Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Explaining the Strength and the Efficiency of Monetary Policy Transmission: A Panel of Impulse Responses from a Time-Varying Parameter Model

This paper analyzes both the cross-sectional and time variation in aggregate monetary policy transmission from nominal short term interest rates to price level. Using Bayesian TVP-VARs where the structural interest rate shocks are identi_ed by sign restrictions, we show that monetary policy transmission became stronger over the last decades. This applies both to developed and emerging economies. Monetary policy sacrifice ratios (the output costs of disination induced by monetary policy tightening) gradually decreased from their peak in the 1980's. Exploring the cross-country and time variation in panel regressions, we show that when a country adopted ination targeting regime, monetary transmission became stronger (by about 0.8 p.p. of price level response to 1 p.p. shock to the policy rate) and sacrifice ratios decreased. In periods of banking crises, the transmission from monetary policy interest rate shocks to prices is weaker (by about 1 p.p. of price level response to a 1 p.p. shock to the policy rate) and the related costs in output are higher. Further, countries with higher domestic credit to GDP have stronger transmission while countries with higher foreign debt seem to be less inuenced by domestic monetary policy.
Research on Stiffness of Multibackbone Continuum Robot Based on Screw Theory and Euler-Bernoulli Beam

Continuum robots have become a focus for extensive research, since they can work well in complex and confined environments. The main contribution of this paper is to establish a stiffness model of a single section multibackbone continuum robot and analyze the effect of the structural parameters of continuum robot on the overall rotation and translation stiffness. First, a stiffness model which indicates the end configuration of continuum robot under external load is deduced by the screw theory and Euler-Bernoulli beam. Then, the stiffness elements are fully analyzed, therefore, obtaining the influence of the structural parameters of continuum robot on the stiffness elements. Meanwhile, a numerical analysis of stiffness elements is given. Furthermore, the minimum and maximum rotation/translation stiffness are introduced to analyze the effect of the structural parameters of continuum robot on the overall rotation and translation stiffness. Finally, the experiments are used to validate the proposed stiffness model. The experimental results show that the proposed stiffness model of continuum robot is correct and the errors are less than 7%.
Critical assessment of the impact of HR strategies on employees’ performance

Abstract Line managers are considered as one of the greatest assets of a company. Therefore, it is vital to satisfy them and keep them actively engaged so that they can add value to the organization. This research explores the alternative Human Resource (HR) strategies to support line managers at Sainsbury’s Southern. The research is based on semi-structured interviews conducted with line managers at various levels and across different departments of the company, aimed at exploring the perceptions and experience of the line managers in terms of HR devolution and the level of support provided to them by HR. Secondary data have been used to identify previous works on the topic of HR devolution as well as HR support to line and to also identify the various strategies to facilitate the line managers so that they can perform their new role more efficiently. The findings revealed that the trend of devolution has been successful as the employees interviewed are satisfied with the level of support provided to them by HR. However, some employees raised a few concerns i.e. inadequate training, unclear perceptions regarding the policies, increased workload, ineffective HR practices, etc., and feel that these need to be improved so that they can perform their new role more effectively.
PERSPECTIVE Effects of trophic similarity on community composition

Understanding how ecological processes determine patterns among species coexisting within ecosystems is central to ecology. Here, we explore relationships between species’ local coexistence and their trophic niches in terms of their feeding relationships both as consumers and as resources. We build on recent concepts and methods from community phylogenetics to develop a framework for analysing mechanisms responsible for community composition using trophic similarity among species and null models of community assembly. We apply this framework to 50 food webs found in 50 Adirondack lakes and find that species composition in these communities appears to be driven by both bottom-up effects by which the presence of prey species selects for predators of those prey, and top-down effects by which prey more tolerant of predation out-compete less tolerant prey of the same predators. This approach to community food webs is broadly applicable and shows how species interaction networks can inform an increasingly large array of theory central to community ecology.
Yield and calorific value of bio oil pyrolysed from oil palm biomass and its relation with solid residence time and process temperature.

