Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Asymmetric Mean Reversion of Bitcoin Price Returns

Abstract Non-linearity is characterised by an asymmetric mean-reverting property, which has been found to be inherent in the short-term return dynamics of stocks. In this paper, we explore as to whether cryptocurrency returns, as represented by Bitcoin, exhibit similar asymmetric reverting patterns for minutely, hourly, daily and weekly returns between June 2010 and February 2018. We identify several differences in the behaviour of Bitcoin price returns in the pre- and post-$1000 sub-periods and evidence of asymmetric reverting patterns in the Bitcoin price returns under all the ANAR models employed, regardless of the data frequency considered. We also present evidence indicating stronger reverting behaviour of negative price returns in terms of both reverting speed and magnitude compared to positive returns and evidence of positive serial correlation with prior positive price returns. Finally, we also investigated asymmetries in Bitcoin price return series' persistence by employing higher order ANAR models, finding evidence of a higher persistence of positive returns than negative returns, a result that further supports the existence of asymmetric reverting behaviour in the Bitcoin price returns.
Simulation in Nursing Education-International Perspectives and Contemporary Scope of Practice.

PURPOSE This article provides insights and perspectives from four experienced educators about their approaches to developing, delivering, and evaluating impactful simulation learning experiences for undergraduate nurses. A case study format has been used to illustrate the commonalities and differences of where simulation has been positioned within curricula, with examples of specialized clinical domains and others with a more generic focus. The importance of pedagogy in developing and delivering simulations is highlighted in each case study. A range of learning theories appropriate for healthcare simulations are a reminder of the commonalities across theories and that no one theory can account for the engaging and impactful learning that simulation elicits. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Creating meaningful and robust learning experiences through simulation can benefit students' performance in subsequent clinical practice. The ability to rehearse particular clinical scenarios, which may be difficult to otherwise achieve, assists students in anticipating likely patient trajectories and understanding how to respond to patients, relatives, and others in the healthcare team.
Two to Ten Years: Developmental Trajectories of Joint Attention in Children With ASD Who Received Targeted Social Communication Interventions

This study follows 40 children who were participants in a randomized controlled early intervention trial (Kasari et al.) from early childhood (2–5 years of age) to elementary school age (8–10 years). To fully utilize the available longitudinal data, the general linear mixed model was the primary analytical approach. The growth trajectories of joint attention skills (pointing, coordinated joint looking, and showing) and expressive language outcomes in these children were estimated based on five time points during the measurement period. The children were grouped by diagnosis at the last follow‐up (autism, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), no diagnosis) and by their original treatment group assignment (joint attention, symbolic play, control), and differences between these groups were evaluated. Results showed that joint attention skills of coordinated joint looking and showing increased over time, and pointing to share interest increased over the first year measured and decreased thereafter. These trajectories were influenced by both original treatment assignment and diagnostic status at follow‐up. In addition, a cross‐lagged panel analysis revealed a causal relationship between early pointing and later language development. This study highlights the longitudinal and developmental importance of measures of early core deficits in autism, and suggests that both treatment and ASD symptomatology may influence growth in these skills over time. Autism Res 2014, 7: 207–215. © 2014 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Effect of Physician Personality on Laboratory Test Ordering for Hypertensive Patients

Laboratory tests are responsible for a large percentage of health care expenses in the United States. In a retrospective study of the outpatient test ordering by residents for hypertensive patients between the years 1980 and 1986 at the Department of Family Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina, we found great variability in laboratory test ordering as well as an association between personality as measured by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and test ordering. Introverts ordered more than extroverts, and intuitives ordered more than sensors. This association was confirmed by a multiple regression analysis controlling for potential confounders of test ordering, such as severity of disease, the presence of coexisting diabetes mellitus, the demographic characteristics of the patient population, and the number of initial evaluations for hypertension. Elucidation of a relationship between resident personality and laboratory test ordering has important implications for planning intervention strategies to reduce excessive laboratory test ordering in ambulatory care.
Essays on trade, growth and the environment

The aim of this thesis is to measure the impact of international trade on growth and carbon dioxide emissions using a sample covering 83-104 countries over the period 1971-2010. The empirical analysis of the income and growth equation in the first chapter shows that the trade-growth relationship differs across regions. Especially in Africa, a continent characterized by a small network trade. The second chapter develops the results and examines the network analysis by taking into account the topological characteristic of a country in world network trade. The results show that the impact of trade on growth depends on the country's commercial network and that this impact increases with the extension of the network. In a second part, we analyze the directly and indirectly channels through which trade openness affect the environment. The analysis in the third chapter shows that the effect of trade on emissions of pollutants differs between developed and developing countries. The last chapter focuses on the effects of trade on pollutant emissions through trade specialization. According to the estimation results, for high-income countries, the effect of trade is greater if they specialize in capital-intensive sectors and decreases with an increase in per capita income. For middle- and low-income countries, trade has a positive effect on pollutant emissions, this effect is impeded if they specialize in labor-intensive industries and increase with an increase in per capita income.
Evaluation Champions: A Literature Review

