Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vintage Capital and Expectations Driven Business Cycles

This paper demonstrates that increased optimism about future productivity can generate an immediate economic expansion in a neoclassical model with vintage capital and variable capacity utilization. Previous research has documented that standard neoclassical models cannot generate a simultaneous increase in consumption, investment, and hours in response to news shocks, and that optimism in these models tends to reduce investment and hours. When technology is vintage specific, however, expectations of higher future productivity raise the demand for new vintages of capital relative to installed capital. Capital depreciates faster when utilization is high, but this depreciation only affects installed capital. The cost of high depreciation therefore falls when the value of installed capital falls. It is demonstrated here that with standard parameter values, more optimism raises utilization, consumption, investment, hours, and output.
Assessment of Genetic Diversity among Egyptian Alfalfa Varieties Using Agro-Morphological and Molecular Markers

Genetic variation among five Egyptian alfalfa varieties have been studied based on forage yield and yield components performance, isozymes and seed storage protein. A field trial was carried out at the experimental farm of Giza Research Station, ARC, Giza, Egypt. The trial included five Egyptian alfalfa varieties namely; Giza-1, Ismailia-1, Ismailia-94, New Valley and Siwa-1. Twenty cuts were obtained during 2013 and 2014. The combined analysis across the two years revealed that significant differences were found among the studied alfalfa varieties for plant height, tillers m , leafiness and dry forage yield ton fed . New Valley recorded the 21
Mutation Patterns at Codons Rt204 And Rt180 of the HBV PolymeraseGene Associated with Lamivudine Resistance in Treated and UntreatedChronic HBV Patients in Kuwait: A Case Series

Introduction: Lamivudine is a potent inhibitor of hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication via suppression of the RNAdependent DNA polymerase. However, patients with prolonged therapy were previously detected harboring drugresistant mutants. Such mutants though partially replication defective, confer resistance to lamivudine and can elicit exacerbation of hepatonecro-inflammation. Cases presentation: In this case series, we examined mutations in the YMDD motif gene in five lamivudinetreated patients (60 yr male, 50 yr female, 46 yr male, 36 yr male and 42 yr male) and in four untreated patients (34 yr female, 29 yr male, 29 female and 37 yr male). Rare mutational patterns of rtM204L in conjunction with rtL108M were recognized conferring resistance to lamivudine. The rtL180M compensatory mutation was identified in conjunction with rtM204V/I/L; among which three patients had viral and biochemical breakthrough associated with serum HBV DNA levels exceeding 106 copies/mL. Conclusions: These results indicate that; (i) lamivudine resistant HBV strains are naturally occurring mutants as detected in lamivudine untreated patients and; (ii) New mutational patterns (rtM204L: YLDD and rtL180M) were identified conferring resistance to lamivudine and resulted in biochemical and virological breakthrough. Based on these findings, we propose that such mutations can be used as a marker to predict development of viral breakthrough in the HBV patients whether or not treated with lamivudine.
Adding Missing-Data-Relevant Variables to FIML-Based Structural Equation Models

Conventional wisdom in missing data research dictates adding variables to the missing data model when those variables are predictive of (a) missingness and (b) the variables containing missingness. However, it has recently been shown that adding variables that are correlated with variables containing missingness, whether or not they are related to missingness, can substantially improve estimation (bias and efficiency). Including large numbers of these "auxiliary" variables is straightforward for researchers who use multiple imputation. However, what is the researcher to do if 1 of the FIML/SEM procedures is the analysis of choice? This article suggests 2 models for SEM analysis with missing data, and presents simulation results to show that both models provide estimation that is clearly as good as analysis with the EM algorithm, and by extension, multiple imputation. One of these models, the saturated correlates model, also provides good estimates of model fit.
Lyman α emitters gone missing: evidence for late reionization?

