Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Geometry-Based Statistical Modeling of Non-WSSUS Mobile-to-Mobile Rayleigh Fading Channels

In this paper, we present a novel geometry-based statistical model for small-scale non-wide-sense stationary uncorrelated scattering (non-WSSUS) mobile-to-mobile (M2M) Rayleigh fading channels. The proposed model builds on the principles of plane wave propagation to capture the temporal evolution of the propagation delay and Doppler shift of the received multipath signal. This is different from existing non-WSSUS geometry-based statistical channel models, which are based on a spherical wave propagation approach, that in spite of being more realistic is more mathematically intricate. By considering an arbitrary geometrical configuration of the propagation area, we derive general expressions for the most important statistical quantities of nonstationary channels, such as the first-order probability density functions of the envelope and phase, the four-dimensional (4-D) time-frequency correlation function (TF-CF), local scattering function (LSF), and time-frequency-dependent delay and Doppler profiles. We also present an approximate closed-form expression of the channel's 4-D TF-CF for the particular case of the geometrical one-ring scattering model. The obtained results provide new theoretical insights into the correlation and spectral properties of non-WSSUS M2M Rayleigh fading channels.
Molecular characterization of a unique de novo 15q deletion associated with Prader–Willi syndrome and central visual impairment

We report a 2‐year‐old boy with Prader–Willi Syndrome (PWS) caused by a deletion of the PWS critical region as a result of an unbalanced translocation t(3;15). Additional features, including central visual impairment, relative macrocephaly, retrognathia, preauricular tags, and bilateral club‐feet, were noticed. The extension of the deletion was determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis using 11 region‐specific YAC clones. Nine YACs were found to be deleted, allowing us to determine that the deletion is larger than in patients with typical PWS deletions. The karyotype of this patient can thus be designated: 45,XY,−15,der(3)t(3;15)(qter;q14). ish der(3)t(3;15)(qter;q14) (wcp3+,wcp15+,D15S10−,PML+,D15Z1−,D3S4560+,801_f_9×1, 815_e_6×2) de novo. Molecular analyses using seven polymorphic markers helped to narrow down the breakpoint between marker ACTC.PC3 and the distal end of the YAC 815_e_6. These results provide evidence that haploinsufficiency for genes in 15q13‐q14, not affected in common PWS deletions, is associated with the additional features found in the patient, including a central visual impairment.
Impact of ISO 9000 certification on firm performance: evidence from Brazil

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of ISO 9000 certification on three dimensions of firm performance that are theoretically derived to have a relationship with the adoption of ISO 9000 standards, namely, sales revenue, cost of goods sold/sales revenue, and the asset turnover ratio (sales/total assets). Design/methodology/approach - Employing a panel data approach covering all publicly traded companies in Brazil that had adopted the ISO 9000 standards from 1995 to 2006, the authors investigate the impact of the certification on firm performance using three categories of economic regression models: the pooling of cutting data with ordinary least squares, the fixed effects and the random effects. Findings - ISO 9000 certification is found to be associated with an increase in sales revenues, decrease in cost of goods sold/sales revenue and increase in the asset turnover ratios of the certified firms. Research limitations/implications - The research findings suggest that companies large or small, irrespective of their capital structure (i.e. debt/equity) and cutting across industries will benefit from the adoption of ISO 9000 standards. However, the extent to which firms benefit from such adoption is likely to vary. Moreover, the generalizability of the research findings is limited by the size of the sample. Originality/value - The paper's chief contribution lies in the validation of the signaling theory in the context of business organizations and extending the domain of research on this topic to emerging markets generally.
Smartphone-assisted spatial data collection improves geographic information quality: pilot study using a birth records dataset

It is well known that the conventional, automated geocoding method based on self-reported residential addresses has many issues. We developed a smartphone-assisted aerial image-based method, which uses the Google Maps application programming interface as a spatial data collection tool during the birth registration process. In this pilot study, we have tested whether the smartphone-assisted method provides more accurate geographic information than the automated geocoding method in the scenario when both methods can get the address geocodes. We randomly selected 100 well-geocoded addresses among women who gave birth in Alachua county, Florida in 2012. We compared geocodes generated from three geocoding methods: i) the smartphone-assisted aerial image-based method; ii) the conventional, automated geocoding method; and iii) the global positioning system (GPS). We used the GPS data as the reference method. The automated geocoding method yielded positional errors larger than 100 m among 29.3% of addresses, while all addresses geocoded by the smartphone-assisted method had errors less than 100 m. The positional errors of the automated geocoding method were greater for apartment/condominiums compared with other dwellings and also for rural addresses compared with urban ones. We conclude that the smartphone-assisted method is a promising method for perspective spatial data collection by improving positional accuracy.
Effects of Thought Suppression on Provoked Men's Alcohol-Related Physical Aggression in the Laboratory.