Background: Numerous studies call for the identification and engagement of evaluation champions in the implementation of an evaluation initiative. However, no agreed definition of an evaluation champion exists in the extant literature. Published studies on evaluation champions are limited and motivations of evaluation champions are not well understood. Understanding of how evaluation champions interact with their colleagues to generate momentum for change is lacking. Purpose: This article explores champions in organizational settings and highlights the need for an increased understanding of evaluation champions. The research question posed is, ‘What does the literature tell us about evaluation champions in organizational settings? ’ Setting: Not Applicable. Intervention: Not Applicable. Research Design: Relevant articles were identified through systematic searches of selected databases and reference reviews of retrieved articles from the evaluation and organizational development bodies of evidence. Theories that could assist with understanding the role of evaluation champions were also drawn upon. Data Collection and Analysis: Not Applicable. Findings: The analysis indicates evaluators and organizations value champions because they work to bring evaluative thinking into their practice and positively promote evaluation among their colleagues. A list of activities that may be indicative of the behaviours of champions has been compiled to contribute to the evidence base. Keywords: evaluation champions; social interdependence theory; evaluation use; evaluation capacity building.
Fractal dimension analysis of static stabilometry in Parkinson’s disease and spinocerebellar ataxia

Abstract The static stabilometry patterns associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD, n = 15) and spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA, n = 15) were compared with those of normal control (n = 15) by measuring the fractal dimensions. Fractal dimensions were estimated using the modified pixel dilation (mPD) method. The fractal dimensions with closed eyes showed a significant correlation with Environmental area for SCA group (p<0.05). The fractal dimension for SCA group was significantly higher with closed eyes than that with open eyes (p<0.05). The fractal dimension with closed eyes was significantly higher in PD and SCA groups than that in normal group (p<0.05). The fractal dimension with closed eyes was higher when the clinical stage was more severe with PD and SCA group while Environmental and Longitude/Environmental areas were not. These findings suggest that the fractal dimension is more sensitive than traditional stabilometric analysis in an evaluation of postural instability in PD and SCA.
The emergence of the transition movement in Canada: success and impact through the eyes of initiative leaders

ABSTRACT Originating in the UK in 2006, the Transition movement is oriented to local grassroots citizen-led efforts that prepare for and support a societal energy transition to a low-carbon future in response to climate change, peak oil, ecological degradation, and economic instability. Overlapping significantly with relocalization, degrowth/slow growth, local food, and related movements, and based on permaculture principles and a distributed network model, it embraces the opportunity to turn crisis into an opportunity to build more resilient, convivial, and vibrant local communities, declaring that “if it’s not fun, it’s not sustainable”. The Transition approach has spread rapidly around the world, including initiatives in over 100 communities and cities in Canada. This paper reports on the methods and results of a Canadian community-based research study aimed at understanding how and where the movement has taken root across the country, what Transition practice looks like, challenges and opportunities encountered, and lessons learned that could be applied within the movement and by others interested in the role of citizen-led initiatives for sustainability transition. Utilising a practice theory lens, drawing on an extensive web-scan of the movement’s online presence, a survey and interviews with initiative (co)founders, an e-survey of Transition members/participants, regional “structured story-dialogue” workshops, and key informant interviews, and informed by input from a Movement Advisory Group, we describe the research process and explore what success and impact mean to those most active in the movement.
1kW, 400V/12V high step-down DC/DC converter: Comparison between phase-shifted full-bridge and LLC resonant converters

Phase-shifted full bridge (PSFB) and LLC resonant converters with center-tapped rectifier are two popular solutions for auxiliary power module (APM) in the electrical system of electric vehicles (EVs). The high output current and the requirement for a wide gain range due to the high-voltage battery variable voltage bring unique challenges in the design of APMs. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the operational principle of these two topologies. Two 1kW prototypes are designed and developed to provide a realistic comparison. The manuscript provides basic guidelines about the topology selection between these two converters for high step-down ratio and high output current applications.
Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) collected from small and medium-sized Kansas mammals.

