Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Geometrically Nonlinear Flexural Analysis of Rectangular Plates under Different Transverse Loadings Using Mesh-Free Method

The paper examines the large deformation flexural response of laminated composites and sandwich plates under various transverse loadings. The mathematical formulation of the actual physical problem of the plate subjected to mechanical loading is presented utilizing different shear deformation theories and von Karman nonlinear kinematics. The nonlinear governing differential equations of equilibrium are linearized using quadratic extrapolation technique. A meshless technique based on radial basis functions (RBFs) is used for analysis of the problems. Laminated and sandwich plates with immovable simply supported and clamped edges and subjected to point, line, sinusoidal and uniformly distributed loads are analyzed. Introduction Plates/panels are one of the important structural elements in aerospace, automotive, marine and other high performance engineering structures. During their service life they are subjected to different loading conditions and resulting deformations may be moderate to large. These structural components are preferably made up of fiber reinforced composites stacked in layers or sandwich constructions resulting in saving of weight. Increase in the industrial use of laminated composites and sandwich construction necessitates the development of effective numerical tools/methods for the analysis of such structures. The large deformation analysis of the laminated composite plates subjected to different types of mechanical loading has been the subject of research interest of many investigators utilizing analytical and numerical tools. Using finite element method, Zhang and Yang [1] and Zhang and Kim [2] presented nonlinear analysis of thin to moderately thick laminated composite plates. Singh and Shukla [3] presented the nonlinear bending response of laminated plates using radial basis function. Transverse bending of shear deformable laminated composite plates in Green– Lagrange sense accounting for the transverse shear and large rotations are presented by Dash and Singh [4]. A semianalytical approach for the geometrically non-linear analysis of rectangular laminated plates with general in-plane and out-of-plane boundary conditions under a general distribution of out-of-plane loads is presented by Shufrin et al [5]. Most popular numerical techniques are based on versatile finite element. Finite difference, differential quadrature and boundary elements methods have also been used. In the last few years, a numerical tool that avoids the problem of mesh generation has gained momentum and has received attention of many researchers primarily due to the flexibility in the construction of finite dimensional sub-spaces. Particularly in case of extremely complex domain of interest, traditional numerical methods are somehow difficult to
Use of InfCare HIV to identify and characterize suboptimally treated HIV patients at a Danish HIV clinic: A cross-sectional cohort study

Background: The software program InfCare HIV is a combined clinical decision support tool and database. This study investigated the usefulness of InfCare HIV for identifying and characterizing suboptimally treated HIV-infected patients at a Danish HIV clinic. Methods: This cross-sectional cohort study included data on all HIV-infected patients treated at the Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, Denmark on a specific date. InfCare HIV was used to identify and characterize suboptimally treated patients defined as patients with virological failure (VF) or untreated patients with a CD4 + count below 350 cells/μl. Patient characteristics were analyzed (i.e. age, sex, ethnicity, and nadir and latest CD4 + cell count). Treatment history and reasons for suboptimal treatment were also investigated. Results: Among all 530 patients, 421 were receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and had undergone at least 48 weeks of treatment on 29 October 2010. Of these, 27 (6.4%) had ongoing VF. Four were untreated despite a CD4 + count below 350 cells/μl. Among patients on HAART, patients with VF were younger and had lower median nadir CD4 + cell counts than patients without VF. Further, 33.3% (6/18) of African Black men but only 4.1% (10/244) of Caucasian men on HAART had VF (p < 0.001). The primary reason for VF was non-adherence. Three untreated patients had refused HAART, and 1 was not treated because of concerns of non-adherence. Conclusions: InfCare HIV was successfully used to identify patients with suboptimal treatment. A surprisingly high percentage of African Black men had VF.
Retinal Ganglion Cell Layer Volumetric Assessment by Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography in Multiple Sclerosis: Application of a High-Precision Manual Estimation Technique