The demand of renewable energy had created a foundation for biofuels to grow. Bio oil as secondary biofuels is produced from pyrolysis process using biomass as feedstock. The quality of bio oil mainly calorific value (high heating value) affected by the process temperature and solid residence time during pyrolysis. In this study, the effect of pyrolysis process temperature and solid residence time on the bio oil quality (calorific value) and yield was evaluated on the empty fruit bunch and oil palm trunk pyrolysis process. The huge amount of these biomass creates interesting and potential feedstock to be used in pyrolysis. Pyrolysis process was performed using the home made air tight stainless steel barrel with capacity of 4 L with every batch of process using 300 g of biomass fines. The fines were subjected to 4 different process temperatures; 300, 400 and 500 and 600°C for 30, 60 and 90 min of solid residence time respectively to perform the pyrolysis. Result shows that the highest bio oil yield recorded for the EFB pyrolysis process was 36.49%, while 41.35% for OPT pyrolysis process. Significant interaction among the process variable on calorific value of bio oil was observed. High calorific value of bio oil associated with higher process temperature. Conclusively, yield and calorific value of bio oil is dependent of process temperature and solid residence time.
Effect of Stimulation Rate on Speech Understanding in Older Cochlear-Implant Users

Objectives: Cochlear implants (CIs) are considered a safe and effective intervention for more severe degrees of hearing loss in adults of all ages. Although older CI users ≥65 years of age can obtain large benefits in speech understanding from a CI, there is a growing body of literature suggesting that older CI users may not perform as well as younger CI users. One reason for this potential age-related limitation could be that default CI stimulation settings are not optimal for older CI users. The goal of this study was to determine whether improvements in speech understanding were possible when CI users were programmed with nondefault stimulation rates and to determine whether lower-than-default stimulation rates improved older CI users’ speech understanding. Design: Sentence recognition was measured acutely using different stimulation rates in 37 CI users ranging in age from 22 to 87 years. Maps were created using rates of 500, 720, 900, and 1200 pulses per second (pps) for each subject. An additional map using a rate higher than 1200 pps was also created for individuals who used a higher rate in their clinical processors. Thus, the clinical rate of each subject was also tested, including non-default rates above 1200 pps for Cochlear users and higher rates consistent with the manufacturer defaults for subjects implanted with Advanced Bionics and Med-El devices. Speech understanding performance was evaluated at each stimulation rate using AzBio and Perceptually Robust English Sentence Test Open-set (PRESTO) sentence materials tested in quiet and in noise. Results: For Cochlear-brand users, speech understanding performance using non-default rates was slightly poorer when compared with the default rate (900 pps). However, this effect was offset somewhat by age, in which older subjects were able to maintain comparable performance using a 500-pps map compared with the default rate map when listening to the more difficult PRESTO sentence material. Advanced Bionics and Med-El users showed modest improvements in their overall performance using 720 pps compared with the default rate (>1200 pps). On the individual-subject level, 10 subjects (11 ears) showed a significant effect of stimulation rate, with 8 of those ears performing best with a lower-than-default rate. Conclusions: Results suggest that default stimulation rates are likely sufficient for many CI users, but some CI users at any age can benefit from a lower-than-default rate. Future work that provides experience with novel rates in everyday life has the potential to identify more individuals whose performance could be improved with changes to stimulation rate.
Hyporheic community composition in a gravel‐bed stream: influence of vertical hydrological exchange, sediment structure and physicochemistry

