Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A 0.1–5GHz flexible SDR receiver in 65nm CMOS

A 0.1-5GHz flexible software-defined radio (SDR) receiver is presented with three RF front-end paths (Main/Sub/HR paths). Main path and sub path can reject out-of-band blockers and harmonic interferences, and feature low NF and high linearity, respectively. Harmonic rejection (HR) path can effectively reject the harmonic interferences with simple calibration mechanism. Dual feedback LNA, class-AB Op-Amp with miller feed-forward compensation and quasi-floating gate (QFG) techniques, reconfigurable continuous-time (CT) low pass (LP) and complex band pass (CBP) sigma-delta ADC are proposed. This chip has been implemented in 65nm CMOS with 9.6-47.4mA current consumption from 1.2V voltage supply and a core chip area of 5.4mm2. The receiver main path achieves 3.8dB NF, +5dBm/+5dBm IB-IIP3/OB-IIP3 as well as +58dBm IIP2. The sub path achieves +10dBm/+18dBm IB-IIP3/OB-IIP3 as well as +61dBm IIP2. And it offers RF filtering with 10dB rejection at 10MHz offset. The HR path achieves +13dBm/+14dBm IB-IIP3/OB-IIP3 and >54/56dB 3rd/5th-order harmonic rejection with 30-40dB rejection improvement by calibration.
Regulating Pacific Seasonal Labour in Australia

In 2008 the Australian Government announced a new labour mobility scheme for Pacific workers, with the objective of meeting seasonal demand for low skilled labour in the horticulture industry and promoting economic development in Pacific Island Countries. Modelled on New Zealand’s Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme, it is a significant departure from Australia’s long-standing preference for permanent migration that is non-discriminatory with respect to the country of origin. Any temporary migration programme that draws a workforce from developing countries has the potential to exploit vulnerable foreign workers, but the long term success of Australia’s pilot program makes it imperative that seasonal workers from the Pacific are not exposed to that danger. This article examines why the responsibility for protecting Pacific workers falls largely on Australia’s regulatory framework governing workplace relations, and how those laws, policies and processes can meet that challenge. Equality laws, occupational health and safety principles, dispute settlement procedures, and trade union involvement all form part of an institutional network that can assist this highly visible scheme to meet the expectations of participants both in Australia and in the Pacific.
Neural Network Models for Time Series Forecasts

Neural networks have been advocated as an alternative to traditional statistical forecasting methods. In the present experiment, time series forecasts produced by neural networks are compared with forecasts from six statistical time series methods generated in a major forecasting competition Makridakis et al. [Makridakis, S. , A. Anderson, R. Carbone, R. Fildes, M. Hibon, R. Lewandowski, J. Newton, E. Parzen, R. Winkler. 1982. The accuracy of extrapolation time series methods: Results of a forecasting competition. J. Forecasting1 111-153. ]; the traditional method forecasts were estimated by experts in the particular technique. The neural networks were estimated using the same ground rules as the competition. Across monthly and quarterly time series, the neural networks did significantly better than traditional methods. As suggested by theory, the neural networks were particularly effective for discontinuous time series.
Congestion charges in Stockholm: how have they affected retail revenues?

Did the introduction of congestion charges in Stockholm city reduce retail revenues? Data from 20 shopping malls – 8 within the toll area, and 12 outside the toll area – and from a sample of retail stores located along the main shopping streets was analysed using an intervention-control approach. Favourable outcomes, such as reduced traffic, less emissions of carbon-dioxide and perceived improvements in air quality and accessibility, do not seem to have been offset by reduced revenues for retailers located within the toll area.
Association of Lyn kinase with membrane rafts determines its negative influence on LPS-induced signaling

Bacterial lipopolysaccharide activates Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and triggers proinflammatory reactions of macrophages. TLR4 signaling is negatively regulated by Lyn tyrosine kinase, provided the kinase accumulates in membrane rafts as a result of palmitoylation, the catalytic activity, and SH2- and SH3-mediated intermolecular interactions.
The Effect of Weekend and Holiday Sleep Compensation on Childhood Overweight and Obesity