OBJECTIVE This study utilized a comprehensive theoretical approach to provide the first data on the impact of thought suppression on provoked men's alcohol-related aggression. METHOD A diverse community sample (58% African-American) of males between the ages of 21 and 35 (M = 25.25) were randomly assigned to one of two beverage conditions (i.e., alcohol, no-alcohol control). Following beverage consumption, participants were provoked via reception of electric shocks and a verbal insult from a fictitious male opponent. Participants' physical aggression was measured using a shock-based aggression task. RESULTS Results indicated that acute alcohol intoxication significantly increased physical aggression among lower, but not higher, thought suppressing men. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that, under conditions of interpersonal provocation, alcohol intoxication produces a myopic focus on hostile thoughts and angry affect in lower, but not higher, suppression men. This pattern of results provides support for the durability of the alcohol myopia effect and highlights the need for continued examination of alcohol's role in the disruption of protective factors for men's aggression. It is important for research to continue to identify modifiable cognitive variables that influence self-regulation of behavior; however, it is imperative that researchers consider the extent to which these variables withstand alcohol's effects.
Semi-Nonparametric Estimation of the Call Price Surface Under Strike and Time-to-expiry No-Arbitrage Constraints

We suggest a semi-nonparametric estimator for the entire call price surface based on a tensor-product B-spline. To enforce no-arbitrage constraints in strike and calendar dimensions we establish sufficient no-arbitrage conditions on the control net of the tensor product (TP) B-spline. Since these conditions are independent of the degrees of the underlying polynomials, the estimator can be parametrized with TP B-splines of arbitrary order. We derive consistency and explore the statistical efficiency benefits from surface estimation. As an application, we estimate families of state price densities and a local volatility surface for S&P500 option data.
Studying learning in games using eye-tracking

We report results from an exploratory study using eye-tracking recording of information acquisition by players in a game theoretic learning paradigm. Eye-tracking is used to observe what information subjects look at in 4 × 4 normal-form games; the eye-tracking results favor sophisticated learning over adaptive learning and lend support to anticipatory or sophisticated models of learning in which subjects look at payoffs of other players to anticipate what those players might do. The decision data, however, are poorly fit by the simple anticipatory models we examine. We discuss how eye-tracking studies of information acquisition can fit into research agenda seeking to understand complex strategic behavior and consider methodological issues that must be addressed in order to maximize their potential. (c) 2009 by the European Economic Association.
Aggregation of Non Stationary Demand Systems

Abstract This paper studies under which conditions a cross-sectional regression yields unbiased estimates of the parameters of an individual dynamic model with fixed effects and individual-specific responses to macro shocks. We show that the OLS estimation of a relationship involving non stationary variables on a cross-section yields estimates which converge to the true value when calendar time tends to infinity. We then consider the particular case of an AI demand model, and we show, using French quarterly aggregate time-series, that budget shares, relative prices and the log of real total expenditure are I(1) and form a cointegrated system. We compare these macro estimates to estimates obtained from three Family Expenditure Surveys and find large differences.
Strategy Content and Organizational Performance: An Empirical Analysis

This study presents the first empirical test of the proposition that strategy content is a key determinant of organizational performance in the public sector. Strategy content comprises two dimensions: strategic stance (the extent to which an organization is a prospector, defender, or reactor) and strategic actions (the relative emphasis on changes in markets, services, revenues, external relationships, and internal characteristics). Data were drawn from a multiple-informant survey of 119 English local authorities. Measures of strategy content are included in a multivariate model of interauthority variations in performance. The statistical results show that strategy content matters. Organizational performance is positively associated with a prospector stance and negatively with a reactor stance. Furthermore, local authorities that seek new markets for their services are more likely to perform well. These results suggest that measures of strategy content must be included in valid theoretical and empirical models of organizational performance in the public sector.
Local Government Modernization in Germany: Between Incrementalism and Reform Waves

