Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adaptive semi-blind linear parallel interference cancellation multiuser detection for DS-CDMA systems

Semi-blind multiuser detection for the reverse link of a multi-cell code-division multiple-access (CDMA) system is considered. In such a system, although active users are present in the home cell and neighbouring cells, the base station receiver only knows the signal information of the users in its own cell. Three new adaptive semi-blind linear multiuser detectors are proposed, based on a parallel interference cancellation approach. Compared with some known semi-blind detectors, the proposed detectors share a rather simple implementation structure and involve reduced latency for processing, which are of particular importance in a time-varying CDMA system. Numerical results are presented to show that the detection performance of the proposed detectors is superior to that of some existing semi-blind multiuser detectors.
Incentives, Employment, and the Division of Labor in Teams

We develop a theory of incentives, wages, and employment in the context of team production. A central insight is that specialization and division of labor not only improve productivity but also increase e ort and the sensitivity of e ort to incentives under moral hazard. We show that incentives and employment are complements for the principal when the positive e ects of specialization and division of labor outweigh the negative e ects of increased idiosyncratic risk and are substitutes otherwise. We provide new characterizations of the partnership, the rm, and the role of the budget-breaker that are quite di erent from the classical literature.
Does Tort Law Improve the Health of Newborns, or Miscarry? A Longitudinal Analysis of the Effect of Liability Pressure on Birth Outcomes

Previous research has identified an association between malpractice liability risk levels in a state and greater use of cesarean sections in obstetrical care. However, it is unclear whether such practice changes are associated with better birth outcomes. Using a mixed‐effects model, we investigate the impact of malpractice risk, as measured by malpractice insurance premiums and various state tort reforms, on four adverse birth outcomes. We use a longitudinal research design to examine millions of individual births from 51 jurisdictions over 12 years (1991–2002). We find that the odds of adverse birth outcomes are not associated with premium levels or tort reforms. Our results suggest that rather than having a socially desirable deterrent effect on substandard care, liability pressure may produce a level of precaution taking in obstetrics that is higher than socially optimal. By the same token, the results also suggest that the adoption of liability‐limiting reforms is unlikely to have an adverse impact on outcomes.
Are Innovation and Internationalization Related? An Analysis of European Countries

This paper examines the relationship between countries' international profile and their innovation performance using data for 32 European countries. The overall contribution of the paper lies in: (a) an in-depth exploration of empirical correlations between innovation and several indicators of internationalization; and (b) the use of theoretical arguments—backed up by the literature—on why the observed correlations are not spurious but indicative of possible causality. Indicators of internationalization are considered with respect to each country as aggregate, to its technology-intensive industries only, and in relation to the share of its firms reporting international activities. On the basis of the empirical results, and the theoretical arguments presented, the paper suggests that underpinning the association is a virtuous (or vicious) circle: innovative firms are more successful in competing internationally and the exposure to alternative business and innovation contexts leads to innovation.
Test of the bilateral trade J-curve between the USA and Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK

This paper examines the J-curve hypothesis for Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK. Applying the vector error correction model and the generalised impulse response function, this study finds that the trade balance reacts to real depreciation in several different patterns in the short run. There is lack of support for a J-curve for Australia, Canada, and the UK. In the long run, real depreciation improves the trade balance for Australia, Canada, and New Zealand and does not influence the trade balance for the UK.
ADC measurements in various patterns of multiple sclerosis lesions.

OBJECTIVE To determine the difference of mean apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) among different patterns of focal multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions, to compare mean lesion ADC between 2 clinical subgroups and to correlate mean lesion ADC with disability. MATERIAL AND METHOD Thirty seven patients (26 with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) and 11 with secondary-progressive MS) underwent both conventional and diffusion-weighted MR imaging of the brain. After creating ADC maps, region identification was done by using b = 0 images and T2-weighted images. ADC values were measured for MS lesions and (NAWM). RESULTS A total of 288 lesions were identified on the images. The mean ADC for the lesions was significantly higher than that of NAWM Hypointense T1 lesions (n = 221) had a significantly higher mean ADC than isointense T1 lesions (n = 67) in both nonenhancing lesions (n = 250) and enhancing lesions (n = 38). The enhanced rim of ring-enhancing lesions (n = 18) had lower ADC than the central nonenhanced portions. Confluent lesions (n = 62) had a substantially higher mean ADC than discrete lesion (n = 226). Mean lesion ADC of secondary progressive MS was significantly higher than relapsing remitting MS. No correlation between mean lesion ADC and (EDSS) score was found CONCLUSION Quantitative diffusion-weighted imaging is useful to elucidate the heterogeneous pathological substrate of MS in different patterns of MS lesions, to differentiate 2 major clinical subgroups.
Short‐ and long‐term effects of melatonin on myocardial post‐ischemic recovery