OBJECTIVES: A growing trend in childhood sleep habits is to compensate for the weekday sleep deficit by longer weekend and holiday sleep duration. We aimed to investigate the effect of weekend/holiday sleep compensation in relation to childhood overweight and obesity. METHODS: This is a community-based cross-sectional study with 5159 children (49.6% boys), mean age of 9.25 years (SD: 1.78), from 13 primary schools in Hong Kong. Data on sleep patterns, lifestyle, body weight, and height of children were obtained from questionnaires. Sleep durations during weekdays, weekends, and holidays were predictor variables. BMI z scores and obesity/overweight status were the outcome measures. RESULTS: Children slept significantly longer during holidays (mean [SD]: 10.20 (0.92) hours) and weekends (school terms) (10.07 [0.93] hours) than during school weekdays (9.18 [0.95] hours). Children with shorter sleep duration had higher BMI z scores regardless of the sleep parameters used in the analysis. Among children who slept <8 hours during weekdays, those children who did not compensate for their sleep deficit during weekends or holidays had significantly increased risk of overweight/obesity compared with those children with sleep compensation (odds ratios: 2.59 [95% confidence interval: 1.22–5.48] and 2.32 [95% confidence interval: 1.00–5.53], respectively). CONCLUSIONS: There was a prominent difference in sleep duration between weekdays and weekends/holidays among school children. Short sleep duration was associated with higher BMI, but compensation of sleep during weekends/holidays may partly ameliorate the risk of childhood overweight/obesity. Further prospective and interventional study is needed to delineate the risk-benefit effect of these increasingly common sleep habits among children and adolescents.
Competency Management in the Public Sector: European Variations on a Theme

Competency Management is increasingly being adopted as an approach to HRM in both the private and public sectors. This book will be of interest to both practitioners and academics as it seeks to inform the reader about the practice of competency management in European public services. It throws light on the origins and meanings of the concept and traces the competency movement from the 1980s in the UK and USA. It links competency management to performance management and HRM and demonstrates how a competency approach can add value to all parts of an organisation. The nine country studies provide a rich insight into the practices found across the public sectors of Europe. At one end of the spectrum is Britain with its holistic approach to competency management in the Senior Civil Service and widespread use throughout the rest of the service. Belgium, the Netherlands and Finland provide further examples of recent developments and good practice. In France and Germany, however, competency management has only just appeared on the reform agenda and the reasons for this are identified. Micro studies in Italy and Sweden provide an insight into the problems that arise when the perceptions of reformers diverge from those of managers and managed, while the study of Poland shows the problems faced by countries in transition which lack an appropriate educational sub-structure for public management and HRM.
Efficiency and productivity of Taiwan's biotech industry

This paper applies DEA (data envelopment analysis) and Mamlquist models to evaluate the efficiency and productivity of Taiwan's biotech industry. Moreover, we use the two-stage approach to find the effects of environmental variables on efficiency and productivity scores. A panel data set is used composed of 31 listed or over-the-counter biotech-related firms during 1998-2001. The DEA results show that the proportion of biotech firms with inefficient returns to scale rose during this period. The results from the Tobit regression further indicate that food-related firms have higher scale efficiencies than others. Mamlquist indices reveal that food- and chemical-related firms have lower technical efficiencies than others, and their total factor productivities (TFP) grew from 1998 to 2000 but fell in 2001. Obviously, technical changes constitute the main source of biotech TFP changes in Taiwan. In addition to maintaining competitive advantage in technology improvements, the managers in Taiwan's biotech industry have to put more efforts into efficiency improvement.
Cryptic purine transporters in Aspergillus nidulans reveal the role of specific residues in the evolution of specificity in the NCS1 family

NCS1 proteins are H+ or Na+ symporters responsible for the uptake of purines, pyrimidines or related metabolites in bacteria, fungi and some plants. Fungal NCS1 are classified into two evolutionary and structurally distinct subfamilies, known as Fur‐ and Fcy‐like transporters. These subfamilies have expanded and functionally diversified by gene duplications. The Fur subfamily of the model fungus Aspergillus nidulans includes both major and cryptic transporters specific for uracil, 5‐fluorouracil, allantoin or/and uric acid. Here we functionally analyse all four A. nidulans Fcy transporters (FcyA, FcyC, FcyD and FcyE) with previously unknown function. Our analysis shows that FcyD is moderate‐affinity, low‐capacity, highly specific adenine transporter, whereas FcyE contributes to 8‐azaguanine uptake. Mutational analysis of FcyD, supported by homology modelling and substrate docking, shows that two variably conserved residues (Leu356 and Ser359) in transmembrane segment 8 (TMS8) are critical for transport kinetics and specificity differences among Fcy transporters, while two conserved residues (Phe167 and Ser171) in TMS3 are also important for function. Importantly, mutation S359N converts FcyD to a promiscuous nucleobase transporter capable of recognizing adenine, xanthine and several nucleobase analogues. Our results reveal the importance of specific residues in the functional evolution of NCS1 transporters.
The effect of language in answering qualitative questions in user experience evaluation web-surveys

We investigated the effect of language in answering qualitative questions in user experience (UX) evaluation web-surveys. Two cross-cultural case studies of high tech sports watches with altogether 176 participants were carried out. Comparisons in answers were made among 72 native English speakers and 104 non-native English speakers. In the first study native Italian and native English speaking users were compared. Half of the Italians answered in Italian and half of them in English. We found that the response rate for participating to the survey among Italians answering in their native language was 64 % compared to only 38% among Italians answering in English. The results of our case studies indicate that translating a UX web-survey into participants' native language would motivate users to participate in the study, especially if the user sample needs to include more varied users. It is easier to describe more in details and give examples of experiences, express emotions, feelings and ideas in one's own native language. The results suggest that if more descriptive qualitative data is needed from users, they are able to answer better in their own native language.
Opticin binds to heparan and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans.

