, which reveal a narrower operational space as compared to the operation with graphite plasma facing components but also provide tools for a successful operation with tungsten, the experiments at JET will provide a unique opportunity to address specific issues related to the parallel use of Be and W as PFMs with plasma parameters closest to those of ITER. Amongst these are the anticipated but still to be demonstrated reduction in hydrogen retention compared to a carbon device, the test of conditioning procedures, mixed materials effects, erosion and transport, the effect of ELMs and ELM mitigation methods as well as the behaviour of melt layers and their influence on plasma operation under steady state and transient heat loads. PACS numbers: 52.40. Hf, 52.25. Vy, 28.52. Fa, 52.55. Rk, 52.55. Fa ‡ See A. Kallenbach et al., Proc. of the 23rd IAEA Fusion Energy Conference 2010, Daejeon, Korea § See Appendix of F. Romanelli et al., Proc. of the 23rd IAEA Fusion Energy Conference 2010, Daejeon, Korea Preparing the scientific basis for an all metal ITER 2
A model combining cell physiology and population genetics to explain the evolution of Escherichia coli in laboratory experiments

Like all articles in BMC journals, this peer-reviewed article was published immediately upon acceptance. This article can be downloaded, printed and distributed freely for non-commercial purposes (see copyright notice below). Articles in BMC journals are listed in PubMed and archived at PubMed Central. For information about publishing your research in BMC journals go to http://www.biomedcentral. com/info/call.asp
Matching With Complementary Contracts

In this paper, we show that stable outcomes exist in matching environments with complementarities, such as social media platforms or markets for patent licenses. Our results apply to both nontransferable and transferable utility settings, and allow for multilateral agreements and those with externalities. In particular, we show that stable outcomes in these settings are characterized by the largest fixed point of a monotone operator, and so can be found using an algorithm; in the nontransferable utility case, this is a one‐sided deferred acceptance algorithm, rather than a Gale–Shapley algorithm. We also give a monotone comparative statics result as well as a comparative static on the effect of bundling contracts together. These illustrate the impact of design decisions, such as increased privacy protections on social media, or the use of antitrust law to disallow patent pools, on stable outcomes.
How Disclosing Skill Assistance Affects Play Experience in a Multiplayer First-Person Shooter Game

In social play settings, it can be difficult for people with different skill levels to play a game together. Player balancing that provides skill assistance for the weaker player can allow for enjoyable play experiences; however, previous research (and conventional wisdom) has suggested that skill assistance should be kept hidden to avoid perceptions of unfairness. We carried out a study to test how disclosing skill assistance affects player experience. We found -- surprisingly -- that disclosing assistance did not harm play experience; players were more influenced by the benefits of equalized performance resulting from assistance than by their knowledge of the assist. We introduce the idea of attribution biases to help explain why awareness was not harmful -- people tend to take credit for their successes, but attribute failures externally. We discuss how game designers can incorporate skill assistance to build multiplayer games that improve experiences for a wide range of players.