Summary 1. We studied the relative contributions of the magnitude and direction of vertical hydrological exchange, subsurface sediment composition and interstitial physicochemistry in determining the distribution of hyporheic invertebrates in the Kye Burn, a fourth order gravel-bed stream in New Zealand. 2. In winter 2000 and summer 2001, we measured vertical hydrological gradient (VHG), dissolved oxygen, water temperature and water chemistry using mini-piezometers, each installed in a different upwelling or downwelling zone. Next to every piezometer, a freeze core sample was taken to quantify the sediment, particulate organic matter and invertebrates. 3. Dissolved oxygen concentration at 25 cm was high on both occasions (>9 mg L−1) but was higher in winter than summer. Interstitial water temperature was higher in down than upwellings and was substantially higher in summer than winter. Other features of the subsurface sediments and interstitial nitrate–nitrite concentrations were similar on both occasions and in up and downwellings. Interstitial ammonium and soluble reactive phosphorous concentrations were higher in winter than summer and ammonium was higher in up than downwelling areas. 4. The proportion of fine sediment (63 μm–1 mm), sediment heterogeneity and VHG accounted for the greatest proportion of variance in invertebrate distributions in both summer and winter. 5. The hyporheos was numerically dominated by early instar leptophlebiid mayfly nymphs and asellotan isopods. Water mites were a taxonomically diverse group with 13 genera. Taxonomic diversity (Shannon–Weaver), but not taxon richness, was higher in upwelling areas, reflecting lower numerical dominance by a few taxa in these locations. 6. Sediment composition (particularly the amount of fine sediments) and vertical hydrological exchange determined the composition and distribution of the hyporheos. Patchiness in these factors is important in planning sampling regimes or field manipulations in the hyporheic zone.
Macular dystrophies: clinical and imaging features, molecular genetics and therapeutic options

Macular dystrophies (MDs) consist of a heterogeneous group of disorders that are characterised by bilateral symmetrical central visual loss. Advances in genetic testing over the last decade have led to improved knowledge of the underlying molecular basis. The developments in high-resolution multimodal retinal imaging have also transformed our ability to make accurate and more timely diagnoses and more sensitive quantitative assessment of disease progression, and allowed the design of optimised clinical trial endpoints for novel therapeutic interventions. The aim of this review was to provide an update on MDs, including Stargardt disease, Best disease, X-linked r etinoschisis, pattern dystrophy, Sorsby fundus dystrophy and autosomal dominant drusen. It highlights the range of innovations in retinal imaging, genotype–phenotype and structure–function associations, animal models of disease and the multiple treatment strategies that are currently in clinical trial or planned in the near future, which are anticipated to lead to significant changes in the management of patients with MDs.
Fertility preferences and subsequent childbearing in Africa and Asia: A synthesis of evidence from longitudinal studies in 28 populations

Survey data on fertility preferences have played a central but controversial role in fertility research and advocacy for family planning. We summarize evidence from longitudinal studies in 28 Asian and African populations on the relationship between preferences and subsequent childbearing. While we found no consistent association between women's desire to delay childbearing and subsequent fertility, the baseline desire of women to stop childbearing was a powerful predictor of subsequent fertility in all populations and increased in strength as overall contraceptive use in the study populations rose. Partners’ desire also exercised some influence but was of modest importance in most populations. However, the correspondence between desire to stop and behaviour was found to be far from perfect. Weak implementation of preferences by contraception is likely to be the major cause of this preference–behaviour discrepancy. Uncertainty and instability in preferences may also contribute to the discrepancy, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
Numerical Analysis of 3-Dimensional Scaling Rules on a 1.2-kV Trench Clustered IGBT

3-dimensional scaling rules for the cathode cells and threshold voltages of a 1.2-kV Trench Clustered IGBT (TCIGBT) are investigated using calibrated models in Synopsys Sentaurus TCAD tools. Scaling down results in an enhancement of current gain of the inherent thyristor action which reduces the forward voltage drop even more than that of a scaled Trench IGBT (TIGBT). For identical switching losses, at a scaling factor k=3, the forward voltage drop is reduced by 20% at 300K and 30% at 400K when compared to the conventional TCIGBT (k=1). Most importantly, despite its lower conduction losses than an equivalent TIGBT, a scaled TCIGBT structure can maintain its short circuit capability, due to the additional scaling principle applied to the n-well and p-well regions, maintaining the self-clamping feature. Thus, TCIGBT is a more efficient chip-for-chip, reliable replacement of a TIGBT for energy savings in applications.
The efficacy of a mix of three probiotic strains in reducing abdominal pain and inflammatory biomarkers in acute uncomplicated diverticulitis.