Abstract: Melatonin, the chief secretory product of the pineal gland, has been shown to protect the heart against ischemia–reperfusion injury. This was attributed to its free radical scavenging and broad‐spectrum antioxidant properties. The possibility that melatonin may act via its receptor and intracellular signaling, has not yet been addressed in this regard. In all previous studies, only the acute effects of melatonin on the heart, were evaluated. The aims of the present study were to: (i) compare the acute and long‐term effects of melatonin on infarct size and functional recovery of the ischemic heart, and (ii) evaluate the role of the melatonin receptor in cardioprotection. For evaluation of the short‐term effects of melatonin on contractile recovery and infarct size, the isolated perfused working rat heart was subjected to 20 min global ischemia or 35 min regional ischemia respectively, and melatonin (25–50 μm) administered either before and during reperfusion, or before ischemia or during reperfusion after ischemia. The melatonin receptor was manipulated using luzindole and N‐acetyltryptamine. The long‐term effects of melatonin were evaluated 24 hr after melatonin administration (2.5 or 5.0 mg/kg, i.p.) or after oral administration for 7 days (20 or 40 μg/mL). Infarct size and mechanical recovery during reperfusion of the working heart were used as endpoints. Melatonin (50 μm), when administered either before and during reperfusion after ischemia or during reperfusion only, significantly improved cardiac output and work performance and reduced infarct size compared with untreated controls. Luzindole (5 μm), a melatonin receptor antagonist, abolished these cardioprotective effects. Long‐term administration of melatonin (i.p. or orally for 7 days) caused a significant reduction in infarct size of hearts subjected to 35 min regional ischemia. The cardioprotection persisted for 2–4 days after discontinuation of treatment. In summary, the results obtained suggest that melatonin induces short‐ as well as long‐term protection and that the melatonin receptor is also involved in its cardioprotective actions.
Are Real Exchange Rates Mean Reverting in Developing Economies in Asia? A Covariate Stationarity Approach

Previous studies on the stationarity properties of the real exchange rates in developing countries in Asia have generally produced mixed results. The unit root behavior is puzzling because it contradicts the purchasing power parity (PPP) hypothesis. This study examines international data on 15 developing countries by employing the covariate stationarity test proposed by Jansson (2004). The covariates used are motivated by economic theory, including inflation, money supply, income and current account. Our results show strong evidence in support of the hypothesis. On the contrary, the unit root test with the alternative hypothesis of nonlinear mean reversion provides inadequate evidence in favor of PPP.
An Examination of Attendee Brand Loyalty: Understanding the Moderator of Behavioral Brand Loyalty

Retention of brand-loyal attendees induces deep commitment to an association meeting and great resistance to other conferences'marketing efforts, thereby contributing to high revenue and market share. This study provides additional information about the path from brand satisfaction to attitudinal brand loyalty (ABL) via brand trust through updated expectation of brand value (UEBV) as a mediator on the brand satisfaction—brand trust path. Also, the study investigates the differential tendencies to ABL by high and low behavioral brand loyalty (BBL) attendees within the conceptual model. According to the structural invariance test across two groups, (a) all paths showed significantly positive signs, (b) UEBV was found to serve as a mediator, and (c) BBL was supported as a moderator except for the brand trust—ABL path. Unexpectedly, low BBL attendees showed a stronger tendency toward the path from brand satisfaction to brand trust than did high BBL attendees. The theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Intermediation Behavior of the Financial Superstructure in Response to Environmental Stimuli

ABSTRACT This paper is an empirical extension aimed at investigating the relationships between the indicators of the financial superstructure and its intermediation environments; and especially how the former responds to the effects of the latter. Intermediation-environmental models patterned after multivariate regression, causality, and partial adjustment models of both linear and log-linear formulations were estimated and analyzed. The results reveal that three environments: socio-political, regulatory, and international finance-exerted significant effects on the intermediation function of the superstructure. Previous intermediation successes ginger up current performance. In the long run, the effects of the environmental factors on the intermediation function of the superstructure, in whatever direction, more than quadruples. In any given year, the Nigerian financial superstructure attains only about 21.9% of desired (optimal) FIR. Given this, it would take about 4-1/2 years for it to adjust its intermediation operations (FIR), in light of the effects of environmental factors, to optimal levels in order to significantly impact the economy as desired. Some consistent behavioral traits were identified from the results to include: the precepts of potential maximization, profit maximization, accommodation principles, survival and cost-minimization principles, and the neutrality axiom.
Effect of initial muscle glycogen levels on protein catabolism during exercise.

