Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determinants of Residential end-use electricity demand: Evidence from Sweden

Using a household appliance metering data set from the Swedish Energy Agency, this paper focuses on understanding the determinants of end-use electricity demand for Sweden. The focal point of the analysis is the estimation of end-use-specific income elasticity of electricity demand, for the first time for Sweden. A seemingly unrelated regression framework is used for understanding the determinants of end-use demand, with the end-uses being heating, kitchen, lighting, and residual. The main results of the analysis are: high aggregate elasticity (above 0.6), and very high income elasticity of electric heating (above 0.8). Other size-related variables (size of home, number of people) do not appear to have significant explanatory power. Overall, our analysis indicates that income is a key factor determining the demand for electricity, and to a much larger extent than usually considered.
Aggregating Credit and Market Risk: The Impact of Model Specification

We investigate the effect of model specification on the aggregation of (correlated) market and credit risk. We focus on the functional form linking systematic credit risk drivers to default probabilities. Examples include the normal based probit link function for typical structural models, or the exponential (Poisson) link function for typical reduced form models. We first show analytically how model specification impacts 'diversification benefits' for aggregated market and credit risk. The specification effect can lead to Value-at-Risk (VaR) reductions in the range of 3 percent to 47 percent, particularly at high confidence level VaRs. We also illustrate the effects using a fully calibrated empirical model for US data. The empirical effects corroborate our analytic results.
A critique of connectionist semantics

Amongst modellers ofnatural language comprehension, the suspicion that explicit semantic representations are inherently biased has led many to rely more heavily on the ability of networks to form their own internal semantic representations over the course of training. The concern over explicit semantics, however, betrays a lack of appreciation for the manner in which insidious biases can and cannot creep into models of comprehension. In fact, the trend of relying on networks to form their own internal semantic representations has done little to curtail one common form of insidious bias. Where models of natural language comprehension are concerned, the cause of inappropriate biases has everything to do with the manner in which regularities find their way into sentence/meaning pairs and little or nothing to do with the degree to which semantic information is made explicit. This is fortunate, as there may be drawbacks to relying too heavily on the ability of networks to form their own internal semantic representations.
Effect on Intraocular Pressure of Switching from Latanoprost and Travoprost Monotherapy to Timolol Fixed Combinations in Patients with Normal-Tension Glaucoma

Purpose. To evaluate the effect on intraocular pressure (IOP) of switching from latanoprost and travoprost monotherapy to timolol fixed combinations in Japanese patients with normal-tension glaucoma (NTG). Methods. 27 NTG patients (54 eyes) were compared IOP, superficial punctuate keratitis (SPK) scores, and conjunctival injection scores in eyes treated with prostaglandin (PG) or PG analog/beta-blocker (PG/b) fixed-combination 6 months after the change in therapy. Results. The mean baseline intraocular pressure was 17.4 ± 1.59 mmHg in eyes receiving PG therapy only and 17.4 ± 1.69 mmHg in eyes switched to PG/b. Switching to fixed combination therapy from PG monotherapy, the mean IOP was 13.1 ± 1.79 mmHg (P < 0.001) (−24.71% reduction from baseline) at 6 months. The mean conjunctival injection score was 0.69 for eyes on PG monotherapy and 0.56 for eyes on fixed combination therapy (P = 0.028). The mean SPK scores were 0.46 and 0.53. This difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.463). Conclusions. Switching from PG monotherapy to PG/b fixed combination therapy for NTG resulted in a greater intraocular pressure reduction than PG alone without increasing the number of instillations.
Output controller for quadcopters based on mathematical model decomposition

