Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimal monetary and tariff policy in open economies

This paper investigates the relationship between optimal monetary and tariff policy in open economies. In producer-currency pricing (PCP) case, as in Obstfeld and Rogoff (2002), optimal tariff policy rules are separable from optimal monetary policy rules. Except for PCP case, they are not separable from each other. The increase of tariffs will lead to a more insulated world economy in the sense that both home and foreign pay more attention to their domestic goals respectively. When tariffs are chosen optimally, except for PCP and reference-currency pricing (RCP) cases, optimal monetary policy is inward-looking. We also extend the model to consider gains from cooperation. Except for LCP case, there are gains from cooperation between Home and Foreign monetary policy makers. By comparison, there are gains from cooperation between Home and Foreign tariff policy makers in various cases.
PROPAGATION OF MEANDERING ROTORS SURROUNDED BY HIGH 1 DOMINANT FREQUENCY AREAS IN PERSISTENT ATRIAL 2 FIBRILLATION 3

37 Background: identification of arrhythmogenic regions remains a challenge in persistent atrial 38 fibrillation (persAF). Frequency and phase analysis allows identification of potential ablation 39 targets. 40 Objective: This study aims to investigate the spatiotemporal association between dominant 41 frequency (DF) and re-entrant phase activation areas. 42 Methods: Eight persAF patients undergoing first-time catheter ablation procedure were enrolled. 43 A non-contact array catheter was deployed into the left atrium (LA) and 2048 AF electrograms 44 (AEG) were acquired for 15 seconds following ventricular far-field cancellation. DF and phase 45 singularity (PS) points were identified from the AEGs and tracked over consecutive frames. The 46 spatiotemporal correlation of high DF areas and PS points was investigated and the organization 47 index of high DF areas was compared with their periphery. 48 Results: The phase maps presented multiple simultaneous PS points that drift over the LA, with 49 preferential locations. Regions displaying higher PS concentration showed a degree of co- 50 localization with DF sites, with PS and DF regions being neighbors in 61.8% and with PS and DF 51 regions overlapping 36.8% of the time windows. Sites with highest DF showed a greater degree 52 of organization at their core (CG) compared to their periphery. After ablation, the PS incidence 53 reduced over the entire LA (36.2±23.2%, p<0.05), but especially at the pulmonary veins (PVs) 54 (78.6±22.2%, p<0.05). 55 Conclusions : Multiple PS points drifting over the LA were identified with their clusters correlating 56 spatially with the DF regions. After PV isolation, the PS’s complexity was reduced, which supports 57 the notion that PS sites represent areas of relevance to the atrial substrate.
A comparison of two modes of data collection. Using multidimensional analysis

Although the literature on survey modes had abandoned comparisons between face-to-face and telephone surveys, having concluded that the results are similar, the current technological and social environment calls for resuming the debate. As well as the problems that arise when the prospective respondent does not own a telephone (or problems accessing mobile phone users), it is also important to bear in mind that a telephone survey places the respondent in a completely different social situation from that of a face-to-face interview. This gives rise to major differences in the responses to surveys where the interviewer is present (face-to-face) and those conducted via telephone. Although numerous studies have analysed this phenomenon, the vast majority of them have used “variable to variable” comparisons, and hence present the inevitable shortcomings of univariate and bivariate analysis. The present study takes a fresh approach, in which all the survey variables are considered jointly using Multiple Correspondence Analysis on a 2005 regional election poll conducted in Galicia, Spain, by the Center for Sociological Research (CIS) (survey number 2.608).
IMPACT OF TRANSPORTATION COSTS AND INFRASTRUCTURE QUALITY ON INDONESIAN IMPORTS

Abstract This article investigates the impact of sea and air transportation cost, as well as infrastructure quality, to Indonesiaâ€™s import. Employing a panel regression model to seek for the answer, the paper find that cost reduction for sea transportation has greater impact on the Indonesiaâ€™s import volume compared to the air transportation. This paper also finds that Indonesiaâ€™s infrastructure quality has a significant positive impact on Indonesiaâ€™s import. The quality of ports, roads, and Linear Connectivity International Shipping (LSCI) are significant factors affecting import volume by sea transportation mode. Meanwhile, import volume by air transportation is significantly affected by the quality of the roads and airports. Keyword: Transportation costs, sea and air transportation infastructure qualities, volume of import JEL classification numbers: D24, H54, F13 Abstrak Paper ini menyelidiki pengaruh biaya transportasi laut dan udara dan kualitas infrastruktur erhadap impor Indonesia. Dengan menggunakan model regresi data panel, paper ini menemukan bahwa koefisien biaya transportasi untuk impor menggunakan transportasi laut lebih besar dibandingkan melalui udara. Dengan kata lain, turunnya biaya transportasi laut memiliki dampak yang lebih besar pada volume impor Indonesia dibandingkan melalui transportasi udara. Kualitas infrastruktur Indonesia memiliki dampak positif yang signifikan terhadap impor. Kualitas pelabuhan, jalan, dan Linear Connectivity International Shipping (LSCI) merupakan faktor penting yang dapat memengaruhi impor Indonesia melalui moda transportasi laut. Sementara itu, volume impor melalui moda transportasi udara dipengaruhi signifikan oleh kualitas jalan dan bandara udara. Kata kunci: Biaya transportasi, kualitas infrastruktur laut dan udara, volume impor JEL classification numbers: D24, H54, F13
Seismic Retrofit of RC Hollow-Section Piers with Shear Failure