Background: Neuronal loss in the retina has been demonstrated pathologically in eyes of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). In vivo, MS eyes have reduced total macular volumes by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Using a high-resolution spectral-domain OCT, this pilot study used a manual method to measure ganglion cell layer (GCL) volumes and to determine the relation of these volumes to visual function in MS eyes. Methods: Sixteen eyes of 8 patients with MS and 8 eyes of 5 disease-free control participants were studied using fast macular OCT scans performed with Spectralis OCT (Heidelberg Engineering). Visual function tests of low-contrast letter acuity and high-contrast visual acuity were administered. Results: MS patient eyes had significantly lower GCL volumes than the control eyes (P < 0.001 vs controls, generalized estimating equation regression models accounting for age and within-patient intereye correlations). Within the MS group, eyes with a history of optic neuritis (ON, n = 4) had significantly lower GCL volumes than MS eyes with no ON history (P < 0.001). In contrast to measures of high-contrast visual acuity (P = 0.14), decreased GCL volumes were associated with worse performance on low-contrast letter acuity testing (P = 0.003). Conclusions: This pilot study has characterized thinning of the GCL in MS patient eyes, particularly in those with a history of acute ON, which corresponded to a reduced performance on low-contrast letter acuity testing. Studies utilizing computerized segmentation algorithms will continue to facilitate the detection of GCL loss on a larger scale and provide important information in vivo on the role and timing of neuronal vs axonal loss in MS eyes.
‘Is Residual Income Model (RIM) Really Superior to Dividend Discount Model (DDM)?’ – A Misconception

The development of the residual income model (RIM) has potential implications for the empirical researchers as the model specifies relationship between earnings and book values as proxies for equity values and accounting variables. Although researchers have supported RIM as an alternative to the dividend discount model (DDM), some empirical studies on RIM have triggered arguments on the superiority of the RIM over DDM. In theory, both models give the same value estimates; empirically, these value estimates changes with the changes in the assumption sets. In this paper, we show that both models provide the same values estimates when the terminal value can be forecasted. Although, under the perpetual growth rate model, the researchers have shown that empirically RIM outperforms DDM. We have shown that this superiority of RIM is misleading, as the transversality condition, a necessary assumption for deriving the RIM, is void under the perpetual growth rate scenario.
A preliminary comparison of Landsat Thematic Mapper and SPOT-1 HRV multispectral data for estimating coniferous forest volume

Abstract Digital Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) and Satellite Probatoire d'Observation de la Terre (SPOT) High Resolution Visible (HRV) images of coniferous forest canopies were compared in their relationsbip to forest wood volume using correlation and regression analyses. Significant inverse relationships were found between softwood volume and the spectral bands from both sensors (P <0·01). The highest correlations were between the log of softwood volume and the near-infared bands (HRV band 3, r = -0·89; TM band 4, r = -0.83).
Adhesion and growth of CaCo2 cells on surface-modified PEEK substrata

A series of surface-functionalized poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) films has been prepared by selective wet-chemistry; they are hydroxylated polymer (PEEK-OH) obtained by reduction, aminated polymer (PEEK-[]-NH2) prepared by coupling a diisocyanate reagent to PEEKOH (PEEK-[]-NCO) followed by hydrolysis, and carboxylated and aminocarboxylated polymers (PEEK-[]-GABA and PEEK-Lysine) resulting from the coupling of aminoacids to PEEK-[]-NCO. The aminated and carboxylated substrata promoted the adhesion and growth of CaCo2 cells in the presence of serum. Fibronectin (FN), an extra-cellular matrix protein, has been covalently fixed and/or adsorbed on various PEEK substrata, in the presence or not of a polymeric surfactant (Pluronic F68). The performances of the FN-grafted substrata (PEEK-[]-FN(1) and PEEK-[]-FN(2)) were significantly higher than those of reference substrata simply coated with FN (PEEK-OH(+FN)(1) and (2), PEEK-[]-NH2(+FN)(1) and (2)), considering the adhesion and spreading of CaCo2 cells in the absence of serum. Moreover, the stability of the adherent cells on the FN-adsorbed substrata dramatically depended on the experimental conditions applied during the PEEK coating with FN.
Price, value and profit – a continuous, general, treatment

