Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Kinetics, Kinematics, and Electromyography During Single-Leg Assisted and Unassisted Cycling

Abstract Bini, RR, Jacques, TC, Lanferdini, FJ, and Vaz, MA. Comparison of kinetics, kinematics, and electromyography during single-leg assisted and unassisted cycling. J Strength Cond Res 29(6): 1534–1541, 2015—To use single-leg cycling training for varying populations, it is important to understand whether a counterweight attached to the contralateral crank during single-leg cycling drills replicates the effects of the opposite leg in the ipsilateral leg. Therefore, we compared single-leg assisted cycling using a counterweight on the contralateral crank for joint kinetics, kinematics, and lower-limb muscle activation. Fourteen healthy nonathletes performed 2 bilateral cycling trials (240 ± 23 W and 90 ± 2 rpm) and 2 single-leg trials (120 ± 11 W and 90 ± 2 rpm) for measurements of pedal force, joint kinematics, and muscle activation of their right lower limb. For 1 single-leg trial, a custom-made adaptor was used to attach 10 kg of weight to the contralateral leg. Total force applied on the pedal, pedal force effectiveness, the mean joint angles and range of motion, mechanical work at the crank, hip, knee, and ankle joints, electromyography, pedaling cadence, and right crank mechanical work were assessed. Biceps femoris (87%), vastus lateralis (15%), rectus femoris (57%), tibialis anterior (57%), and gastrocnemius medialis (12%) activations were larger in the single-leg assisted trial compared with the bilateral trial. Lower total pedal force (17%) and increased index of effectiveness (16%) also indicate mechanical differences in single-leg cycling using a counterweight on the contralateral crank than conventional bilateral cycling. Single-leg assisted training should be used with caution because of potential differences in muscle recruitment and pedaling kinetics compared with bilateral cycling.
Science Education Research Internationally: Conceptions, Research Methods, Domains of Research

Disappointing results of international monitoring studies such as TIMSS (Third International Mathematics and Science Study) and PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) have fuelled another general debate on the need for a sufficient level of scientific literacy and the necessity to improve the quality of science instruction in school. Science education research has played essential roles not only in analyzing the actual state of scientific literacy and the actual practice in schools but also in improving instructional practice and teacher education. A conception of science education research that is relevant for improving school practice and teacher education programs will be presented here. This conception is based on a Model of Educational Reconstruction which holds that science subject matter issues and students’ learning needs and capabilities have to be given equal attention in quality development attempts. Further, research and development activities have to be intimately linked. It is argued that science education research drawing on this framework is an indispensable prerequisite for improving instructional practice and hence for the further advancement of scientific literacy.
Does Higher Quality Mean Higher Cost

The conventional wisdom of managers in the US dictates that improving product quality will increase the cost of making the product which will either increase the price or reduce the profits. Shows that improving the quality of a product or service will not necessarily increase its manufacturing cost. Obtains information on fundamental theories and case histories from business literature and uses evidence to support the hypothesis from the case histories of several US companies which have achieved higher quality with lower quality costs and improved profitability. Examples from the literature include the case histories of companies such as Florida Power & Light, Globe Metallurgical, Motorola, and Westinghouse Commercial Nuclear Fuel Division. These examples indicate increases in return on assets, improved customer satisfaction, increased market share, and increased revenues and profits. Suggests that a company which can achieve successfully both higher quality and lower cost will have improved productivity, lower manufacturing costs, better quality, greater customer satisfaction, a higher market share and greater profitability.
Virtual Design, Problem Framing, and Innovation: An Empirical Study in the Automotive Industry

This paper studies how problem framing by research and development groups, in particular the extent of problem decomposition, impacts knowledge replication processes conducted through the use of virtual simulation tools (VSTs). It presents the results of a comparative study of two research and development groups working on the design of hybrid propulsion systems. The research contributes to the literature on strategy and innovation in four ways. First, we identify three organizational and strategic factors affecting the problem framing decision. Second, we analyse the impact of problem framing on the use of VSTs and the related effect on knowledge replication processes. Third, we show the emergence of a new VST-driven knowledge replication process, i.e. functional replication. Fourth, we explain how VST-driven knowledge replication processes can attenuate the dangers related to the adoption of modular design strategies and address the replication vs. imitation dilemma.
ON FORWARD INTEREST RATE MODELS: VIA RANDOM FIELDS AND MARKOV JUMP PROCESSES