OBJECTIVE Acute Uncomplicated Diverticulitis (AUD) is defined as the inflammation of a colon diverticulum, often involving colic wall and pericolic fat. Conventional treatment of AUD includes antibiotics, usually ciprofloxacin and metronidazole, fasting, and fluid therapy. The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of a mix of three probiotic strains (Bifidobacterium lactis LA 304, Lactobacillus salivarius LA 302, Lactobacillus acidophilus LA 201; Lactibiane Iki®, Biocure [PiLeJe Groupe], Italy/PiLeJe Laboratoire, France) in association with conventional antibiotics in treating AUD compared to conventional antibiotics used alone. PATIENTS AND METHODS We enrolled 84 (25M/59F mean age 61.5 ± 11.5 years) consecutive patients who came to the Emergency Department of the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli - IRCCS, Rome, Italy, with a diagnosis of AUD confirmed by CT scan. After routine blood test and dosage of C-reactive protein (C-RP), patients were randomly divided into two groups: Probiotic group (42 patients, 10M/32F mean age 32.23 ± 10.3 years) was treated with ciprofloxacin 400 mg twice a day and metronidazole 500 mg three times a day for one week and simultaneously supplemented with the probiotic mix, 1 sachet twice a day for 10 days. Control group (42 patients, 15M/27F mean age 59.01 ± 11.3 years) received the same antibiotic treatment without the probiotic mix. All patients filled a daily Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for assessment of abdominal pain, with a range value from 0 (asymptomatic) to 10, and CRP value was determined on admission and at discharge. RESULTS As regards abdominal pain, on Day 3, Group A showed a significant decrease of 4.06 points (51.4%) in VAS score compared to a decrease of 2.79 points (34.9%) in Group B. On Day 5 the decrease was of 6.3 points (80%) in Group A and of 4.85 points (61%) in Group B. VAS score was reduced by 7.59 points (96%) in Group A and 6.1 points (76%) in Group B on Day 7 +, and by 7.8 points (99%) in Group A and 7.2 points (90%) in Group B on Day 10. About inflammation, Group A showed a decrease in C-RP value of 64%, compared to a decrease of only 35% in Group B. We also observed that the duration of hospitalization was significantly shorter for patients in Group A: 89 h (3.7 days) in Group A vs. 101 h (4.2 days) in Group B (p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS Our results indicated showed that the supplement with the probiotic mix of Bifidobacterium lactis LA 304, Lactobacillus salivarius LA 302, and Lactobacillus acidophilus LA 201 in combination with the standard antibiotic therapy for AUD reduced abdominal pain and inflammation significantly more than antibiotic treatment used alone. These findings could be due to the anti-inflammatory activity of the probiotic mix. Larger studies are needed to validate its use in the clinical practice.
Phase II/III Study of Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate in Japanese Pediatric Patients with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Objective: To further define the efficacy and safety profiles of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX) in Japanese pediatric patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods: This was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of LDX 30, 50, or 70 mg/day for 4 weeks in 76 patients 6–17 years of age with ADHD in Japan. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change in the ADHD Rating Scale-IV (ADHD-RS-IV) total score from baseline to 4 weeks. Secondary efficacy endpoints were: Conners' Third Edition (Japanese version) Parent Rating Scale (Conners 3), Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) scale, and Parent Global Assessment (PGA) scale. Results: Change in the ADHD-RS-IV total score from baseline to 4 weeks was significantly greater (p < 0.0001) in all LDX dosage groups versus placebo (30 mg, −16.38; 50 mg, −18.10; 70 mg, −16.47; placebo, −2.78). At all time points, improvements (decreases) in the ADHD-RS-IV total score were significantly greater in all LDX groups versus placebo. At weeks 3 and 4, improvements from baseline in Conners 3 inattention plus hyperactivity/impulsivity subscale scores were significantly greater (p ≤ 0.0082) for all LDX dosages versus placebo. At week 4, the proportion of LDX-treated patients “much improved” or “very much improved” was 61%–71% on the CGI-I scale (p ≤ 0.0019) and 56%–65% on the PGA scale (p ≤ 0.0170). LDX was generally well tolerated. The most frequent treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs) were decreased appetite, headache, and initial insomnia. No severe/serious AEs occurred, and no AEs specific to Japanese patients were evident. Conclusions: The superiority of LDX 30, 50, and 70 mg/day over placebo was confirmed in Japanese pediatric patients with ADHD, and no major safety or tolerability concerns were identified.
Ownership Concentration, Financial Policies and Agency Costs in an Emerging Country