This text comprises chapter 13 of Marx and non-equilibrium Economics[1]. It provides a general mathematical specification of a non-equilibrium interpretation of Marx’s theory of value. It refutes the Okishio theorem and solves the transformation problem. It is a foundation work of scholarship within the TSSI (temporal single-system interpretation) of Marx. It specifies temporal values within a continuous-time framework as opposed to a discrete-time framework, and shows how to pass from discrete or serial time (difference equation, sequential) formalisations to continuous (differential equation, temporal) formalisations of the conservation of value. [1] Freeman, A. and Carchedi, G. (eds) (1996), Marx and Non-Equilibrium Economics, pp1-29. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar. ISBN 1 85898 268 5.
Closed Loop Deep Brain Stimulation for PTSD, Addiction, and Disorders of Affective Facial Interpretation: Review and Discussion of Potential Biomarkers and Stimulation Paradigms

The treatment of psychiatric diseases with Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is becoming more of a reality as studies proliferate the indications and targets for therapies. Opinions on the initial failures of DBS trials for some psychiatric diseases point to a certain lack of finesse in using an Open Loop DBS (OLDBS) system in these dynamic, cyclical pathologies. OLDBS delivers monomorphic input into dysfunctional brain circuits with modulation of that input via human interface at discrete time points with no interim modulation or adaptation to the changing circuit dynamics. Closed Loop DBS (CLDBS) promises dynamic, intrinsic circuit modulation based on individual physiologic biomarkers of dysfunction. Discussed here are several psychiatric diseases which may be amenable to CLDBS paradigms as the neurophysiologic dysfunction is stochastic and not static. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has several peripheral and central physiologic and neurologic changes preceding stereotyped hyper-activation behavioral responses. Biomarkers for CLDBS potentially include skin conductance changes indicating changes in the sympathetic nervous system, changes in serum and central neurotransmitter concentrations, and limbic circuit activation. Chemical dependency and addiction have been demonstrated to be improved with both ablation and DBS of the Nucleus Accumbens and as a serendipitous side effect of movement disorder treatment. Potential peripheral biomarkers are similar to those proposed for PTSD with possible use of environmental and geolocation based cues, peripheral signs of physiologic arousal, and individual changes in central circuit patterns. Non-substance addiction disorders have also been serendipitously treated in patients with OLDBS for movement disorders. As more is learned about these behavioral addictions, DBS targets and effectors will be identified. Finally, discussed is the use of facial recognition software to modulate activation of inappropriate responses for psychiatric diseases in which misinterpretation of social cues feature prominently. These include Autism Spectrum Disorder, PTSD, and Schizophrenia—all of which have a common feature of dysfunctional interpretation of facial affective clues. Technological advances and improvements in circuit-based, individual-specific, real-time adaptable modulation, forecast functional neurosurgery treatments for heretofore treatment-resistant behavioral diseases.
Explaining the scope of information in performance measurement: managerial roles and contextual variables

This study analyses the influence of contextual variables and managerial roles on the scope of job-relevant information in performance measurement. Five hypotheses are drawn for the effects on potential (intended) scope, real (existing) scope and difference (gap) between these scopes. Empirical results are based on survey data from 76 Finnish managers (CEOs) of manufacturing firms in 2008. The rate of survey response was 26.5%. Typology of managerial job is extracted from the ten roles of Mintzberg (1973) by the factor analysis. The scope of information is extracted from a set of 27 information items in the IPMS framework presented by Laitinen (2002). The influence on the scope of information is analysed by regression analysis. The evidence shows that the managerial role is strongly associated with the potential scope of information. However, contextual variables (size, strategy, industry, competition, and PEU) are important determinants of the gap. Thus, in designing management information systems, more attention should be paid to managerial roles and to release the restrictions set by context.
Rating the Risks