ON FORWARD INTEREST RATE MODELS: VIA RANDOM FIELDS AND MARKOV JUMP PROCESSES Altay, Sühan M.Sc., Department of Financial Mathematics Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Hayri Körezlioğlu April 2007, 96 pages The essence of the interest rate modeling by using Heath-Jarrow-Morton framework is to find the drift condition of the instantaneous forward rate dynamics so that the entire term structure is arbitrage free. In this study, instantaneous forward interest rates are modeled using random fields and Markov Jump processes and the drift conditions of the forward rate dynamics are given. Moreover, the methodology presented in this study is extended to certain financial settings and instruments such as multi-country interest rate models, term structure of defaultable bond prices and forward measures. Also a general framework for bond prices via nuclear space valued semi-martingales is introduced.
Reliability of functional magnetic resonance imaging associative encoding memory paradigms in non‐demented elderly adults

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) holds significant potential to aid in the development of early interventions to improve memory function, and to assess longitudinal change in memory systems in aging and early Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the test–retest reliability of hippocampal activation and of “beneficial” deactivation in the precuneus has yet to be fully established during memory encoding tasks in older subjects. Using a mixed block and event‐related face‐name associative encoding paradigm, we assessed the reliability of hippocampal activation and default network deactivation over a 4‐ to 6‐week interscan interval in 27 older individuals who were cognitively normal [Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) Scale = 0; n = 18] or mildly impaired (CDR = 0.5; n = 9). Reliability was assessed in whole brain maps and regions of interest using both a full‐task paradigm of six functional runs as well as an abbreviated paradigm of the first two functional runs, which would be advantageous for use in clinical trials. We found reliable hippocampal signal response across both block‐ and event‐related designs in the right hippocampus. Comparable reliability in hippocampal activation was found in the full and the abbreviated paradigm. Similar reliability in hippocampal activation was observed across both CDR groups overall, but the CDR 0.5 group was more variable in left hippocampal activity. Task‐related deactivation in the precuneus demonstrated much greater variability than hippocampal activation in all analyses. Overall, these results are encouraging for the utility of fMRI in “Proof of Concept” clinical trials investigating the efficacy of potentially therapeutic agents for treatment of age‐related memory changes, cognitive impairment, and early AD. Hum Brain Mapp, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A network asset based probabilistic model of ground potential rise and touch voltage hazard profiles at MV substations

A probabilistic model for predicting the expected touch voltage hazard profiles at HV/MV substations is presented. The model uses readily available asset information to analyse the MV network fed from the HV/MV substation. Probabilistic profiling of the expected magnitude, frequency and duration of typical ground faults on a given distribution network, provides quantitative information for use in determining the actual risk profile for the assets. This in turn helps asset owners demonstrate that they meet their duty of care in relation to ground fault related hazards. The model is applied to two example substations, generating a probabilistic profile for ground fault current, ground potential rise and the expected hazard ratio of expected touch voltages in relation to IEEE80 safety criteria across the range of simulated faults. The model output profiles for each HV/MV substation are then compared against profiles derived from seven years of recorded ground potential rise events during real ground faults.
Physiological Response and Childhood Anxiety: Association With Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders and Cognitive Bias

This study examined the physiological response (skin conductance and heart rate [HR]) of youth exposed to a mildly phobic stimulus (video of a large dog) and its relation to child- and parent-reported anxiety symptoms and cognitive bias in a community-recruited sample of youth (n = 49). The results of this study indicated that HR and skin-conductance response were associated with youth report but not parent report of their child's symptoms of anxiety disorders and that HR response was more strongly associated with anxiety symptoms than skin-conductance response. Physiological response was uniquely associated with youth-reported symptoms of anxiety rather than youth-reported depression. Finally, HR response interacted with cognitive bias in predicting childhood anxiety disorder symptoms in a manner consistent with theories of the etiology of anxiety disorders.
MARKET EQUILIBRIUM IN A MULTIPERIOD STATE PREFERENCE MODEL WITH LOGARITHMIC UTILITY