Serum urea increases with exercise duration suggest prolonged exercise may be analogous to starvation where protein catabolism is known to occur. The purpose of this investigation was to alter muscle glycogen levels and to study the effect on protein catabolism. Six subjects (27-30 yr) pedaled a cycle ergometer for 1 h at 61% VO2max (mean VO2 = 2.33 +/- 0.7 1 . min-1) 1) after CHO loading (CHOL) and 2) after CHO depletion (CHOD). The following urea N measures were made: pre-exercise serum and urine, exercise serum and sweat (15-min serial samples), and serum and urine during 240 recovery min. Results demonstrated that 1) exercise serum urea N increased in CHOD attaining significance (P less than 0.01) at 60 min; 2) serum urea N increases continued into recovery at all measurement points of CHOD (P less than 0.01) and at 240 min of CHOL (P less than 0.05); 3) sweat urea N increased 154.2-fold (CHOD) and 65.6-fold (CHOL) (P less than 0.05). Calculations indicate that CHOD sweat urea N excretion was equivalent to a protein breakdown of 13.7 g . h-1 or 10.4% of the total caloric cost. It was concluded that protein is utilized during exercise to a greater extent than is generally assumed and that under certain conditions protein carbon may contribute significantly to exercise caloric cost.
A Bayesian Analysis of Lunar Effects on Stock Returns

Biological, psychological and medical evidence widely suggests that the lunar phases may affect human behavior and mood. This suggestion motivates this study of the relationship between lunar phases and stock returns. Relevant papers indicate that lunar cycles effects do have an effect on stock returns. They indicate that the mean daily stock returns are lower near the full moon and higher near the new moon days. This paper further investigates the association between the lunar phases and daily stock returns by using a two-regime autoregressive model with a GARCH(1,1) innovation. Rather than only examining the average daily returns, the discussion will be extended in three directions: the average daily returns, the correlation between consecutive daily returns, and the GARCH volatility. The Bayesian approach will be applied to the daily stock returns of 12 countries, including the G-7 markets and five emerging markets in Asia. In general, the statistical results indicate the existence of lunar effects on daily stock returns, although different patterns are shown by the G-7 markets and some of the discussed Asian markets. In particular, the autocorrelation for consecutive daily returns is significantly different, according to both the lunar phases and the diverse structures of the various stock markets. Furthermore, for some of the G-7 markets, the volatility of the stock returns does change according to different lunar phases; higher volatility in the full moon period. In summary, the evidence is consistent, and supports the popular belief that lunar phases do affect human financial behavior.
Acquisition And Divestiture As A Response To Competitive Position And Market Structure

One theory of acquisition motivation holds that some acquisition activity is a defensive reaction to weak or deteriorating industry conditions and competitive position. Designated the ‘defensive diversification hypothesis’, this motive has not been tested directly by relating firms' competitive circumstances to their subsequent acquisitive behaviour. This study does so. Results show that a firm's prior circumstances are related to the intensity of both its acquisitions and divestitures, as well as the type of firms acquired.
Psychological ownership in team-based entrepreneurship education activities

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to explore psychological ownership (PO) during team-based projects as part of entrepreneurship education. Design/methodology/approach – The critical incident technique using semi-structured interviews was adopted on a sample of 20 participants involved in team-based entrepreneurship education activities. From reported critical incidents interpretation of the participants’ perceived ownership behaviour centred on: “what” participants perceived they owned; “when” PO occurred; and “how” they perceived that ownership. Findings – Different forms of collective and individual levels PO exist as an important element in the context of team-based entrepreneurship education activities. The form of PO changes at junctures during different stages of team-based entrepreneurship education activity. Moreover, PO is heavily influenced by a range of individual and group-based factors, specifically the social interaction at the start of such projects and self-reflection towards the end.
Low Cost Feeding Strategies for Dual Purpose Cattle in Venezuela

Abstract This simulation study was to evaluate low cost feeding strategies in response to higher cost of commercial concentrates to maintain current milk sales from dual purpose cattle herds in the humid lowlands of western Venezuela. Data were from farm surveys in 1987 and 1988. Baseline net margins from milk and beef per cow per year were $132 and $99 for two farm cases with average daily milk of 10 and 7kg/cow and grazing mature forage supplemented with commercial concentrate. Alternative diets were 1) improving forage quality by more intensive grazing; 2) replacing commercial concentrate with a mixture of cassava tuber ( Manihol esculenta ), urea, and molasses: and 3) supplementing grazing with a mixture of molasses and urea. Alternatively priced feeding strategies were compared by partial budgeting. Using less mature forage was always more profitable than mature grass. Feeding molasses and urea with mature forage increased profits at least $64/cow on the high milk yield farm and $44/cow on the low milk yield farm compared with feeding commercial concentrate. The most costly cassava mixture with mature forage increased annual profit over the baseline diet at least $11/ cow on the high milk yield farm and by $22/cow on the low yield farm. Efficient use of existing feed resources may enhance economical livestock production in the humid lowlands of Venezuela.
Indicators of Fiscal Sustainability

