Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Forecasting Realized Volatility with Changes of Regimes

Realized volatility of financial time series generally shows a slow–moving average level from the early 2000s to recent times, with alternating periods of turmoil and quiet. Modeling such a pattern has been variously tackled in the literature with solutions spanning from long–memory, Markov switching and spline interpolation. In this paper, we explore the extension of Multiplicative Error Models to include a Markovian dynamics (MS-MEM). Such a model is able to capture some sudden changes in volatility following an abrupt crisis and to accommodate different dynamic responses within each regime. The model is applied to the realized volatility of the S&P500 index: next to an interesting interpretation of the regimes in terms of market events, the MS-MEM has better in–sample fitting capability and achieves good out–of–sample forecasting performances relative to alternative specifications.
Immunohistochemical analysis of apoptosis and cell proliferation in lungs of premature infants with chronic lung disease (bronchopulmonary dysplasia)

Introduction: The pathophisiology of chronic lung disease (CLD), clinically known as bronchopulmonary dysplasia is not clear. It is believed that protective mechanisms, such as the release of inflammatory mediators and the activation of apoptotic and/or proliferative processes are activated in the lung tissue of premature infants in an attempt to repair tissue injury caused by exposure to oxygen and mechanical ventilation. Objective: Assess the presence of apoptosis and cell proliferation in the lungs of premature infants with CLD, exposed to oxygen and/or mechanical ventilation, by analyzing the proteins expression: proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), tumor necrosis factor receptor family member (Fas), fas-associated protein with death domain (FADD), tumor necrosis factor receptor type 1-associated death domain protein (TRADD), Caspase 3 and Caspase 8. Material and methods: We analyzed 32 infants autopsies at gestational age of less than 34 weeks exposed to oxygen therapy. The study was divided into three groups: "classic" CLD, "new" CLD and "without" CLD. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed. Results and discussion: A higher proliferation rate was observed in infants with CLD suggesting that longer exposure to mechanical ventilation may stimulates cell proliferation. The PTEN and Caspase 8 expressions were higher in the "new" CLD group, compared to the "without" CLD group, indicating that the "new" CLD form is more susceptible to apoptosis. Conclusion: Apoptosis and cell proliferation are involved in the pathophisiology of CLD. The "new" CLD form is more susceptible to apoptosis, while cell proliferation is more evident in the groups with CLD.
Predicting the Severity of Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries in Adana-Turkey Using Machine Learning Methods and Detailed Meteorological Data

Traffic accidents are among the most important issues facing every nation in the world as they cause many deaths and injuries as well as economic losses every year. In this study, the traffic accidents that took place in Adana, have been classified according to injury severity (i.e. fatal or non-fatal) and the factors affecting the accident outcome are investigated. The study included the traffic accident reports kept by Regional Traffic Division and the weather data provided by the Regional Directorate of Meteorology during 2005-2015. Five major machine learning methods (i.e. k-Nearest Neighbor, Naive Bayes, Multilayer Perceptron, Decision Tree, Support Vector Machine) and one statistical method, Logistic Regression, were employed for prediction models and performances of the models as well as the effective parameters were compared. The main objective of the study is to determine how important weather and other phenomena are for the occurrence of traffic accidents. Decision Tree, k-Nearest Neighbor and Multilayer Perceptron based models yielded higher accuracy in classification of accidents compared to other models. Furthermore, in Area Under Curve based analysis of factor importance, it was determined that Mean Cloudiness, Existence of Traffic Control and Ground Surface Temperature had higher positive effects, while Maximum Temperature and Weather (kept by traffic officers) parameters decreased the accuracy of models .
Building Detection from VHR Remote Sensing Imagery Based on the Morphological Building Index

Automatic detection of buildings from very high resolution (VHR) satellite images is a current research hotspot in remote sensing and computer vision. However, many irrelevant objects with similar spectral characteristics to buildings will cause a large amount of interference to the detection of buildings, thus making the accurate detection of buildings still a challenging task, especially for images captured in complex environments. Therefore, it is crucial to develop a method that can effectively eliminate these interferences and accurately detect buildings from complex image scenes. To this end, a new building detection method based on the morphological building index (MBI) is proposed in this study. First, the local feature points are detected from the VHR remote sensing imagery and they are optimized by the saliency index proposed in this study. Second, a voting matrix is calculated based on these optimized local feature points to extract built-up areas. Finally, buildings are detected from the extracted built-up areas using the MBI algorithm. Experiments confirm that our proposed method can effectively and accurately detect buildings in VHR remote sensing images captured in complex environments.
Positive Youth Development