In the paper an output control approach for a class of nonlinear MIMO systems is presented. A multicopter with four symmetrical rotors, i.e. a quadcopter, is chosen to illustrate effectiveness of the proposed adaptive control approach based on the high-gain principle so-called “consecutive compensator”. Output controller is designed by decomposition of the mathematical model on two parts. The first one is a static MIMO transformation (more precisely, in the considering case a system of linear equations which relates lift forces generated by the actuators and virtual control inputs). The second one is a few SISO channels. Such trick allows to design a control law in two steps. At the first step we design virtual controls for each SISO channel. Here we apply the mentioned systematic approach “consecutive compensator”. And then after the inverse MIMO transformation we get a set of real lift forces.
Markov Chain approach to Purchasing Power Convergence in the 15 European Union

In the present paper we study the degree of convergence in the European Union from the Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) point of view. The price of the shopping basket can be the cause of disparities in a global market in construction that, like the European Union, is formed by different countries with different consumption habits. In addition, in this construction process twelve out of fifteen countries of the EU have left its national currency to adopt the Euro like common currency. Therefore, it is necessary for the stability of the Union process in the long run that, among others, purchasing power of the different state members tends towards a same common value. Moreover, the question is whether that process of convergence within the European Union is taking place or not. In order to solve this question, the series of the Absolute Purchasing Power Parity (APPP) are estimated through the suggestion of Rodriguez et al (2004). These authors use the Harmonized Consumer Price Index in the European Union and the nominal exchange rates of the different currencies with euro. Monthly estimates of the APPP series for the 1995-2002 period are obtained for each of the fifteen countries. These figures show, for each country, their relative position to the average value of the European Union. Using these series we applied the Markov Chain methodology to study the time evolution of the distribution of APPP in the European Union. This methodology has been very used by its facility of calculation and interpretation of the results. Nevertheless, with the purpose of obtaining good estimations it is necessary to solve the discretization problem of a continuous variable. This is, to use a finite set, and relatively small number of states, for a variable with infinite values. In the present work different approaches are used to solve the problem. We test for structural change on the estimated probabilities using adapted test to Markov Chains. This allows us to study if an effect exists on the Purchasing Power Parity with the entrance of the Euro. Markov Chains are estimated by Maximum likelihood, and allow us to do different analyses. In the first place, we can study the mobility of the distribution, measured through the probabilities of permanence or not in the same state, and in the degree of diagonal structure of the resulting matrix. This objective can obtained by direct observation, calculating Mobility Index, or using expected time of first passage. Secondly, we can obtain the ergodic or long term distribution. This one shows the temporary evolution in the long run of the distribution, under the hypothesis of maintenance of the present conditions. This distribution would show the possible convergence or not of the whole distribution. We also estimate elasticities of ergodic probabilities, to analyze the effect of each probability in the Markov chain in the long run distribution. Results show differences with the Euro Entry, mobility towards convergence within the distribution is slow, with high elasticities of the ergodic distribution to changes in the transition probabilities.
Myrrh and artesunate modulate some Th1 and Th2 cytokines secretion in Schistosoma mansoni infected mice

The effects of artesunate and myrrh on S. mansoni infection and the levels of some Th1 and Th2 cytokines were evaluated in the present study. Six weeks after infection, a group of mice was treated with 4 mg/kg of artesunate and other group was treated with 10 mg/kg of myrrh for 3 successive days. Worm burden was reduced with a percentage of 53.7% and 58.78% after treatment with myrrh and artesunate respectively as well as the levels of IgG antibodies were significantly reduced compared with infected group. No obvious changes were observed in the level of interferon γ after treatment. After treatment with artesunate, interleukin 2 (IL-2) level was significantly decreased, while no significant difference was observed in myrrh-treated group compared with the infected group. On the other hand, the level of IL-10 was not significantly decreased after treatment with artesunate, but it was significantly increased after treatment with myrrh. However, IL-12 levels were significantly decreased after treatment with artesunate. The results demonstrated that, artesunate or myrrh treatment could give a level of protection against S. mansoni infection and modulate the levels of some Th1 and Th2 cytokines in mice infected with S. mansoni.
Complex Ginzburg-Landau Equation for Suddenly Blocked Unsteady Channel Flow