People respond to the hazards they perceive. If their perceptions are faulty, efforts at public and environmental protection are likely to be misdirected. In order to improve hazard management, a risk assessment industry has developed over the last decade which combines the efforts of physical, biological, and social scientists in an attempt to identify hazards and measure the frequency and magnitude of their consequences. **
The ALG-2-interacting Protein Alix Associates with CHMP4b, a Human Homologue of Yeast Snf7 That Is Involved in Multivesicular Body Sorting*

Alix (ALG-2-interacting protein X) is a 95-kDa protein that interacts with an EF-hand type Ca2+-binding protein, ALG-2 (apoptosis-linked gene 2), through its C-terminal proline-rich region. In this study, we searched for proteins that interact with human AlixΔC (a truncated form not containing the C-terminal region) by using a yeast two-hybrid screen, and we identified two similar human proteins, CHMP4a and CHMP4b (chromatin-modifying protein; charged multivesicular body protein), as novel binding partners of Alix. The interaction of Alix with CHMP4b was confirmed by a glutathione S-transferase pull-down assay and by co-immunoprecipitation experiments. Fluorescence microscopic analysis revealed that CHMP4b transiently expressed in HeLa cells mainly exhibited a punctate distribution in the perinuclear area and co-localized with co-expressed Alix. The distribution of CHMP4b partly overlapped the distributions of early and late endosomal marker proteins, EEA1 (early endosome antigen 1) and Lamp-1 (lysosomal membrane protein-1), respectively. Transient overexpression of CHMP4b induced the accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins as punctate patterns that were partly overlapped with the distribution of CHMP4b and inhibited the disappearance of endocytosed epidermal growth factor. In contrast, stably expressed CHMP4b in HEK293 cells was observed diffusely in the cytoplasm. Transient overexpression of AlixΔC in stably CHMP4b-expressing cells, however, induced formation of vesicle-like structures in which CHMP4b and AlixΔC were co-localized. SKD1E235Q, a dominant negative form of the AAA type ATPase SKD1 that plays critical roles in the endocytic pathway, was co-immunoprecipitated with CHMP4b. Furthermore, CHMP4b co-localized with SKD1E235Q as punctate patterns in the perinuclear area, and Alix was induced to exhibit dot-like distributions overlapped with SKD1E235Q in HeLa cells. These results suggest that CHMP4b and Alix participate in formation of multivesicular bodies by cooperating with SKD1.
Medindo o impacto regional da política monetária brasileira: uma comparação entre as Regiões Nordeste e Sul

Este trabalho procura documentar o impacto da política monetária brasileira após o Plano Realnas regiões Nordeste e Sul, usando vetores autoregressivos (VAR). Procura-se avaliar quantitativamente o grau de assimetria em termos das respostas dos índices de produção industrial das respectivas regiões a um choque de política monetária. Constata-se que as respostas ao impulso associadas ao choque de política monetária para as duas regiões em termos agregados são bastante assimétricas. O Sul tende a reagir mais fortemente ao choque que oNordeste. O impacto em nível estadual é também bastante assimétrico. Apesar dos estados do Sul serem mais afetados pelo choque de política monetária relativamente aos Estados nordestinos, Bahia e Pernambuco reagem fortemente ao choque em comparação com o Nordeste como um todo.
Rationality of analysts’ earnings forecasts: evidence from dow 30 companies

We test the rationality of analysts’ earnings forecasts for Dow 30 companies using an improved statistical methodology that accounts for non-stationarity in time-series data, non-normality in co-integrating regression, and serial correlation of forecast errors. Using one-quarter-ahead forecasts from 1984:Q4–2000:Q1 and analyzing firm-by-firm for Dow 30, we find that the earnings forecasts for at least two-third of our sample firms are consistent with the prediction of rational expectations hypothesis (REH). The most important implication of this finding is that it is premature to conclude that analysts’ estimates are irrational and systematically biased.
Comparing Present Value Cost Differentials between Fixed- and Adjustable-Rate Loans: A Mortgage Simulation