Abstract Background: Health problems such as sexually transmitted infections and diabetes continue to rise, especially among African American and Hispanic adolescents in low-income communities. Youth development programs are an effective public health response, benefiting participants, the programs that serve them, and their community. Purpose: To explore the efficacy of integrating the Developmental Assets (DA) and Socio-Ecological Model (SEM) in a pilot youth program, the Youth Health Action Board (YHAB). Methods: YHAB was created and implemented by youth. Its impact was examined through individual interviews to learn youth impressions of how their experience affected themselves and their community. Results: YHAB participants feel they personally grew through their experience of building external support in their community, increasing both internal and external DAs. Internal assets were dominant, however students benefited from external support and empowerment. Discussion: YHAB was a successful integration of the DA and SEM for youth development. Additional research could deepen findings and allow extrapolation to broader populations. Translation to Health Education Practice: YHAB program strength lies in its youth development process. Similar programs should look different in each community, as community and youth needs and resources shape program activities.
Scattering and radiation from microstrip patch antennas and arrays residing in a cavity

A hybrid numerical technique for characterizing the scattering and radiation properties of microstrip patch antennas and arrays residing in a cavity which is recessed in a ground plane is presented. The technique combines the finite-element and boundary integral methods to formulate a system for the solution of the fields at the aperture and those inside the cavity via the bioconjugate gradient method and fast Fourier transform. By virtue of the finite-element method, the proposed technique is applicable to patch antennas and arrays residing on or embedded in a layered dielectric substrate and is also capable of treating various feed structures and impedance loads. Several numerical results are presented, demonstrating the efficiency and capability of the technique. <<ETX>>
Harnessing Innate Immunity - Complement and TLR Inhibition in Experimental Models of Gram Positive and Polymicrobial Bacteremia and Sepsis

Paper 1 in the Journal of Immunology might still be under copyright. The papers currently submitted for consideration for publication in peer-reviewed journals, i.e. papers 2 and 3, are not to be made publicly available until they are published. At that point, they may fall under the copyright of the respective journal as well. The reuse of the copyrighted images belonging to Tom E. Mollnes in the thesis is not allowed.
On discrete-time H∞ problem with a strictly proper controller

In this paper the standard discrete-time H control problem is considered under the constraint imposed upon the controller to be strictly proper. The necessary and eta sufficient conditions for the existence of a-suboptimal controller are derived and the set of all linear time-invariant controllers, which solve the problem, is parametrized. In contrast with the unconstrained case, the state-space solution obtained is very transparent and actually is not more complex than the solution of the continuous-time H problem.
Risk-Taking in Cooperative Banks: Do Board Characteristics Matter?

Based on a comprehensive dataset of Italian banks operating during the period 2006-2012 we examine whether board characteristics, specifically board turnover and education, affect the risk propensity of cooperative compared to joint-stock banks. Bank risk is measured by Z-index and profit volatility. Our findings show that cooperatives are less risk taker that joint stock banks, as predicted by both the theoretical and empirical literature, and have lower board turnover and education. Furthermore, we find that while board turnover does not mediate the relationship between the cooperative model and bank risk taking, we do find evidence for board education. The study reveals how low board education in cooperative banks, which is considered as weakness in current standards in corporate governance codes, acted as a (involuntary) “protection” for cooperative banks that prevent them from engaging in risky and more sophisticated projects whose risks cannot be understood by the management.
Kikuchi Disease: The Great Masquerador - A Case Report and Review of the Literature

We report the case of a 19-year-old Chinese woman who presented with fevers and cervical lymphadenopathy, mimicking infectious mononucleosis. Histology of the affected lymph nodes revealed necrotizing lymphadenitis, consistent with Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease. Remaining infectious work-up was negative. Kikuchi-Fujimoto should always be included in the differential diagnosis in cases of cervical lymphadenopathy, particularly in young Asian women, as it may mimic other clinical entities and further work-up for other underlying autoimmune processes should be pursued.
Transmission Electron Microscopy of Biological Samples