We combine high resolution hydrodynamical simulations with an intermediate resolution, dark matter only simulation and an analytical model for the growth of ionized regions to estimate the large scale distribution and redshift evolution of the visibility of Lyα emission in 6<=z<=8 galaxies. The inhomogeneous distribution of neutral hydrogen during the reionization process results in significant fluctuations in the Lyα transmissivity on large scales. The transmissivity depends not only on the ionized fraction of the intergalactic medium by volume and the amplitude of the local ionizing background, but is also rather sensitive to the evolution of the relative velocity shift of the Lyα emission line due to resonant scattering. We reproduce a decline in the space density of Lyα emitting galaxies as rapid as observed with a rather rapidly evolving neutral fraction between z=6-8, and a typical Lyα line velocity offset of 100 km/s redward of systemic at z=6 which decreases toward higher redshift. The new (02/2015) Planck results indicate such a recent end to reionization is no longer disfavoured by constraints from the cosmic microwave background.
The balanced tensor product of module categories

The balanced tensor product M (x)_A N of two modules over an algebra A is the vector space corepresenting A-balanced bilinear maps out of the product M x N. The balanced tensor product M [x]_C N of two module categories over a monoidal linear category C is the linear category corepresenting C-balanced right-exact bilinear functors out of the product category M x N. We show that the balanced tensor product can be realized as a category of bimodule objects in C, provided the monoidal linear category is finite and rigid.
Frequent premature atrial contractions are associated with atrial fibrillation, brain ischaemia, and mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Aims Premature atrial contractions (PACs) are a common cardiac phenomenon, traditionally considered to be of little clinical significance. Recent studies, however, suggest that PACs are associated with atrial fibrillation (AF), as well as ischaemic stroke, transient ischaemic attack, and mortality. This systematic review aims to investigate the association between PACs on standard electrocardiogram (ECG) as well as PAC-count on Holter monitor and future detection of AF, brain ischaemia, and all-cause mortality in patients without a history of AF. Methods and results We searched PubMed, Embase (OVID), and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from inception through 11 April 2018 and performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. We assessed risk of bias using a modified Quality In Prognosis Studies tool. The primary expression of associations in meta-analysis was the unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) using a random effects model. We identified 33 eligible studies including 198 876 patients from Western and East Asian populations with mean age ranging 52-76 years. Frequent PACs on 24-48 h Holter was associated with AF [HR 2.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.33-3.76; 15 cohorts, n = 16 613], first stroke (HR 2.54, 95% CI 1.68-3.83; 3 cohorts, n = 1468), and all-cause mortality (HR 2.14, 95% CI 1.94-2.37; 6 cohorts, n = 7571). There was insufficient evidence to conclude that presence of ≥1 PAC on standard 12-lead ECG is associated with future AF detection. Conclusion In older patients without a history of AF, frequent PACs on 24-48 h Holter are significantly associated with AF, first stroke, and mortality.
Characteristics of molecular changes in lespedeza plants after seeds been flown on satellite

To investigate the effect of space flight factors on lespedeza seeds, dry seeds of Lespedeza bicolor were loaded into recoverable satellite for space flight in 2003. After the retrieval, key agronomic traits were tested. Among the 65 plants we tested in the first generation (SP1), ten plants showed changed phenotype characters as prematurity, late-maturity, tall, dwarf, multi-ramify and etiolation. The mutation rate varied from 1.5 to 4.6% among different traits. 60 primers were screened in RAPD analysis to evaluate DNA variation between mutations and their ground controls. Results showed that 272 amplified bands produced by 55 primers. Among them, 12 primers amplified 41 polymorphic bands. Pattern of bands showed that absence of common bands were observed in mutated plants compared with the ground control. Moreover, similar band pattern was observed in the same mutation phenotype. Conclusion was that space flight factors could induce inheritable mutagenic changes on bush clover seeds, and verified these changes in genetic material in the mutants. These mutations may due to the breakage of chromosome fragments which was induced by complex traits of space flight, especially the cosmic radiation and microgravity. More work is being conducted to select the stable mutants with favorable traits and used them in developing new cultivars.
Effects of different dietary energy and rumen-degradable protein levels on rumen fermentation, nutrients apparent digestibility and blood biochemical constituents of Chinese crossbred yellow bulls.