I. INTRODUCTION THREE MAIN APPROACHES to asset choice under uncertainty are state preference, mean-variance and growth-optimal or logarithmic utility. Although state preference is the most general approach, Hirshleifer [16, p. 277] notes that "the absence of a natural, agreed upon, and manageably small set of state definitions puts severe obstacles in the way of examining data about observable security behavior in terms of underlying choices for sequences of time state claims. " The mean-variance approach may be viewed as a special case of the state preference model, requiring either quadratic utility or normally distributed returns on securities. The lack of generality of the mean-variance approach is compensated for by its susceptibility to testable propositions about security returns. The growth-optimal or logarithmic utility approach may also be viewed as a special case of the state preference model. While it would be presumptuous to suggest that all investors should have logarithmic utility functions, Roll [28] shows that this assumption permits the derivation of a testable equilibrium relation regarding security returns with no specification of return distributions. Unlike quadratic utility functions, logarithmic utility functions display the desirable behavioristic attribute of decreasing absolute risk aversion. Hakansson [10, 12, 13] shows that a time-state-independent logarithmic utility function for life time consumption and bequest induces an indirect single period utility function that is logarithmic in end of period wealth. Under conditions of state dependent investment opportunities this is the only multiperiod utility function known to induce a concave, indirect single period utility function that is a function only of wealth. The maximization of a single period logarithmic utility function is equivalent to the growth-optimal portfolio selection
Inferred and Stated Attribute Non‐Attendance in Food Choice Experiments

We review the current literature on attribute non-attendance in stated choice and use data from beef and chicken choice experiments using both inference and the respondents' own statements. Inference is based on panel data analysis by mixed logit models of choice with both discrete and continuous mixtures of coefficients, and is conditional on the observed pattern of choice. Information from respondent statements on non-attendance is directly embedded in the specification of the indirect utility function. Results show no clear winner between the inferential approaches, but the inference based on constrained latent class panel models better matches the observed data. Copyright 2013, Oxford University Press.
Effects of the Tax Treatment of Fringe Benefits on Labor Market Segmentation

Current federal tax law requires that all workers having the same experience with a firm must receive essentially the same package of fringe benefits in order for those benefits to qualify for preferential tax treatment. The authors argue that this “nondiscriminatory” provision of fringe benefits promotes labor market segmentation by inducing workers to sort themselves across the economy according to their demand for fringe benefits. Several empirical tests using 1968–78 data confirm the existence of sorting and suggest that labor market segmentation increased over time as workers responded to changes in incomes and marginal tax rates.
On the Supply of and Demand for Volatility

VIX exchange-traded products (ETPs) are equity-like securities designed to provide exposure to the forward implied volatility of the S&P 500 index. Launched on January 29 th 2009, VIX ETPs quickly gathered significant trading volume and market capitalization. One reason for their success is that they provide an easily accessible opportunity to trade volatility. This study shows that the advent of this market has not led to improvement in the price discovery process as expected with increased market participation. It also shows a positive, significant relation between VIX ETP hedging demand and VIX futures prices, suggesting the “tail is wagging the dog. ”
Gender and the Composition of Corporate Boards

This article examines the gender composition of corporate boards of listed companies in Ghana. Results indicate that women were insignificantly represented and that younger firms had more women on their boards than firms established four decades ago. In addition, the study found that it is only after the initial listing that companies found it necessary to appoint women directors. As firms expand, they tend to employ fewer women on their corporate boards. Also, women were engaged more in the service and financial sectors than the manufacturing and construction industries. Interest-ingly, local companies appointed relatively more women as board members than their multinational counterparts.
Climate change risk: an adaptation and mitigation agenda for Indian cities

This paper considers the needed adaptation and mitigation agenda for cities in India — where the urban population is likely to grow by around 500 million over the next 50 years. It considers the likely changes that climate change will bring in temperature, precipitation and extreme rainfall, drought, river and inland flooding, storms/storm surges/coastal flooding, sea-level rise and environmental health risks, and who within urban populations are most at risk. It notes the importance for urban areas of an effective rural adaptation agenda — especially in maintaining the productivity and functioning of rural systems. It highlights the importance of today's infrastructure investments, taking into account climate changes, given the long lifespan of most infrastructure, and the importance of urban management engaging with changing risk profiles. One important part of this is the need to connect official adaptation initiatives to the much-improved natural hazard risk assessment, management and mitigation capacity that responded to major disasters. The paper ends by describing a possible urban climate change adaptation framework, including changes needed at the national, state, city and neighbourhood levels, and linkages to mitigation.
Multivariate Generalized Multiscale Entropy Analysis