During the last 70 years, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has developed our knowledge about ultrastructure of the cells and tissues. Another aim is the determi‐ nation of molecular structure, interactions and processes including structure-function relationships at cellular level using a variety of TEM techniques with resolution in atomic to nanometre range. Even with the best transmission electron microscope, it is impossible to obtain real results without optimal sample preparation, respecting both the structure and the antigenicity preservation. Preparation techniques for high-resolution study of both macromolecular complex and organelles within cellular complex are based on fast cryoimmobilisation process, where the sample is in the most native, hydrated state. Next, thin samples are directly visualised under cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM), while thicker samples require a thinning step via cryo-electron microscopy of vitreous sections (CEMOVIS) or cryo-focused ion beam (cryo-FIB) before visualisation. Alternatively, vitrified samples are freeze substituted and embedded in chosen resin for room temperature ultramicrot‐ omy. This preparation technique is suitable for morphological study, 3D analysis of cellular interior and immunoelectron microscopy. A different route for immunoloc‐ alisation study is cryosectioning according to the Tokuyasu technique that is a choice for rare or methacrylate-sensitive antigens. Most recently, new hybrid techniques have been developed for difficult-to-fix organisms and antigens or labile and anoxia-sensitive tissues. Another preparation technique is, the oldest but still important, conventional chemical fixation dedicated in a wide range of research interest, involving morphological and immunolocalisation study. In this chapter, we present different sample preparation approaches for transmission electron microscopy of biological samples, including its methodological basis and applications.
Seasonal influence on the thyroid gland in healthy dogs of various breeds in different weights

The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of seasonal ambient temperature on the thyroid gland function in terms of serum total thyroxine (TT4), free thyroxine (fT4), total triiodothyronine (TT3), and canine thyroid stimulating hormone (cTSH) concentrations in healthy dogs of various breeds living outdoors and to compare them with those living indoors in flats and houses. The monitoring was conducted for 5 years and our study included 162 indoor dogs and 148 outdoor dogs of both sexes from 2 to 12 years of age, categorised into 3 groups according to their body weight: large (n = 17), medium (n = 16) and small (n = 17) breeds. Comparison of the seasonal serum TT4 and fT4 concentrations in both the indoor and outdoor dogs confirmed their fluctuation in relation to the ambient temperature in all weight groups with the lowest average of TT4 and fT4 concentrations recorded in summer and the highest ones in winter. In dogs kept outdoors, the fluctuation of hormone values was significant (P < 0.05). Seasonal serum cTSH fluctuation was found to be significant (P < 0.05) only in the medium breeds living outdoors, but their concentrations did not exceed the reference ranges. The 5-year monitoring of serum TT3 in indoor and outdoor dogs of large, medium, and small breeds clearly showed that its concentrations were not influenced by varying ambient temperature. The study provides for the first time evidence that serum TT4 and fT4 concentrations in dogs kept outdoors directly depend on ambient temperature. This correlation was also expressed by mathematical equations. Dog, ambient temperature, thyroxine, thyreotropine Thyroid hormones influence numerous physiological and biochemical events in cells, and are essential for healthy growth and development of neurological and skeletal systems. They have catabolic effects on muscle and adipose tissue and regulate cholesterol synthesis and degradation. Thyroid hormones have positive ionotropic and chronotropic effects on the heart (Scott-Moncrieff 2007). Thyroid hormones markedly stimulate Na + K + ATPase activity, which is connected to Na + and K + transport through the plasma membrane
Prevalence and patterns of undescended testis among primary school pupils in Kampala, Uganda

A cross sectional study was undertaken with the main objective of determining the prevalence and patterns of undescended testis (UDT) among 437 primary School pupils from randomly selected primary schools in one Division of ampala in Uganda. The study variables included age, tribe, scrotal findings, side and location of the undescended testis plus associated groin and external genitalia abnormalities. UDT was found in 27 of the 437 children. The right side alone was involved in 17 (63%), the left alone in 5 (18.5%) and was bilateral in five cases (18.5%). Sixteen (59%) of UDT were palpable in the inguinal region while in 11 (41%) could not be palpated. Ultrasonography of the groin area located five of the 11 impalpable testes. This study showed that the prevalence of UDT in the study population was 5.5% and occurred more commonly on the right side and the superficial inguinal pouch was the commonest site. Key words : Prevalence, pattern. Undescended and testis.
Intrinsic and Rational Speculative Bubbles in the US Housing Market: 1960–2011

This paper examines the dynamics of the residential property market in the United States between 1960 and 2011. Given the cyclicality and apparent overvaluation of the market over this period, we determine whether deviations of real estate prices from their fundamentals were caused by the existence of two genres of bubbles: intrinsic bubbles and rational speculative bubbles. We find evidence of an intrinsic bubble in the market pre-2000, implying that overreaction to changes in rents contributed to the overvaluation of real estate prices. However, using a regime-switching model, we find evidence of periodically collapsing rational bubbles in the post-2000 market.
Minimizing the Principle Stresses of Powerhoused Rock-Fill Dams Using Control Turbine Running Units: Application of Finite Element Method