Spatio-temporal dynamics of complex flows in fluid mechanics is often analyzed and modeled by means of relatively simple nonlinear evolution equations, for instance, the complex Ginzburg-Landau equation. Such equations are much simpler than the original nonlinear Navier-Stokes equations but in many cases essential characteristics of the flow can be recovered from the model equation. Weakly nonlinear theory is used to derive an amplitude evolution equation for the most unstable mode for a flow between two parallel infinite planes. The base flow is subjected to rapid instantaneous deceleration so that the total fluid flux through the cross-section of the channel is equal to zero. The quasi-steady assumption is used in the derivation, that is, it is assumed that the rate of change of the base flow with respect to time is much smaller than the growth rate of perturbations. It is shown that the evolution equation is the complex Ginzburg- Landau equation.
Exchange Rate Regime and Monetary Policy Independence in East Asia

This paper investigates whether the choice of exchange rate regimes influences the sensitivity of domestic interest rates to international interest rates. We empirically analyse this issue in the context of East Asian economies by employing a regime switching model. We find that the sensitivity of local interest rates to international interest rates declined in Korea and Thailand after they adopted floating exchange rate regimes. We also find that Japan, with a floating exchange regime, has greater independence in monetary policy than a pegged economy such as Hong Kong. These empirical findings suggest that exchange rate flexibility provides greater monetary independence. Copyright 2008 The Authors. Journal compilation 2008 Blackwell Publishing Ltd
A data alignment technique for improving cache performance

We address the problem of improving the data cache performance of numerical applications-specifically, those with blocked (or tiled) loops. We present DAT, a data alignment technique utilizing array-padding, to improve program performance through minimizing cache conflict misses. We describe algorithms for selecting tile sizes for maximizing data cache utilization, and computing pad sizes for eliminating self-interference conflicts in the chosen tile. We also present a generalization of the technique to handle applications with several tiled arrays. Our experimental results comparing our technique with previous published approaches on machines with different cache configurations show consistently good performance on several benchmark programs, for a variety of problem sizes.
The ontology of authority: a theory of "language in use" in classroom management

The aims of this study were twofold. They were: • to illuminate the nature and role of language use that five teachers employed in their particular approach to classroom management. • as a consequence of delineating this 'language in use', to develop a 'grounded theory' of classroom management which had been honed and polished in the real world of classroom practice. Based in the naturalistic paradigm, this study utilised the hermeneutic-dialectic process as the primary methodological mode of inquiry. Beginning initially with the classic notion of participant observation, the hermeneutic-dialectic process provided the qualitative distillation mechanism whereby the intersubjective meanings of the respondents' language use in specific contexts could be constructed, and then reconstructed to form an interrelated whole. Grounded in the data, a theory of classroom management emerged in which language was the key instrument of classroom management for these particular teachers. This thesis describes how language use provided the means by which a genuine relationship was formed between the teachers and pupils. This process has been depicted in diagrammatic form and described in detail. This thesis concludes with a series of implications and recommendations for teachers, teacher training institutions and school administrators based on the principles emerging from this theory.
A Giant Mesenteric Desmoid Tumor Revealed by Acute Pulmonary Embolism due to Compression of the Inferior Vena Cava