The objective of this paper is to perform an experimental evaluation of seismic retrofit of reinforced concrete hollow piers with CFRP to prevent shear failure. The experimental campaign was carried out regarding the evaluation of: i) shear retrofit strategy efficiency and ii) the influence of different transverse reinforcement details on the shear capacity and concrete confinement. The experimental campaign has been carried out at LESE – FEUP (Laboratory of Earthquake and Structural Engineering of the Faculty of Engineering of University of Porto), on a set of four RC piers with hollow section. Within the scope of this work it is also the study of design procedures for CFRP shear retrofitting and the evaluation of the associated ductility capacity improvement. Efficiency assessment is pursued for different scenarios of shear failure prevention, and the corresponding seismic response enhancement is evaluated. The most relevant experimental information is presented in the paper, as for instance the evolution of shear cracks and the illustration of the outside and inside damage pattern.
Correlation of Evapotranspiration with Climatic Parameters in some selected Cities in Nigeria

Reference evapotranspiration (ETo) is an important agro-meteorological parameter for climatological and hydrological studies, as well as for irrigation planning and management. It is a climatic parameter and can be computed from weather data. This work evaluated the correlation of ETo with climatic parameters for Ibadan, Sokoto and Kano; in order to assess their effect on ETo since the rate of ETo depend on the available climatic parameters. The climatic data used were obtained from International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan (1977-2010). The ETo was estimated using the FAO-56 Penman-Monteith Method. The results show that solar radiation, sunshine hour, air temperature, wind speed and clearness index were positively correlated with ETo while relative humidity and cloudiness were negatively correlated. The correlation coefficients obtained ranged from 0.538 – 0.871, 0.164 – 0.953 and 0.031 – 0.994 for Ibadan, Sokoto and Kano respectively. The result also shows that the correlation of each parameters with ETo depend on the pravailing climatic condition of the location. This work has shown the degree of the relationship between ETo and climatic parameter, which depend on the prevailing climatic conditions of the study area. The results obtained can help agriculturists and engineers for effective irrigation planning and management. The results obtained were compared with that of other researchers.
Financial Constraints, Managerial Incentives and the Scope of the Firm

The recent seminal work of Gabaix (2011) raises a puzzling question: If centralization-putting different projects under the same roof-reduces diversification for investors, how does this situation reconcile with the seemingly contradictory fact that it also boosts a firm’s borrowing capacity? To address this puzzle, we propose a theory where centralization increases the correlation across projects by exposing them to the shock of the same CEO. We show that, in contrast to the conventional wisdom, such increased correlation enhances rather than reduces the firm’s ability to relax financial constraints because more correlated shocks can better take advantage of cross pledging possibilities.
CONNECTING ANGULAR MOMENTUM AND GALACTIC DYNAMICS: THE COMPLEX INTERPLAY BETWEEN SPIN, MASS, AND MORPHOLOGY

The evolution and distribution of the angular momentum of dark matter (DM) halos have been discussed in several studies over the past decades. In particular, the idea arose that angular momentum conservation should allow us to infer the total angular momentum of the entire DM halo from measuring the angular momentum of the baryonic component, which is populating the center of the halo, especially for disk galaxies. To test this idea and to understand the connection between the angular momentum of the DM halo and its galaxy, we use a state-of-the-art, hydrodynamical cosmological simulation taken from the set of Magneticum Pathfinder simulations. Thanks to the inclusion of the relevant physical processes, the improved underlying numerical methods, and high spatial resolution, we successfully produce populations of spheroidal and disk galaxies self-consistently. Thus, we are able to study the dependence of galactic properties on their morphology. We find that (1) the specific angular momentum of stars in disk and spheroidal galaxies as a function of their stellar mass compares well with observational results; (2) the specific angular momentum of the stars in disk galaxies is slightly smaller compared to the specific angular momentum of the cold gas, in good agreement with observations; (3) simulations including the baryonic component show a dichotomy in the specific stellar angular momentum distribution when splitting the galaxies according to their morphological type (this dichotomy can also be seen in the spin parameter, where disk galaxies populate halos with slightly larger spin compared to spheroidal galaxies); (4) disk galaxies preferentially populate halos in which the angular momentum vector of the DM component in the central part shows a better alignment to the angular momentum vector of the entire halo; and (5) the specific angular momentum of the cold gas in disk galaxies is approximately 40% smaller than the specific angular momentum of the total DM halo and shows a significant scatter.
Genetic Variability and Phylogenetic Relationship of Pakistani Snapmelon (Cucumis melo var. Momordica) by Using Microsatellite Markers