Received: Revised: Accepted: January 26, 2014 February 27, 2014 March 29, 2014 The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of two dietary energy levels (TDN: 70 and 76% DM) and two rumen-degradable protein levels (RDP: 7.7 and 9.4% DM) on rumen fermentation, nutrients apparent digestibility and blood biochemical constituents of Chinese crossbred yellow bulls. Four ruminallyfistulated Charolais×Nan yang yellow bulls, about 540±23kg live weight, were randomly assigned to a 2×2 factorial arrangement in a 4×4 Latin Square design to receive four dietary treatments. The treatments were as follows: low energy and high protein (LEHP; TDN: 70%, RDP: 9.4%), high energy and high protein (HEHP; TDN: 76%, RDP: 9.4%), low energy and low protein (LELP; TDN: 70%, RDP: 7.7%) and high energy and low protein (HELP; TDN: 76%, RDP: 7.7%). Ruminal pH and total volatile fatty acids were not different among treatments. The acetate concentration was lower and propionate concentration was greater (P<0.01) for bulls fed HE diet compared with LE diet. The higher ammonia nitrogen (NH3–N) concentration was found for bulls fed HP diet compared to bulls fed LP diet (P<0.01). Total apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), organic matter (OM) and N utilization were greater for bulls fed HE vs LE diet (P<0.05). Bulls fed HP diet had increased N retention than those fed LP diet (P<0.05). Blood biochemical constituents were not different among all dietary treatments, except plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) which was higher in HP dietary treatment (P<0.05). These findings suggest that high energy and high protein (energy: 76%, RDP: 9.4%) treatment is the best for high performance of yellow bulls without affecting their health. ©2014 PVJ. All rights reserved
Mercury and stable isotopes (δ15N and δ13C) as tracers during the ontogeny of Trichiurus lepturus

This study applies total mercury (THg) concentration and stable isotope signature (δ15N and δ13C) to evaluate the trophic status and feeding ground of Trichiurus lepturus during its ontogeny in northern Rio de Janeiro, south-eastern Brazil. The trophic position of T. lepturus is detected well by THg and δ15N as the sub-adult planktivorous specimens are distinct from the adult carnivorous specimens. The δ13C signatures suggest a feeding ground associated with marine coastal waters that are shared by fish in different ontogenetic phases. The diet tracers indicated that the fish feeding habits do not vary along seasons of the year, probably reflecting the prey availability in the study area. This fish has economic importance and the concentration of THg was compared to World Health Organization limit, showing that the adult specimens of T. lepturus are very close to the tolerable limit for safe regular ingestion.
STUDENTS' NEED RECOGNITION FOR HIGHER EDUCATION AT PRIVATE COLLEGES IN MALAYSIA: AN EXPLORATORY PERSPECTIVE

The objective of this s tudy is to ascertain the influence of internal and external environmental and marketing stimuli on students’ need recognition to study at private c olleges in Malaysia. Eight hundred and eighty eight students who were e nrolled in 72 multi-disciplined p rivate c olleges participated in this s tudy. A two-part questionnaire comprising selected background data, and internal and external stimuli promoting students’ need recognition was used. Internal stimuli comprised an individual’s past experience, characteristics and motive. External environmental stimuli encompassed family, reference group and social class; while external marketing stimuli i nclude the quality of programs, promotion, pricing, distribution, lecturers, processes and ph ysical resources. The results indicate that external marketing stimuli have the highest i nfluence on students’ need recognition (lecturer’s quality ‐ 76%; program quality ‐ 74% and quality of physical resources ‐ 73%), followed by external environmental stimuli (family ‐ 70%), and internal stimuli ‐ 65%. These findings will enable private colleges to formulate effective marketing strategies emphasising students’ need recognition and family influence, which will allow them to maintain a sustainable c ompetitive e dge over their competitors in this dynamic a nd highly competitive industry.
Stress field sensitivity analysis in a sedimentary sequence of the Alpine foreland, northern Switzerland