Patient: Male, 69 Final Diagnosis: Mesenteric desmoid tumor Symptoms: — Medication: — Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: Surgery Objective: Rare disease Background: Intra-abdominal fibromatosis is a benign rare tumor of fibrous origin with a significant potential for local invasion and no ability to metastasize, but it can recur. The etiology of desmoid tumors is unknown. It is often associated with conditions such as familial adenomatous polyposis and Gardner syndrome. Case Report: We report the case of a 69-year-old man who presented to our hospital with an acute pulmonary embolism. The patient had a past history of colic surgery for a polyp with a high-grade dysplasia. Pulmonary angiography showed partial occlusion of the right superior lobe artery and partial occlusion of the middle lobe artery. The patient was given thrombolytic therapy. Abdominal computerized tomography revealed a mesenterial giant mass with compression of the inferior vena cava (IVC). A biopsy of the mass, confirming aggressive fibromatosis. A laparotomy was performed, which revealed a massive growth occupying the abdomen and attached to the previous ileocolic anastomosis. One day after surgery, his condition deteriorated. Conclusions: This report underlines the potential of imaging investigations of abdomen and vena cava if pulmonary embolism is suspected, especially when there is no evidence of peripheral venous thrombosis or other predisposing factors. Unfortunately, data on the surgical management of desmoid tumor is scarce. Therefore, the standard of treatment is a surgical resection for resectable tumors.
The Correlation of Fecundability Among Twins: Evidence of a Genetic Effect on Fertility?

Background. Numerous rare genetic conditions are known to influence fecundability in both males and females. It is less clear to what extent more subtle genetic differences influence fecundability on a population level. Methods. In 1994 a population-based survey was conducted among Danish twins born 1953–1982. Fecundability was assessed as the waiting time to pregnancy at the first attempt to achieve a pregnancy. Results. The reported time to pregnancy for males was slightly shorter than for females but there were no sex differences in intrapair similarity. We found an intrapair correlation in time to pregnancy for 645 monozygotic twin pairs (r = 0.22; 95% confidence interval = 0.12 to 0.32), but no intrapair correlation for 826 like-sex dizygotic twin pairs (r = 0.00; 95% confidence interval = −0.09 to 0.10). Conclusions. The correlation in time to pregnancy for monozygotic twins suggests genetic factors, although similarities in reporting behaviors could also be contributing to the correlation. The lack of correlation in time to pregnancy for dizygotic twins indicates that possible genetic factors of importance for fecundabililty are acting nonadditively. Hence, it may prove difficult to identify specific gene variants that influence fecundability on a population level if their effects depend on gene-gene interactions.
India’s Trade Reform: Progress, Impact and Future Strategy

I offer a comprehensive analysis of India's trade policy, particularly since 1991, and its impact on the economy. I provide evidence showing that trade liberalization has had a major impact on the quality and availability of goods and on services growth. The evidence on productivity growth in the industrial sector varies across studies, however. I also explain why India lags behind China and what India must do to catch up. The strategy for future liberalization, including a possible U.S.-India free trade area, is discussed.
2F1 antigen, the mouse homolog of the rat “mast cell function‐associated antigen”, is a lectin‐like type II transmembrane receptor expressed by natural killer cells

Inhibitory lectin‐like receptors expressed on the surface of hematopoietic cells are critically involved in regulation of their effector functions. Here we report that a novel mAb specific for mouse NK cells, 2F1, recognizes the mouse homolog of the mast cell function‐associated antigen (MAFA), an inhibitory lectin‐like transmembrane receptor expressed on rat mast cells. The 2F1 antigen (2F1‐Ag) and rat MAFA are structurally highly conserved and contain a cytoplasmic motif similar to the immunoreceptor tyrosine‐based inhibitory motif that is presumably utilized for inhibitory signaling. We also identified a human homolog that is closely related to the rodent MAFA/2F1‐Ag proteins. Like rat MAFA, 2F1‐Ag is probably encoded by a single gene, which exhibits relatively little polymorphism. Strikingly, while rat MAFA is considered a mast cell antigen, we have been unable to detect cell surface expression of 2F1‐Ag by mouse mast cell lines, bone marrow‐derived mast cells, or peritoneal mast cells. Furthermore, mouse bone marrow‐derived mast cells were devoid of 2F1‐Ag mRNA. Instead, we find that approximately 40 % of mouse NK cells express 2F1‐Ag. Thus, MAFA/2F1‐Ag may modulate immunological responses on at least two different cell types bridging the specific and innate immune system.
Effective Marketing At Education: Importance of Communication Materials