PURPOSE The extracellular matrix glycoprotein opticin is a small leucine-rich repeat proteoglycan/protein family member that was discovered associated with vitreous humor collagen fibrils. Opticin is present throughout the vitreous, but is particularly concentrated at the internal limiting lamina, where it colocalizes with type XVIII collagen. The present study investigated whether opticin interacts directly with the heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycan type XVIII collagen. METHODS Solid-phase opticin binding assays were performed with immobilized type XVIII collagen and heparin albumin. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) was used to investigate the binding of opticin to heparin and HS. RESULTS Opticin bound to type XVIII collagen via its HS chains. SPR showed that opticin bound to porcine intestinal mucosa HS and heparin with moderately high affinity (K(D) 73 and 43 nM, respectively). Binding inhibition studies showed that hexasaccharides of heparin had a lower affinity for opticin than larger oligosaccharides; the sulfate groups of heparin contributed variably to opticin binding, with the group at ring position two of iduronate contributing least; and chondroitin sulfate A and B bound to opticin, whereas binding to chondroitin sulfate C and hyaluronan was not observed. CONCLUSIONS Opticin binds to heparin, HS, chondroitin 4-sulfate, and dermatan sulfate, the binding affinity being dependent on sulfation pattern and oligosaccharide chain length. Opticin may provide a link between cortical vitreous collagen fibrils and the inner limiting lamina by binding HS proteoglycans and stabilize vitreous gel structure by binding chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans.
Preparing for a U.S. National ALS Registry: Lessons from a pilot project in the State of Georgia

Abstract Our objective was to investigate the utility of existing data sources for identifying cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and related motor neuron diseases (MND) in the State of Georgia. Data were acquired from Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Administration, Emory Healthcare, community neurologists, the ALS Association, and mortality records for ALS/MND patients residing in Georgia during 2001–2005. A neurologist used abstracted medical records to verify the diagnosis of ALS/MND. The positive predictive value (PPV) of an ICD code for a verified diagnosis of ALS was estimated. Simple ‘rules’ were developed to improve PPV. Results showed that a total of 2413 unique potential cases were identified in existing data sources. Medical records of 579 cases were available for review; the diagnosis of ALS (or a related MND) was confirmed in 486 (PPV = 84%) cases. Predictive rules, which permitted classification of ∼80% of the chart-reviewed population, improved PPV to 96–98%. In conclusion, existing data sources are useful for identifying cases of ALS/MND; most data sources contribute a substantial number of unique cases. Predictive algorithms may permit correct classification of a large proportion of cases without the need for verification based on medical record review.
The Limits of Low-Tax Social Democracy? Welfare, Tax and Fiscal Dilemmas for Labor in Government

The Australian Labor Party, following its election to government in 2007, has implemented an ambitious social policy agenda with spending on hospitals, pensions and community workers, as well as programs for parental leave and disability. It has also reformed taxes, in part to finance these reforms, implementing the mining and carbon taxes in 2012. Labor, however, has difficulty avoiding deficits because tax revenues are too low to finance expanded welfare. This article explores the political constraints and opportunities involved in financing welfare by examining voter responses to the ANU Poll of September 2011. Spending on welfare is supported by low-income earners, while taxing big industries finds greater support among university-educated voters. The article advances an explanation for this mismatch and for why tax resistance has hindered Labor's efforts to finance welfare expansion. 澳大利亚工党在2007年选举上台后实施了雄心勃勃的社会政策计划，涉及医院、养老金、社区工作人员、带薪育婴假、残疾人等项开支。 它还在2012年改革了税收，推行采矿及碳排放税为上述改革筹集资金。 不过，工党苦于避免赤字，因为税收太少，资助不了扩大的福利。 本文分析了选民对2011年9月ANU民调的回应，探讨了资助福利之举的限制与机遇。 低收入者支持福利开支，受过高等教育者则多支持向大企业征税。 本文解释了这种矛盾，以及为什反税收阻碍了工党资助福利扩张的努力。
Nonlinearities in the Economic Growth Rates of Taiwan and Hong Kong: A Bayesian Threshold Autoregression Approach

We analyze the extent to which low frequency movements in the economic activity of Taiwan and Hong Kong can be explained by those of their largest trading partners. We estimate posterior marginal probabilities across 312 different specifications for each country and computes Bayes' Factors as a model selection mechanism. Data suggests that a best fitting model requires a different specification for Hong Kong and Taiwan. Results show that economic growth rates in both Hong Kong and Taiwan are well described by a threshold model but with different types of nonlinear effects. Hong Kong’s economic growth has a nonlinear effect on its expected future growth, but is unaffected by growth in the US, Japan or Taiwan. In contrast, we find a significant nonlinear spillover effect from Japan to Taiwan.
Service implementation network engagement: An Indicator of policy advocacy?