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the relationships between debts, dividends and ownership concentration. Are these mechanisms substitutable or complementary? We propose a three simultaneous equations system for two samples of Tunisian firms (31 quoted companies 73 non-quoted private firms) during the period 2005-2013. The results show that these relationships are not same for the quoted firms as for non-quoted ones. We find that the debts and the ownership concentration are substitutable.We observed this relation between the ownership concentration level and dividends. In the quoted companies, the debts and dividends are complementary. They are substitutable in the non-quoted firms. In the private firms, the ownership concentration level affects the financial policies.
Teacher Perceptions of School Consultant Social Influence Strategies: Replication and Expansion

ABSTRACT The goals were to (a) replicate the findings of previous research with regard to the Consultee/Teacher Version of the Interpersonal Power Inventory (IPI), and (b) advance the literature by examining IPI scores about a current consultation relationship. Sample 1 included 99 elementary school teachers (44.4% Hispanic) who completed the IPI. Results replicated Erchul et al. Sample 2 (N = 37; 45.9% Hispanic) represented a subset of Sample 1 who participated in a consultation project and completed the IPI about influence in their current consultation relationship. The results advance the literature by offering evidence for convergent and predictive validity of the IPI soft power bases. Teachers who reported being influenced by soft power strategies experienced greater change in their behaviors and their students’ behaviors than those who reported being not influenced by such strategies. Implications for research and practice in school consultation are discussed.
From State-to-Trait Meditation: Reconfiguration of Central Executive and Default Mode Networks

While brain default mode network (DMN) activation in human subjects has been associated with mind wandering, meditation practice has been found to suppress it and to increase psychological well-being. In addition to DMN activity reduction, experienced meditators (EMs) during meditation practice show an increased connectivity between the DMN and the central executive network (CEN). Abstract While brain default mode network (DMN) activation in human subjects has been associated with mind wandering, meditation practice has been found to suppress it and to increase psychological well-being. In addition to DMN activity reduction, experienced meditators (EMs) during meditation practice show an increased connectivity between the DMN and the central executive network (CEN). However, the gradual change between DMN and CEN configuration from pre-meditation, during meditation, and post-meditation is unknown. Here, we investigated the change in DMN and CEN configuration by means of brain activity and functional connectivity (FC) analyses in EMs across three back-to-back functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans: pre-meditation baseline (trait), meditation (state), and post-meditation (state-to-trait). Pre-meditation baseline group comparison was also performed between EMs and healthy controls (HCs). Meditation trait was characterized by a significant reduction in activity and FC within DMN and increased anticorrelations between DMN and CEN. Conversely, meditation state and meditation state-to-trait periods showed increased activity and FC within the DMN and between DMN and CEN. However, the latter anticorrelations were only present in EMs with limited practice. The interactions between networks during these states by means of positive diametric activity (PDA) of the fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFFs) defined as C E N f A L F F ¯ − D M N f A L F F ¯ revealed no trait differences but significant increases during meditation state that persisted in meditation state-to-trait. The gradual reconfiguration in DMN and CEN suggest a neural mechanism by which the CEN negatively regulates the DMN and is probably responsible for the long-term trait changes seen in meditators and reported psychological well-being.