Written and visual communications are effective for people in every area. Importance of communication materials has recently understood fast and written and visual communication materials are effective also in marketing. They are like impressive tools and also they are influential for every organization even in higher education in the world. The significance of written and visual communication materials in educational institutions is evaluated in tis study. The role and importance of visual and written materials in marketing process of education sector and its relation with communication materials effectiveness on educational institutions achievement is investigated.
Mapping Regions Within Cosmopolitan Inversion In(3R)Payne Associated With Natural Variation in Body Size in Drosophila melanogaster

Associations between genotypes for inversions and quantitative traits have been reported in several organisms, but little has been done to localize regions within inversions controlling variation in these traits. Here, we use an association mapping technique to identify genomic regions controlling variation in wing size within the cosmopolitan inversion In(3R)Payne in Drosophila melanogaster. Previous studies have shown that this inversion strongly influences variation in wing size, a trait highly correlated with body size. We found three alleles from two separate regions within In(3R)Payne with significant additive effects on wing size after the additional effect of the inversion itself had been taken into account. There were also several alleles with significant genotype-by-inversion interaction effects on wing size. None of the alleles tested had a significant additive effect on development time, suggesting different genes control these traits and that clinal patterns in them have therefore arisen independently. The presence of multiple regions within In(3R)Payne controlling size is consistent with the idea that inversions persist in populations because they contain multiple sets of locally adapted alleles, but more work needs to be done to test if they are indeed coadapted.
Carcinomas of Distal Fallopian Tube and Their Association with Tubal Intraepithelial Carcinoma: Do They Share a Common “Precursor” Lesion? Loss of Heterozygosity and Immunohistochemical Analysis Using PAX 2, WT-1, and P53 Markers

As the role of distal fallopian tube as organ of serous carcinogenesis is emerging, additional literature on the role of tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (TIC) as a precursor lesion in a subset of primary peritoneal serous carcinomas (PPSC is emerging as well. TIC although fallopian tube in origin can be genetically related to ovarian/peritoneal carcinomas. The role of PAX2 in primary fallopian tube carcinomas (PFTC)/PPSC is yet to be defined. The aim of our study was to understand if the biologic properties of tumors arising in the distal fallopian tube that remain as PFTC are different when they seed on to the peritoneal surface (PPSC). A panel of 6 polymorphic microsatellite markers corresponding to p53, PAX2, and WT1 tumor suppressor genes were studied. Invasive carcinomas as well as TIC arising in the distal fallopian tube when remain as PFTC appears to exhibit different LOH patterns in comparison to PPSC. PAX 2 LOH patterns might represent a “hidden PAX 2 signature” analogous to p53 signatures. PAX 2 might be an emerging marker for detection of early serous carcinomas particularly in BRCA + women.
The Signaling Effect of Durations between Equity and Debt Issues

This study examines whether durations between equity and debt offerings allow investors to identify firms that are more likely to time issues of overvalued securities. We show that firms with higher stock overpricing are more likely to quickly issue both seasoned equity and debt following the previous capital acquisition. Investors understand issuers’ incentives to quickly return to the capital market and react less favorably to equity and debt issues that follow shortly after the previous offering. Together, the results show that durations between equity and debt issues provide valuable signals to investors on whether the issuer is likely to be timing the market.
The Cyclical Behavior of Shadow and Regular Employment

Using data from the Italian Institute of Statistics, I examine the cyclical properties of three labor inputs - regular employees, regular self-employed, and underground workers. Results support the widespread view that, in Italy, the shadow employment functions as an improper tool for increasing the labor market flexibility. My analysis uncovers more details. While the contemporaneous correlation between shadow labor and output is significant, as time passes their association looses momentum. The opposite is found for regular employees, which show significant positive correlations with lagged output gaps only. Somewhat puzzling, self-employment seems to be the less sensitive to the course of business cycles. Possibly, hidden employment substitutes it as shock-absorber. Sectoral data tell different stories.