In taking a historical-institutionlist approach, this paper looks at the development of administrative reforms in German local government which, because of the comparatively high degree of political and administrative decentralization of the Federal Republic has played a crucial role in the latter’s entire politico-administrative setting and, hence, in its institutional reforms. The paper mainly identifies three stages in the post-war development of administrative reforms. During the ‘planning movement’ of the late 1960s and early 1970s, Germany’s local level government and administration underwent significant and, to a considerable degree, lasting institutional changes. The 1980s were a period of incrementalist adaptation. Since the beginning of the 1990s, conspicuously later than in the Anglo-Saxon and Scandinavian countries, but earlier and faster than the federal and the Lander levels, Germany’s local government has embarked upon dramatic changes particularly on two scores. First, in a growing number of municipalities and counties, administrative modernization was incorporated under the heading of a ‘New Steering Model’ (NSM) that largely drew on the dominant international New Public Management (NPM) debate. The dynamics of the ongoing administrative reforms are marked by an ‘amalgamation’ of NPM/NSM and earlier (‘traditional’) reform concepts. Secondly, at the same time, the political institutions of local government have under-gone a significant shift as a result of the introduction of direct democratic procedures (direct election of mayors and heads of counties, binding local referenda). The paper argues that it is this co-incidence and co-evolution of administrative and political reforms that make for the peculiarity of Germany’s current modernization trajectory, distinguishing it from the Anglo-Saxon and, to a lesser degree, from the Scandinavian modernization paths.
Sarcoidosis and Antiphospholipid Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Cases

Association between sarcoidosis and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is rare with few reported cases. We sought to systematically review the published cases of APS with sarcoidosis to better characterize the demographics, clinical characteristics, treatment, and the outcome of this association. Systematic electronic search for case report, case series, and related articles published until May 2014 was carried out and relevant data were extracted and analyzed. Four cases of APS with sarcoidosis were identified exclusively in females. These cases were seen in the sixth decade of life. Pulmonary embolism and central retinal artery occlusion were the presenting thrombotic events. All the patients were treated with lifelong anticoagulation with warfarin. During the median follow-up period of 5.5 months, additional thrombotic events were not observed. Although rare, sarcoidosis may be associated with APS. Further reporting of the cases will help to better establish this association, elucidate pathogenesis, and define clinical characteristics and outcomes.
Making Microcredit Work in the United States: Social, Financial, and Administrative Dimensions

Microcredit has gained increasing attention over the past decade as a tool for spurring grassroots entrepreneurship in the United States. Although some prominent microcredit programs have reportedly demonstrated positive economic effects on microloan recipients, many others have suffered from various social, financial, and administrative challenges. The authors examine these challenges by drawing on existing studies and their own in-depth analysis of two of the oldest microcredit programs in California. The authors conclude by discussing possible strategies for addressing these problems.
Towards a Semigroup Pricing Theory

In an arbitrage-free economy, there will always exist a set of linear operators which map future contingent dividends of securities into their current prices. It happens that such operators will also form an "evolution semigroup" as a consequence of intertemporal analysis of the no-arbitrage restriction. This paper summarizes some of the major implications of the semigroup properties, but avoids almost all of the technical discussion which underlies them. Instead, several practical examples are presented. Some wellknown continuous-time results are replicated by this alternative method, and certain new developments are explored. IT IS WELL KNOWN that in an arbitrage-free economy, there exists a nonnegative linear operator mapping dividend streams into current prices.1 What is less well known is that these operators, as a consequence of intertemporal no-arbitrage, must additionally possess a semigroup property. This paper is an overview of work in progress which deals with the semigroup features, but which is contained in rather longer and more complicated papers.2 Here I shall attempt to make the main results (and prospective results in some cases) accessible to a broader financial economics readership. At first blush, the terminology itself is intimidating: we shall be dealing with the apparently difficult notions of (1) linear operators; (2) infinitesimal generators; and (3) evolution semigroups. These terms become less daunting when it is realized that almost everyone has encountered a simple example of each via the "discounting" of future payments. Consider a world of certainty where the discount function between dates t and T is given as tQT. That is, if the current time is t and a future payment is to be received at time T in the amount A,, then the present value of the future payment would be given as Vt = tQ,A,. We see that tQ, may be considered an operator, since it maps future payments into current values; it is linear, since two (contemporaneous) payments may be added together first and then discounted, or discounted individually and added, with the same result; and finally it is nonnegative, since no positive future payment can ever have a present value of less than zero. Thus, the (certainty) discount function is an instance of a nonnegative linear operator. The infinitesimal generator may be thought of as the time derivative of the operator, in our certainty case the rate of change of the discount function. In other words, we
Determinants of tourism hotel profitability in Tunisia