Seven species of hard-bodied ticks were collected from 20 species of small and medium-sized mammals in Kansas; Amblyomma americanum L. , Dermacentor variabilis (Say), Haemaphysalis leporispalustris (Packard), Ixodes cookei Packard, I. kingi Bishopp, I. sculptus Neumann, and I. texanus Banks. Dermacentor variabilis was found statewide, A. americanum only in the eastern one-third of the state, and the Ixodes spp. and H. leporispalustris were widely scattered. The most common tick found was D. variabilis, both by itself and in association with other ticks. Mammals that ticks were collected from included Canis latrans Say, Cynomys ludovicianus ludovicianus (Ord), Didelphis virginianus Kerr, Geomys bursarius (Shaw), Lynx rufus (Schreber), Marmota monax bunkeri Black, Mephitis mephitis (Schreber), Microtus ochrogaster (Wagner), Mus musculus L. , Peromyscus leucopus (Rafinesque), P. maniculatus (Wagner), Procyon lotor hirtus Nelson and Goldman, Reithrodontomys megalotis (Baird), Sciurus niger rufiventer Geoffroy, Sigmodon hispidus texianus (Audubon and Bachman), Sylvilagus floridanus (J. A. Allen), Taxidea taxus taxus (Schreber), and Vulpes velox velox (Say).
Expression of human apolipoprotein(a) kringles in colon cancer cells suppresses angiogenesis‐dependent tumor growth and peritoneal dissemination

Anti‐angiogenesis therapy has been regarded as a promising treatment of cancer based on the fact that most tumors and their metastasis are angiogenesis‐dependent. Gene therapy can potentially expand the horizons of tumor angiogenesis therapy by virtue of its ability to produce high concentrations of therapeutic agents in a local area for a sustained period. The present study was performed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of gene therapy for the treatment of cancer and metastasis.
The ATP 30—a scale for measuring medical students' attitudes to psychiatry

The development and validation of a thirty item, Likert‐type scale designed to measure medical students' attitudes to psychiatry—the ATP‐30 (Attitudes Toward Psychiatry—30 items)—are described. We had hoped to demonstrate that ‘attitude to psychiatry’ was not a unitary matter but an amalgam of attitudes to a number of things to do with psychiatric practice. This hope was not fulfilled, as a unitary dimension was obtained. A positive change in the attitudes of students toward psychiatry was demonstrated in third and fourth medical year students in relation to exposure to psychiatry. Such a change was not demonstrable in two classes of occupational therapy students exposed to a course in psychiatry. The reasons for this difference between medical students and occupational therapy students are discussed—there possibly being important implications here for psychiatric curriculum planning in medical school. Lastly, we have demonstrated that the positive change in attitudes amongst medical students was transient rather than lasting—a matter which most studies of attitude change do not address. In spite of the apparent impermanence of the positive change in attitudes among medical students, there are a number of possible uses to a scale such as the ATP‐30, and these are discussed.
Estimated risk of pheochromocytoma recurrence after adrenal-sparing surgery in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A.

HYPOTHESIS Adrenal-sparing adrenalectomy is considered the treatment of choice for hereditary bilateral pheochromocytoma in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN 2A). DESIGN Retrospective analysis of prospectively documented data with a mean +/- SD follow-up of 81.5 +/- 85.3 months. The PubMed database was searched for articles published between 1975 and 2004 to identify published series and/or case reports. SETTING University hospital referral center. PATIENTS In 17 (22%) of 77 patients with various mutations of the RET proto-oncogene, unilateral (n = 12) or bilateral (n = 5) pheochromocytomas were documented at the time of diagnosis or during the course of MEN 2A. Adrenal-sparing surgery was performed in 13 patients (group 1), synchronous bilateral total adrenalectomy in 4 patients (group 2A), and metachronous bilateral total adrenalectomy in 5 patients after adrenal-sparing adrenalectomy (group 2B). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Measurement of 24-hour urinary catecholamine levels (noradrenaline, adrenaline, and dopamine) and, in case of high catecholamine levels, imaging studies to localize the tumors in 1 or both adrenal glands to determine the size and exclude extra-adrenal tumors and distant metastasis. RESULTS The mean+/-SD estimated 5- and 10-year cumulative risk of developing recurrence in both groups was 38.5% +/- 15.7%. Five (38%) of 13 patients in group 1 developed recurrence in the contralateral gland. Two (22%) of 9 patients in groups 2A and 2B developed several episodes of an addisonian crisis, 1 of whom died. CONCLUSIONS Substantial morbidity and mortality are associated with addisonian crisis after bilateral adrenalectomy. Adrenal-sparing adrenalectomy and close monitoring of the remnant may be the treatment of choice for hereditary bilateral pheochromocytoma in MEN 2A, since overall recurrence is low.
Policy context as a factor of bias in the valuation of environmental goods – a dual-process theories perspective

When ecosystem services value estimates are applied in the economic assessment of environmental policies, high accuracy of these estimates is required. One of the directions in the scientific discussion on biases in stated preference (SP) valuation surveys builds on dual-process theories of judgment. The paper contributes to this literature by presenting an experiment where two types of judgment were induced via separate versus joint valuation of environmental goods. The results demonstrated that policy relevance of environmental issues, e.g. the need for conservation measures increases emotional response, causing a larger bias in the separate design as it involves ‘valuation by feeling. ’ This finding suggests that the context of a specific policy, which is often the reason for conducting SP surveys, influences the answers, thereby making the results less reliable for use in cost–benefit analysis.
Reproductive outcomes of HIV seropositive women treated by assisted reproduction.