Abstract. The stress field at depth is a relevant parameter for the design of subsurface constructions and reservoir management. Yet the distortion of the regional stress field due to local-scale features such as sedimentary and tectonic structures or topography is often poorly constrained. We conduct a stress sensitivity analysis using 3-D numerical geomechanical modelling with an elasto-plastic material law to explore the impact of such site-specific features on the stress field in a sedimentary sequence of the Swiss Alpine foreland. The model's dimensions are 14 × 14 × 3 km3 and it contains 10 units with different mechanical properties, intersected by two regional fault zones. An initial stress state is established involving a semi-empirical relationship between the ratio of horizontal to vertical stress and the overconsolidation ratio of argillaceous sediments. The model results indicate that local topography can affect the stress field significantly to depths greater than the relief contrasts at the surface, especially in conjunction with horizontal tectonic loading. The complexity and frictional properties of faults are also relevant. The greatest variability of the stress field arises across the different sedimentary units. Stress magnitudes and stress anisotropy are much larger in stiffer formations such as massive limestones than in softer argillaceous formations. The stiffer formations essentially carry the load of the far-field forces and are therefore more sensitive to changes of the boundary conditions. This general characteristic of stress distribution in the stiff and soft formations is broadly maintained also with progressive loading towards the plastic limit. The stress field in argillaceous sediments within a stack of formations with strongly contrasting mechanical properties like in the Alpine foreland appears to be relatively insensitive to changes in the tectonic boundary conditions and is largely controlled by the maximum stiffness contrast with respect to the load-bearing formations.
Reducing Estimation Risk in Mean-Variance Portfolios with Machine Learning

In portfolio analysis, the traditional approach of replacing population moments with sample counterparts may lead to suboptimal portfolio choices. I show that optimal portfolio weights can be estimated using a machine learning (ML) framework, where the outcome to be predicted is a constant and the vector of explanatory variables is the asset returns. It follows that ML specifically targets estimation risk when estimating portfolio weights, and that "off-the-shelf" ML algorithms can be used to estimate the optimal portfolio in the presence of parameter uncertainty. The framework nests the traditional approach and recently proposed shrinkage approaches as special cases. By relying on results from the ML literature, I derive new insights for existing approaches and propose new estimation methods. Based on simulation studies and several datasets, I find that ML significantly reduces estimation risk compared to both the traditional approach and the equal weight strategy.
Paleontology and Geochronology of the Deseadan (late Oligocene) of Moquegua, Perú

Abstract Subsequent to our initial reports of the discovery of Deseadan fossils in southern Perú, we have obtained new data regarding the paleontology and geology of the upper member of the Moquegua Formation. These data include newly recovered fossil specimens and further analyses of those collected in our earlier field seasons. We have also obtained an ash directly from within the fossil-bearing units near the summit of Cerro Pan de Azúcar. Biotites from this Sugarloaf ash give an age estimate of 26.25 ± 0.10 Ma, thus supporting our previous suggestion that these fossil-bearing horizons are of late Oligocene age (Deseadan South American Land Mammal “Age”) and removing our query regarding a possible early Miocene age. Most of the fossils are of notoungulates and most of these are trachytheriine mesotheriids. Remarkably, three distinct mesotheriid taxa appear to have been present in the Moquegua fauna, none of which are referable to the common Trachytherus alloxus of the nearby and at least partly contemporaneous Salla beds of Bolivia. Other fossils documented here include postcranial elements of the notohippid notoungulate, Moqueguahippus, a macraucheniid litoptern (cf. Coniopternium), an osteoderm of an unnamed species of armadillo (Dasypodidae, cf. Dasypodinae), and a claw of a phorusrhacid bird. We also describe a diminutive new hystricognath rodent, Sallamys quispea, sp. nov. It is similar to, but distinct from, S. pascuali of Salla. Indeed, despite the temporal and geographic proximity of Moquegua to Salla, none of the taxa from Moquegua that can be identified to species are known from Salla. Likewise, we have failed to find any dasypodids from Salla that have osteoderms like that described in this work. Thus, it is appears that distinctive paleogeographic and paleoenvironmental conditions in the late Oligocene led to a regional biotic differentiation for the Moquegua area of coastal Perú.
An evolution of the back and forth nudging for geophysical data assimilation: application to Burgers equation and comparisons