Among the major cucurbit vegetables, Cucumis melo has one of the highest polymorphic fruit types and botanical varieties. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the genetic diversity among different genotypes of Snapmelon (Cucumis melo var. Momordica) collected from all the four provinces of Pakistan. In this study, 18 microsatellite markers were tested on Snapmelon germplasm which yielded valuable information about the genetic relationships among 40 Snapmelon accessions. The mean PIC value of the markers ranged from 0.3706 to 0.8247. For establishing data matrix, an auto radiogram was visually scored for the presence (1) or absence (0) of polymorphic bands. Assessments of genetic relationship among the genotypes were done by cluster analysis, using POPgen software. The genetic analysis through principle coordinate analysis (PCA) and dendrogram showed that the wild accessions were distinguished from all domesticated accessions collected from various regions of the country. Genetic differentiation among the populations using molecular data indicated the importance of the study area for species conservation, genetic erosion estimation, and exploitation in breeding programs.
Changes in physical health among older Europeans

Changes in Physical Health Among Older Europeans Mauricio Avendano, Johan Mackenbach The Association Between Socioeconomic Status and Changes in Health in Europe Renske Kok, Mauricio Avendano, Johan Mackenbach Changes in Health-Behaviour Related Determinants Farizah Mohd Hairi, Mauricio Avendano, Johan Mackenbach The Effects of Ill Health on Displacement from the Labour Market and Potential Impact of Prevention Alex Burdorf, Tilja van den Berg, Mauricio Avendano, Anton Kunst, Johan Mackenbach Do New Countries Joining SHARE Experience a Different Level of Health Services Utilization? Jacques Spagnoli, Sarah Cornaz, Brigitte Santos-Eggimann Life Events and Change in Economic Resources as Predictors of Change in Health Services Utilization Sarah Cornaz, Jaques Spagnoli, Brigitte Santos-Eggimann Changes in Health Out-of-Pocket Payments and Health Care Utilization in the Early Post-Retirement Period Alberto Holly, Karine Lamiraud, Karine Moschetti, Tarik Yalcin 4.1 4.2
Predominant overexpression of CD25/FOXP3, IFN-γ, and suppressive cytokines in high-grade lesion samples infected with human papillomavirus

Introduction: Human papillomavirus (HPV) persistent infection is the leading cause of cervical cancer and its precursor lesions, and the inappropriate immune response is among the factors that contribute to viral persistence. This may be influenced by regulatory T (Treg) cells and the production of immunosuppressive cytokines, such as transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and interleukin-10 (IL-10). Objective: We established the profile of the predominant response, Th1 or immunosuppressive response, in the tissue microenvironment, by detecting interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), TGF-β, and IL-10, as well as the co-expression of IL-2 receptor alpha (CD25) and forkhead box P3 (FOXP3). Methods: Seventy-four samples from uterine cervix biopsies that underwent HPV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) detection and histopathology analysis were immunostained to detect CD25/FOXP3, IFN-γ and suppressive cytokines in lymphocytes. Results: The microenvironment of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) samples with high numbers of viral particles (≥ 10,000 copies/ml) contained high numbers of CD25/FOXP3+, TGF-β+, IL-10+, and IFN-γ+ cells. Conclusion: The co-expression of CD25/FOXP3 and the expression of TGF-β, and IL-10 in HSIL samples suggest the existence of Treg cells in these locations, although IFN-γ expression was observed in several cells in these samples. Our data suggest that this cytokine could be related to immunosuppressed microenvironment maintenance, favoring the persistent HPV infection and the progression to carcinoma.
Application of variational and FEM methods to the modelling and numerical analysis of guillotining process for geometrical and physical nonlinearity