BACKGROUND Over one million Americans are infected with HIV, and approximately 300,000 are women. Overall health in HIV infected persons has improved, and many seropositive women desire children. This study describes the reproductive outcomes of HIV seropositive women treated by assisted reproduction at our center and compares their clinical results with age-matched HIV seronegative controls. METHODS From January 1, 1998 to December 31, 2011, 36 HIV seropositive women received treatment with in vitro fertilization (IVF) at a single center. The mean age at start of fertility treatment was 37.7±4.8 years. At presentation, 92% of seropositive women were using antiretrovirals and all had undetectable viral loads at time of cycle initiation. Clinical outcomes of seropositive women were compared in a one-to-one ratio to those of randomly selected age-matched seronegative controls undergoing treatment for male factor infertility during the same time period. Comparisons were stratified by age--women less than 35 and greater than 35 years of age. RESULTS Fifteen treatment cycles resulted in live births (21 infants born without HIV infection). HIV seropositive and seronegative women < 35 years of age had nearly identical IVF clinical outcome parameters, including clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates. For women 35 years of age or older, baseline serum estradiol levels and live birth rates were significantly lower in HIV seropositive women. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that the presence of well-controlled HIV infection does not impair fertility treatment in women undergoing IVF. Virally infected women should be encouraged to seek treatment in appropriate cases.
Molecular alterations in endometrial archived liquid‐based cytology

Endometrial cancer is one of the most common gynecological malignancy worldwide and its prevalence is increasing. The introduction of liquid‐based cytology (LBC) and endoflower dispositive in routine practice gives the possibility to examine endometrial cells by cytological diagnosis and may also release the opportunity to study molecular alterations, in endometrioid type cancer in which carcinogenesis is well known. We gathered 72 cases of endometrial LBC samples and corresponding formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) blocks, collected from 2004 to 2010. DNA was isolated from both samples using standard protocols. DNA quality and quantity were assessed using Nanodrop and BIOMED2 multiplex PCR. Mutations in exon 5 of PTEN and exon 20 of PI3K were studied using Sanger sequencing. DNA with good quality and amount was isolated from 67/72 FFPE cases. In these samples, two cases were found to harbor mutations in exon 5 of PTEN. No PI3K mutations were identified. LBC samples were then assessed to verify the concordance with the FFPE DNA results. The results obtained were concordant, that is the wild type cases in FFPE were also wild type in LBC and vice versa for the mutated case. Unfortunately, the second case of mutation in PTEN could not be confirmed in LBC due to low amount of DNA obtained. Detection of molecular alterations in LBC will open a new era for the detection in asymptomatic women of precursor lesions that could evolve into cancer and for endometrial cancer diagnosis and screening in selected high‐risk women. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantitative aspiration during sleep in normal subjects.

STUDY OBJECTIVE To determine the within-subject variability and to estimate the quantity of occult aspiration of nasopharyngeal secretions during sleep in normal humans. DESIGN Prospective duplicate full-night sleep studies. SETTING Pulmonary sleep laboratory, university hospital. PARTICIPANTS Ten normal male volunteers aged 22 to 55 years. INTERVENTIONS Two full-night polysomnographic recordings with infusion of 2 mL/h radioactive 99mTc tracer into the nasopharynx through a small catheter during EEG-documented sleep. Standard lung scans were conducted immediately following final awakening. Aspiration was defined as the presence of radioactivity in the pulmonary parenchyma on two separate views. RESULTS A mean sleep efficiency of 85.7 +/- 2.6% was found with no difference between the two study nights. A total of 5 of the 10 subjects studied had tracer evident in the pulmonary parenchyma following final awakening. Three had the tracer apparent following the first-night study and four had tracer apparent following the second-night study. Thus, two subjects aspirated on both nights. Comparing the subjects who aspirated with those who did not, no significant difference could be found for age, time spent in bed, sleep efficiency, apnea-hypopnea index, arousal plus awakening index, or percent of sleep time spent in a supine position. The quantities of tracer aspirated were on the order of magnitude of 0.01 to 0.2 mL. CONCLUSIONS Aspiration measured by this technique occurs commonly in healthy young men during sleep, is unrelated to sleep quality, and is variable within subjects studied on more than one occasion. The quantity aspirated is of an order of magnitude likely to contain bacterial organisms in physiologically significant quantities.