We study in this article an improvement to the back and forth nudging (BFN) method for geophysical data assimilation. In meteorology or oceanography, the theoretical equations are usually diffusive free, but diffusion is added into the model equations in order to stabilize the numerical integrations and to take into consideration some subscale phenomena. We propose to change the sign of the diffusion in the backward nudging model, which is physically consistent and stabilizes the backward integration. We apply this method to a Burgers equation, study the convergence properties and report the results of numerical experiments. We compare the quality of the estimated initial condition with two other data assimilation techniques that are close from the algorithmic point of view: a variational method, and the quasi-inverse linear method.
On Stability of Three Interacting Species

Using Liapunov’s direct method, the stability of the equilibrium state of a system of three interacting species living in a finite one dimensional linear habitat has been investigated. The effect of convective and dispersive migration on the stability of the system has also been studied. It has been shown that, for similar dispersion coefficients, the equilibrium state remains stable without dispersal as well as with dispersal. The stability or instability of the equilibrium state of the system is not affected by convective migration. The dispersal has stabilizing effect even on the nonlinear stability of the equilibrium state of the interacting system.
The Superstatistical Nature and Interoccurrence Time of Atmospheric Mercury Concentration Fluctuations

The probability density function (PDF) of the time intervals between subsequent extreme events in atmospheric Hg0 concentration data series from different latitudes has been investigated. The Hg0 dynamic possesses a long‐term memory autocorrelation function. Above a fixed threshold Q in the data, the PDFs of the interoccurrence time of the Hg0 data are well described by a Tsallis q‐exponential function. This PDF behavior has been explained in the framework of superstatistics, where the competition between multiple mesoscopic processes affects the macroscopic dynamics. An extensive parameter μ, encompassing all possible fluctuations related to mesoscopic phenomena, has been identified. It follows a χ2 distribution, indicative of the superstatistical nature of the overall process. Shuffling the data series destroys the long‐term memory, the distributions become independent of Q, and the PDFs collapse on to the same exponential distribution. The possible central role of atmospheric turbulence on extreme events in the Hg0 data is highlighted.
Firm size and judicial efficiency in Italy: evidence from the neighbour's tribunal

We investigate the causal relationship between judicial efficiency and firm size across Italian municipalities, exploiting spatial discontinuities in tribunals' jurisdiction for identification. Results show that halving the length of civil proceedings, average firm size would increase by around 8-12%, everything else equal. Results are robust to a number of different specifications, based on two different databases.
Metal split-cylinder resonators for plasmonic nanosensing

We consider a novel configuration of plasmonic nanoparticles exhibiting ultra-high sensitivity of the plasmon-polariton resonance to environmental refractive index variations, resulting in a record figure of merit for single-particle sensing. The suggested configuration consists of a metal-coated silica nanorod, whose cylindrical symmetry is broken by a nanosized split resulting in a split-cylinder resonator. Silver and gold nanoparticles are analyzed using two- as well as three-dimensional finite element numerical simulations, revealing that the new nanoparticle configuration facilitates an easy tunability of the resonance and ensures high field enhancement in the split region. Considering single-particle sensing of environmental index variations, we demonstrate that these nanoparticles allow one to achieve record-high figures of merit along with unprecedented spatial resolution.
Can Free Evidence Be Bad? Value of Information for the Imprecise Probabilist

This article considers a puzzling conflict between two positions that are each compelling: (a) it is irrational for an agent to pay to avoid ‘free’ evidence, and (b) rational agents may have imprecise beliefs. An important aspect of responding to this conflict is resolving the question of how rational (imprecise) agents ought to make sequences of decisions—we make explicit what the key alternatives are and defend our own approach. We endorse a resolution of the aforementioned puzzle—we privilege decision theories that merely permit avoiding free evidence over decision theories that make avoiding free information obligatory.