This study focuses on improving the safety of embankment dams by considering the effects of vibration due to powerhouse operation on the dam body. The study contains two main parts. In the first part, ANSYS-CFX is used to create the three-dimensional (3D) Finite Volume (FV) model of one vertical Francis turbine unit. The 3D model is run by considering various reservoir conditions and the dimensions of units. The Re-Normalization Group (RNG) k-ε turbulence model is employed, and the physical properties of water and the flow characteristics are defined in the turbine model. In the second phases, a 3D finite element (FE) numerical model for a rock-fill dam is created by using ANSYS®, considering the dam connection with its powerhouse represented by four vertical Francis turbines, foundation, and the upstream reservoir. Changing the upstream water table minimum and maximum water levels, standers earth gravity, fluid-solid interface, hydrostatic pressure, and the soil properties are considered. The dam model runs to cover all possibilities for turbines operating in accordance with the reservoir discharge ranges. In order to minimize stresses in the dam body and increase dam safety, this study optimizes the turbine operating system by integrating turbine and dam models.
Age and Growth of the Tibetan Catfish Glyptosternum maculatum in the Brahmaputra River, China

Hong-jing Li and Cong-xin Xie (2008) Age and growth of the Tibetan catfish Glyptosternum maculatum in the Brahmaputra River, China. Zoological Studies 47(5): xxx-xxx. Glyptosternum maculatum was successfully aged using otoliths, opercula, and vertebrae. The maximum age obtained from vertebrae was 13 yr, while that obtained from otoliths and opercula was 12 yr. Age determinations using otoliths, opercula, and vertebrae showed good agreement with no significant difference among them. The index of the average percentage error for independent readings of 2 appraised materials was 0.11%, 0.2%, and 0.17%, respectively. Relationships between body weight (W) and total length (L) are described as follows: W♀ = 5E - 06L 3.142 (for females) and W♂ = 5E - 06L 3.1474 (for males), both of which describe isometric growth. A power relationship (females, a = 29.068 and v = 97.173; males, a = 13.402 and v = 107.88) was estimated between the total length and vertebra radius. von Bertalanffy parameters estimated from back-calculated sizes at age were L∞ = 342.66 mm, k = 0.1142/yr, and t0 = − 0.7488 yr for females; and L∞= 460.24 mm, k = 0.0882/yr, and t0 = − 0.2312 for males. http://zoolstud.sinica. edu.tw/Journals/47.5/xxx.pdf
Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Abstract Background: Interest in and use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in the United States is increasing. However, CAM remains an area of nascency for researchers and western practitioners. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine U.S. health educators' attitudes toward CAM and their use of common CAM therapies. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among members of a professional health educator listserv. Results: Health educators generally have positive attitudes toward CAM and about 90% have used at least one CAM therapy in the last 12 months. Differences in CAM attitudes and use were significant, with females reporting more positive attitudes toward and use of CAM. Discussion: Health educators' overall positive attitudes toward CAM are consistent with the limited extant literature. However, important differences were found by various demographic characteristics, not previously identified. Translation to Health Education Practice: The results of this study support the small, but growing, body of literature regarding the need for CAM education for future health education professionals. A discussion of various approaches to the integration of CAM education into professional preparation programs is included.
STRUCTURAL BREAKS AND TRADE ELASTICITIES IN BRAZIL : A TIME-VARYING COEFFICIENT APPROACH

In this paper, new estimates for trade elasticities in Brazil are presented, using time-varying parameters techniques based in the Kalman Filter in order to control for structural breaks in those parameters. Despite major changes in long-run elasticities, there is no evidence of significant changes in Brazilian exports in the short run. However, some slight signs of change can be verified in the exports of specific goods where Brazil does have comparative advantages, such as basic goods. Concerning imports, their most important structural determinants are the trade liberalization in the early 90’s and the stabilization of the economy after the Real plan (1994). Tests do not offer conclusive results about the influence of exchange rate’s volatility and regime in trade, as presented in the recent literature. There is not support, also, to the “residual exports” hypothesis, in which exports have an inverse relationship with economic activity.
The importance of human mediation in species establishment : analysis of the alien flora of Estonia

In order to analyse the mechanisms of the crossing of invasion phases by alien species, a comprehensive 787-species database of all alien neophytes ever recorded in the Estonian flora was compiled. The invasiveness (invasive status, abundance type, introduction mode, residence time, etc.) of each species was estimated and analysed. Our analysis shows that humans have played a more profound role in fostering plant naturalisations than by acting simply as dispersers - the percentage of naturalisation among the deliberately introduced species is considerably higher than among the accidentally introduced taxa. Cultivation has preferred long-lived species that have advantages for reaching greater abundance and naturalised status in the area, especially in (semi-)natural communities. Invasion success also increases with alien species residence time in the study area. There is definitely a need, in the future, to regulate introductions, especially to control the ornamental plant trade.