This study uses panel regression tests to examine the impact of the economic performance on the financial one. The retained measures for the economic performance and the financial one are, respectively, the operational efficiency score estimated with data envelopment analysis and the return on assets. This investigation leads to four major conclusions. First, the test results confirm that hotel financial performance is linked to its economic performance that is evaluated by its technical efficiency. Second, hotels affiliated to an international chain, hotels operating under a franchise contract, and hotels located in coastal areas or situated in scenic areas present a better financial performance than others. Third, the managers’ high intellectual level positively affects financial performance. However, hotel size and indebtedness have negative impacts. Fourth, hotel financial performance is linked to its contextual factors such as the tourism region attractiveness. Finally, this study ensures the significant impact of national and international crises, such as terrorist attacks on hotel financial performance.
Multichannel Shopping Through Nontraditional Retail Formats: Variety-Seeking Behavior With Hedonic and Utilitarian Motivations

Understanding motivations of multichannel shoppers is critical for retailers, especially in terms of how retailers can best attract shoppers to and orient shoppers across different channel options. Our study thus seeks to understand multichannel shopping through nontraditional retail formats by studying the effects of shoppers' hedonic and utilitarian motives. We used the theory of variety-seeking behavior for conceptualization, and analyzed data from a large-scale U.S. consumer survey. Our findings suggest that both hedonic and utilitarian factors are important predictors of multichannel shopping. Hedonic motivations have more explanatory power for high-level multichannel shopping than for moderate-level multichannel shopping, as compared to non-multichannel shopping.
The Effects of Firm‐Wide and Office‐Level Industry Expertise on Audit Pricing

This study examines the role of auditor industry expertise in the pricing of Big 5 audits in Australia. We test if the audit market prices an auditor's firm‐wide industry expertise, or alternatively if the audit market only prices office‐level expertise in those specific cities where the auditor is the industry leader. We document that there is an average premium of 24 percent associated with industry expertise when the auditor is both the city‐specific industry leader and one of the top two firms nationally in the industry. However, the top two firms nationally do not earn a premium in cities where they are not city leaders. We further document that national leadership rankings are, in fact, driven by the specific offices where accounting firms are city leaders. Thus, the overall evidence supports that the market perception and pricing of industry expertise in Australia is primarily based on office‐level industry leadership in city‐specific audit markets.
The Role of Knowledge in Business Start-up Activity

Drawing on the literature on knowledge and self-efficacy, we examine the effects of individuals’ possession of and exposure to knowledge on the likelihood to engage in business start-up activity. Our analyses are based on data collected for the 2002 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor. More specifically, we analysed data from individuals located in Belgium and Finland in terms of their education and skills, and their contacts with the entrepreneurial community. Our findings suggest that knowledge-based factors indeed have a strong impact on the decision to engage in business start-up activity. We also found cross-country differences for these knowledge-based effects, in particular as regards the growth-orientation of business start-up activity. We discuss our findings and provide directions for future research.
Practical activity in Ethiopian secondary physical sciences: implications for policy and practice of the match between the intended and implemented curriculum

This paper reports on a study which examined the secondary physical sciences curriculum in Ethiopia with a particular focus on practical work. It describes the intention and realization of the science curriculum in terms of that which is intended by policy makers and curriculum developers and that which is implemented by classroom science teachers. Ethiopia's new Education and Training Policy and Sector Strategy (EMPDA, 1994a and b) advocates — as did its predecessors — that science be taught emphasizing a problem-solving, practical approach in the classroom. The main methods used by the study to gather data were: analysis of documents — policy statements, textbooks, examination papers; classroom observation; and analysis of 80 science lessons in four sample schools, enriched through interviews with a range of those involved — from policy makers to students in schools. The study revealed that the link between policy and practice in secondary science with regard to practical work was always tenuous. Broad and specific curriculum objectives as well as the teaching and learning activities prescribed in the textbooks were neither internally coherent nor congruent with the stated policy objectives. Furthermore, assessment practice and school practice did not match intentions. As a consequence, Ethiopian secondary students do not receive the practical experiences specified in the official science curriculum.
Information Advantage in Cournot Oligopoly with Separable Information, or Non-dierentiable Inverse Demand

Einy et al (2002) showed that information advantage of a …rm is rewarded in any equilibrium of an incomplete information Cournot oligopoly, provided the inverse demand function is dierentiable and monotonicaly decreasing, and costs are a¢ ne. We extend this result in two directions. We show …rst that a …rm receives not less than its rival even if that …rm's information advantage is only regarding payo¤-relevant data, and not necessarily payo¤-irrelevant "sunspots". We then show that there is at least one equilibrium which rewards …rm's information advantage even with non-dierentiable, but con- cave, inverse demand function. Under certain conditions, these results hold even with always non-negative inverse demand functions.