Finite element modelling provides a great deal of support in understanding technological processes. How-ever, there are few studies of the guillotining process, and those that exist are simplified for use only in the calcula-tion of such processes’ steady states. This paper proposes the application of variational and finite element methods for the analysis of guillotining and the nonlinearities of this process. Physical and mathematical models of the process and a new thermo-elastic/thermo-visco-plastic material model are elaborated. The procedure is implemented in the finite element code ANSYS/LS-DYNA and the model is validated comparing the numerical and experimental re-sults. The influence of various process conditions on the strain and stress states and the quality of the final product are analysed. The results lay the groundwork for further study regarding the numerical analysis of spring-back be-haviour and the effect of tool elasticity on the quality of the final work piece. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.5755/j01.mech. 20.2. 6941
The Potential Impact of Biofertilization, Antioxidant and Micronutrients Application in Reducing Salinity Stress on Two Wheat Cultivars

3 Abstract: A field experiment was conducted for the two growing seasons of 2006 and 2007 at three soil sites of different salinity levels (4.72, 7.79 and 10.86 dSm ). The experiment was designed to -1 study the influence of salt affected soil in addition to years, micronutrients, antioxidant application and their interaction on two wheat cultivars (Sakha 93 and Sakha 94). Obtained results indicated that application of biofertilization generally raised the shoot fresh weight values in comparison with non biofertilized ones, although treatments using micronutrients in addition to 100 & 200 ppm antioxidant improved plant fresh weight to reach those of the positive control (100% NPK). At high soil salinity levels a remarkable observation was found where the biofertilized treatments significantly overcame the non-biofertilized treatments and similar observation was estimated for plant shoot dry weight under the same previous mentioned conditions. Biofertilization with Candida tropicalis increased significantly the leaf area of tested wheat cultivars under and soil salinity levels. At high salinity level, it was found that treatments supplied by biofertilization with yeast mitigated the adverse effect of salinity. Application of yeast produced the highest spikes number m irrespective of salinity level and cultivar 2 type, that ranged from 221 - 323, in comparison with the non biofertilized ones (72 - 273). For grain yieldm the same previous trend was recorded at lower salinity levels where biofertilized wheat yield ranged from 8 to 22 ardab/fed, while non biofertilized plants ranged from 0.73 to 14.8 Ardab/fed.
The Academic Intrinsic Motivation and its Relationship with the Emotional Intelligence Level with a Sample of the Academic Overachievers and Underachievers of Najran University

The research tackled the academic intrinsic motivation and its relationship with the emotional intelligence with a sample of the academic overachievers and underachievers of Najran University. The study population consisted of the students of Najran University who are enrolled in the University academic year 2015/2016, during the first semester in the various colleges. The study sample consisted of (423) male and female students; and the study instruments included the emotional IQ which consisted of (54) items, and the academic intrinsic motivation questionnaire, which consisted of (36) items, to identify the overall emotional intelligence degree and the motivation with the students. The results showed that the academic intrinsic motivation and emotional intelligence degrees were high with the university students. Furthermore, the results showed a direct correlational, statistically significant relationship between the academic intrinsic motivation and the emotional intelligence; and there are statistically significant differences between the motivation and emotional intelligence among the academically outstanding and non-outstanding students.
ANN-DEA Approach of Corporate Diversification and Efficiency in Bursa Malaysia

There is little consensus on the corporate diversification-efficiency relationship in the diversification literature. According to the corporate diversification, firms have a tendency to get more market share with diversifying in the local segment or in the international market. Theoretically, a contradictory exists between the profitable strategy and the value reducing strategy in the diversification strategy. In this paper, we measure firm’s efficiency by applying Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) in manufacturing firms listed in Bursa Malaysia for five years. Meanwhile, a feed forward multilayer perceptron neural network is applied to model the mapping function between the input and output data to the efficiency score. Back propagation (BP) learning algorithm is applied to update network’s weights through minimizing the cost function, and the best topology of the network is conducted. The result of this study shows that there is a negative relationship between total product diversification and efficiency, and international diversification has a non-linear effect on the efficiency.
A Study of Designers' Cognitive Activity in Design Informational Phase

In the purpose of developping better design-support tools and improving design education, design cognition studies describe designers’ mental strategies for solving design problems. So far, the first steps toward a description of designers’ strategies have shown that analogies are widely used in the ideas generation phases of design process. But the very early stages of design, in the transition from brief reception to idea generation, still remain uncompletely understood and described; our study aims at exploring the way designers handle visual information beforing reaching the Eureka moment. Experiments were carried out with four professional designers from car-design European companies. The participants were invited to browse two media, printed magazines and Internet, in order to retrieve ‘inspirational’ images and to associate lexical descriptions to the selected images. Then in a later task, the participants had to illustrate an assigned design brief with pictures they found through online picture-search engines. The main findings deal with designers’ creativity and designers’ kansei: (1) In the early phases of design, the activity of browsing information sources is a combination of a generic process, shared by all designers, and individual strategies involving the designer’s subjectivity. (2) New media, such as the Internet, surely impact the information phase of the early stages of design projects. Designers modify their creative strategies to adapt to the media capabilities.