Multiscale entropy (MSE) was introduced in the 2000s to quantify systems’ complexity. MSE relies on (i) a coarse-graining procedure to derive a set of time series representing the system dynamics on different time scales; (ii) the computation of the sample entropy for each coarse-grained time series. A refined composite MSE (rcMSE)—based on the same steps as MSE—also exists. Compared to MSE, rcMSE increases the accuracy of entropy estimation and reduces the probability of inducing undefined entropy for short time series. The multivariate versions of MSE (MMSE) and rcMSE (MrcMSE) have also been introduced. In the coarse-graining step used in MSE, rcMSE, MMSE, and MrcMSE, the mean value is used to derive representations of the original data at different resolutions. A generalization of MSE was recently published, using the computation of different moments in the coarse-graining procedure. However, so far, this generalization only exists for univariate signals. We therefore herein propose an extension of this generalized MSE to multivariate data. The multivariate generalized algorithms of MMSE and MrcMSE presented herein (MGMSE and MGrcMSE, respectively) are first analyzed through the processing of synthetic signals. We reveal that MGrcMSE shows better performance than MGMSE for short multivariate data. We then study the performance of MGrcMSE on two sets of short multivariate electroencephalograms (EEG) available in the public domain. We report that MGrcMSE may show better performance than MrcMSE in distinguishing different types of multivariate EEG data. MGrcMSE could therefore supplement MMSE or MrcMSE in the processing of multivariate datasets.
On the geography of international banking: the role of third-country effects

International banking is a complex phenomenon. Among its determinants, distance has been found to be critical. But does distance only have a simple negative direct effect? Or is the role of geography more intricate? Applying spatial analysis techniques on BIS data of bank foreign claims in 178 countries in 2006, evidence of positive spatial autocorrelation under alternative spatial weights schemes is brought to light. The geographical aspects of international banking are further explored by a spatial autoregressive gravity model. The results obtained support that the operation of a spatial lag leads to important indirect or third-country effects. Evidence of such financial spillovers is further corroborated by results of a spatial autoregressive Tobit model. Geography is more important than the effect of distance on its own would suggest. Third-country effects operate in a manner that subsequently connects countries through links beyond those immediately involved in borrowing (destination) and lending (origin) relationships. Confirming earlier results, the economic size of sending and recipient countries, cultural similarity and in-phase business cycles enhance international banking, while distance and exchange rate volatility hinder it. Also, while lower political risk has a positive role, so do higher financial and economic risks, reflecting-to some extent-some of the reasons behind the current financial crisis.
Perspectives on induced abortion among Palestinian women: religion, culture and access in the occupied Palestinian territories

Abstract Induced abortion is an important public health issue in the occupied Palestinian territories (OPT), where it is illegal in most cases. This study was designed to elicit the views of Palestinian women on induced abortion given the unique religious, ethical and social challenges in the OPT. Sixty Palestinian women were interviewed on their perceptions of the religious implications, social consequences and accessibility of induced abortions in the OPT at Al-Makassed Islamic Charitable Hospital in East Jerusalem. Themes arising from the interviews included: the centrality of religion in affecting women’s choices and views on abortion; the importance of community norms in regulating perspectives on elective abortion; and the impact of the unique medico-legal situation of the OPT on access to abortion under occupation. Limitations to safe abortion access included: legal restrictions; significant social consequences from the discovery of an abortion by one’s community or family; and different levels of access to abortion depending on whether a woman lived in East Jerusalem, the West Bank, or Gaza. This knowledge should be incorporated to work towards a legal and medical framework in Palestine that would allow for safe abortions for women in need.
Equilibrium Analysis of Portfolio Insurance

A martingale approach is used to characterize general equilibrium in the presence of portfolio insurance. Insurers sell to noninsurers in bad states and general equilibrium requires that the risk premium rises to induce noninsurers to increase their holdings. The authors show that portfolio insurance increases price volatility, causes mean reversion in asset returns, raises the Sharpe ratio and volatility in bad states, and causes volatility to be correlated with volume. They also explain why out-of-the-money S&P 500 put options trade at a higher volatility than do in-the-money puts. Copyright 1996 by American Finance Association.