This paper assesses the usefulness of summary measures of fiscal sustainability for the purpose of multilateral surveillance. An overview of the main conceptual issues is first presented. Next, an assessment is made of the strengths and weaknesses of the summary measures in the context of their recent application to industrial countries by the OECD and the Fund. The measures are shown to highlight the inadequacy of using trends in public debt ratios to assess sustainability. However, the measures and their recent application are subject to a number of caveats, in particular in relation to their sensitivity to the discount rate, time paths of government expenditures and private sector behavior.
Purification and Characterization of a Thermostable Raw Starch Digesting Amylase from a Streptomyces sp. Isolated in a Milling Factory

A raw starch utilizing microbe was isolated from mud in a milling factory. The 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequencing and morphological properties of the strain indicated that it belongs to the genus Streptomyces. A strongly raw starch digesting amylase was purified from the culture supernatant of the strain by chromatographic procedures. The specific activity of the enzyme was 11.7 U/mg, molecular mass 47 kDa, optimum pH 6.0, and optimum temperature 50 to 60 °C. The enzyme showed sufficient activity even at 70 °C. It was activated by calcium, cobaltous, and magnesium ions, and inhibited by copper, nickel, zinc, and ferrous ions. It formed maltose mainly from raw and gelatinized starch, and glycogen. No products were formed from glucose, maltose, maltotriose, pullulan, or cyclodextrins (CDs). The enzyme digested raw wheat, rice, and waxy rice starch rapidly, and raw corn, waxy corn, sweet potato, tapioca, and potato starch normally.
Trees and/or networks to display intraspecific DNA sequence variation?

Phylogenetic trees and networks are both used in the scientific literature to display DNA sequence variation at the intraspecific level. Should we rather use trees or networks? I argue that the process of inferring the most parsimonious genealogical relationships among a set of DNA sequences should be dissociated from the problem of displaying this information in a graph. A network graph is probably more appropriate than a strict consensus tree if many alternative, equally most parsimonious, genealogies are to be included. Within the maximum parsimony framework, current phylogenetic inference and network‐building algorithms are both unable to guarantee the finding of all most parsimonious (MP) connections. In fact, each approach can find MP connections that the other does not. Although it should be possible to improve at least the maximum parsimony approach, current implementations of these algorithms are such that it is advisable to use both approaches to increase the probability of finding all possible MP connections among a set of DNA sequences.
Improving the democratic accountability of EU intelligence

The 9/11 attack and the ‘war on terrorism’ have been followed by a discussion on intelligence deficits. However, surprisingly little attention has been given to the issue of agencies' democratic accountability. This article argues the benefits of oversight for democracy and its significance for the improvement of services' performance. It puts EU intelligence agencies, which have hardly been the subject of any debate, at the centre. While acknowledging that the major threats to civil liberties of European citizens are posed by national intelligence agencies, it identifies the establishment of mechanisms for quality control of EU intelligence as the main challenge at the EU level.
Age‐Related, Different Clinicopathologic Features of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients

ObjectiveThe authors attempted to clarify the clinicopathologic differences of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, according to age distribution, and to investigate whether these differences contribute a certain hepatocarcinogenesis. Summary Background DataHepatitis-associated viruses causing HCC have been investigated, and the infection of the viruses and etiologically, the peak age of the disease vary according to geographic barriers. However, a correlation between clincopathologic differences and the age distribution of the patients is not well understood. MethodsThe authors reviewed their institutional experience from 1978 to 1990 in treating 428 patients with HCC. The carrier rate for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), the frequency of occurrence of high serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) of 2000 ng/mL, the degree of liver damage represented by the retention rate of indocyanine green dye at 15 minutes (ICGR15), and the incidence of accompanying liver cirrhosis were investigated and compared in each decade of age. ResultsThe HBsAg carrier rate and the frequency of high serum AFP values were significantly prominent in the younger patients (20–49 yrs). The degree of liver damage and the incidence of liver cirrhosis were prominent in the elderly patients (older than 70 yrs) or the middle-aged patients (50–69 yrs); however, these four values in the middle-aged patients were intermediate with respect to those observed in the other two age groups. In addition, there was a positive correlation between the HBsAg carrier rate and the frequency of high serum AFP values or between the degree of liver damage represented by ICGR15 and the incidence of liver cirrhosis, showing that the former correlation was inversely related to the latter. ConclusionsThe authors' study indicates that there are age-related differences of clincopathologic features in HCC patients, suggesting that there are different steps or mechanisms of hepatocarchnogenesis according to the patient's age-distribution.