When a borrower chooses between a fixed-rate and an adjustable-rate loan, he is doing so based on expectations of future interest rates and the expected life of the loan. This paper demonstrates how Monte Carlo simulation can be employed to assist in decision making when the borrower is confronted with the choice of fixed- or adjustable-rate mortgages. Present value costs of future mortgage payments are modeled using actual lending parameters offered over a 50-month period, at varying borrower discount rates, and with different mortgage is shown to be sensitive to mortgage holding period and discount rates as well as to market conditions. Copyright 1991 by MIT Press.
The Territorial Role of Second Chambers

Upper houses of parliament classically perform scrutiny and revising functions with respect to government policy and legislation. In this they are generally the junior parliamentary partner, shadowing the work of the lower house, and often possessing considerably lesser powers. However, many also have a unique function, not shared by the lower house, of representing the territorial interests of provinces, regions or states at the national level. The origins of this territorial role of upper houses, the extent to which it is a feature today, and whether such chambers in practice fulfil a territorial role are investigated. Finally, the future, and the extent to which the territorial model may be becoming the standard one for upper house design is discussed.
An Improved Test for Earnings Management Using Kernel Density Estimation†

Abstract This paper describes improvements on methods developed by Burgstahler and Dichev (1997, Earnings management to avoid earnings decreases and losses, Journal of Accounting and Economics, 24(1), pp. 99–126) and Bollen and Pool (2009, Do hedge fund managers misreport returns? Evidence from the pooled distribution, Journal of Finance, 64(5), pp. 2257–2288) to test for earnings management by identifying discontinuities in distributions of scaled earnings or earnings forecast errors. While existing methods use preselected bandwidths for kernel density estimation and histogram construction, the proposed test procedure addresses the key problem of bandwidth selection by using a bootstrap test to endogenise the selection step. The main advantage offered by the bootstrap procedure over prior methods is that it provides a reference distribution that cannot be globally distinguished from the empirical distribution rather than assuming a correct reference distribution. This procedure limits the researcher's degrees of freedom and offers a simple procedure to find and test a local discontinuity. I apply the bootstrap density estimation to earnings, earnings changes, and earnings forecast errors in US firms over the period 1976–2010. Significance levels found in earlier studies are greatly reduced, often to insignificant values. Discontinuities cannot be detected in analysts’ forecast errors, while such findings of discontinuities in earlier research can be explained by a simple rounding mechanism. Earnings data show a large drop in loss aversion after 2003 that cannot be detected in changes of earnings.
Travel demand and behavior of university students in Hong Kong

University students represent an emerging market for the travel industry. This paper reports the findings of a study on the travel behavior and travel patterns of Hong Kong university students. Using a questionnaire, a survey was conducted to identify student travel motives, their travel planning process and travel preferences. A total of 264 university students in Hong Kong were interviewed and data analyzed. The results indicate that to “Experience new and different styles”, “Take it easy and relax”, “Go to places I haven't been before” and “Outstanding scenery” were perceived as important motives in students' travel decision-making. Four factors with 24 attributes were identified. These factors were “Social relationships”, “Obtain new experience”, “Relax and enjoy” and “Cost of travel”. Based on the findings of the study, it was suggested that modifications to the existing tourism products and services and new product development were necessary in order to meet the demand of this emerging market.
The role of the "Maximizing Output Growth Inflation Rate" in monetary policy

The paper discusses the role of monetary policy when potential output depends on the inflation rate. If the intention of the central bank is to maximize actual output growth, then it has to be credibly committed to a strict inflation targeting rule, and to take the MOGIR (the Maximizing Output Growth Inflation Rate) as the target.
Exciton-exciton interaction and biexciton formation in bilayer systems

We report quantum Monte Carlo calculations of biexciton binding energies in ideal two-dimensional bilayer systems with isotropic electron and hole masses. We have also calculated exciton-exciton interaction potentials and pair-distribution functions for electrons and holes in bound biexcitons. Comparing our data with results obtained in a recent study using a model exciton-exciton potential [ Schindler and Zimmermann Phys. Rev. B 78 045313 (2008)], we find a somewhat larger range of layer separations at which biexcitons are stable. We find that individual excitons retain their identity in bound biexcitons for large layer separations.