Service implementation network engagement and its effects on the likelihood that organizations will engage in collaborative policy advocacy is studied. The research was based on a centrally governed mental health service network in Bernalillo County New Mexico. The study population consists of one for-profit network administrative organization (NAO) contracted by the state and 33 mental health service providers representing all three sectors. Based on earlier research, several hypotheses are developed regarding the roles of resource dependence, organizational embeddedness in cliques, and the bonding model of network organizing. The hypotheses are tested using multiple regression quadratic assignment procedure (MRQAP). The study generated two important findings. First, similar dependence on the NAO, based on service linkages, is found to be negatively related to policy advocacy. Second, those specific organizations who both share a clique with the NAO and who are similarly dependent upon the NAO find themselves to be more likely to engage in dyadic relations of policy advocacy.
Evaluation of socio-economic patterns of SHG members in Kerala using clustering analysis

In the matter of social development, though Kerala stands ahead of all other states in India, the pattern of distribution of social and economic opportunities within the state is highly inequitable among different social groups. Self help groups (SHG) are vehicles for social, political and financial intermediation of the state. Clustering analysis is one of the main analytical methods in data mining; the method of clustering algorithm will influence the clustering results directly. K-means and Fuzzy C-Means Algorithms are popular methods in cluster analysis. In this paper we have evaluated the socioeconomic developments of SHG in various districts in Kerala state using cluster analysis. The data’s were collected by field survey and interviews. The parameters considered for the study include the regularity of the members in attending meetings and training, social and economic benefits gained by the members in personal level, cluster level and society level, rate of employment and earning members in the family and literacy and educational level of SHG members.
The Temporalis Muscle Flap Revisited on Its Centennial: Advantages, Newer Uses, and Disadvantages

&NA; Analysis of a series of 85 temporalis muscle flaps performed in 81 patients is presented. The flaps were used in a wide range of locations ranging from intracranial to mandible and for a large variety of diagnostic categories. A detailed examination of the indications and use of the muscle for cranial base and palatal defects is provided. The amount of muscle used varied considerably from 10 to 90 percent. Complications associated with the use of the temporal muscle included a 2.4 percent total flap failure rate and a 9.4 percent minor complication rate. When greater than half the muscle was used, temporal hollowing, the principal donor defect, was imperceptible (39 percent) or mild (46 percent) in a majority of patients and severe in only a few (16 percent). Recommendations for prevention and treatment of this contour deformity are discussed in depth.
The investments in renewable energy sources: do low carbon economies better invest in green technologies?

The aim of this study is to analyse the driving of investment in renewable energy sources in low carbon and high carbon economies. To address these issues, a dynamic panel analysis of the renewable investment in a sample of 29 countries was proposed. Results demonstrate that the dynamic of investments in renewable sources is similar in the two panels, and depends by nuclear power generation, GDP and technological efficiency. Results show that countries try to reduce their environmental footprint, decreasing the CO2 intensity. Based on the estimation results, we think that energy sustainability passes through the use of renewable resources that can complement the nuclear technology on condition that both exceed their limits.
Banks and new firm formation

It is natural to assume that the characteristics of the bank sector are important factors for new firm formation when external capital is needed for establishing new firms. The local bank sector acts as the main provider of financial funds in Sweden since other sources of external capital are limited. In addition, the banking services needed in the start-up process tend to be sensitive to distance and are mainly supplied locally. Thus, the structure of the local bank sector is an important factor that determines the conditions for start-ups. The finding in this paper supports the hypothesis that new firm formation is positively influenced by (1) the average size of the bank branches, (2) number of independent banks and bank branches per capita, and (3) the intensity of competition level. Access to independent banks and bank branches has a stronger influence on start-ups in more rural locations.
The consequences of Zipf's law for syntax and symbolic reference

Although many species possess rudimentary communication systems, humans seem to be unique with regard to making use of syntax and symbolic reference. Recent approaches to the evolution of language formalize why syntax is selectively advantageous compared with isolated signal communication systems, but do not explain how signals naturally combine. Even more recent work has shown that if a communication system maximizes communicative efficiency while minimizing the cost of communication, or if a communication system constrains ambiguity in a non-trivial way while a certain entropy is maximized, signal frequencies will be distributed according to Zipf's law. Here we show that such communication principles give rise not only to signals that have many traits in common with the linking words in real human languages, but also to a rudimentary sort of syntax and symbolic reference.