Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Shadow Policy Rate to Calibrate US Monetary Policy at the Zero Lower Bound

The recent global financial crisis, the Great Recession and the subsequent implementation of a variety of unconventional policy measures have raised the issue of how to correctly measure the stance of monetary policy when policy interest rates reach the zero lower bound (ZLB). In this paper, we propose a new "shadow policy rate" for the US economy, using a large set of data representing the various facets of the US Federal Reserve's policy stance. Changes in term premia at various maturities and asset purchases by the Fed are key drivers of this shadow rate. We document that our shadow policy rate tracks the effective federal funds rate very closely before the recent crisis. More importantly, it provides a reasonable gauge of US monetary policy stance when the ZLB becomes binding. This facilitates the assessment of the policy stance against familiar Taylor rule benchmarks. Finally, we show that in structural vector autoregressive (VAR) models, the shadow policy rate helps identify monetary policy shocks that better reflect the Federal Reserve's unconventional policy measures.
The internationalisation of American higher education: a positional competition perspective

ABSTRACT This paper examines the potential negative consequences of the internationalisation of American higher education from the perspective of positional competition theory. This analysis suggests that internationalisation efforts undertaken by colleges and universities contribute to positional competition between students vying for admission, between graduates competing for prestigious, well-paying jobs, and between higher education institutions themselves, who compete for prestige. As positional competition necessarily involves displacing other in obtaining advantage for one’s self, the paper further describes how the positional competition engendered in part by the internationalisation of higher education contributes to the replication of social patterns of inequality.
Spatial Modulation - A New Low Complexity Spectral Efficiency Enhancing Technique

The multiplexing gain of multiple antenna transmission strongly depends on transmit and receive antenna spacing, transmit antenna synchronization, and the algorithm used to eliminate interchannel interference (ICI) at the receiver. In this paper, a new transmission approach, called spatial modulation, that entirely avoids ICI and requires no synchronization between the transmitting antennas while maintaining high spectral efficiency is presented. A block of information bits is mapped into a constellation point in the signal and the spatial domain, i.e. into the location of a particular antenna. The receiver estimates the transmitted signal and the transmit antenna number and uses the two information to de-map the block of information bits. For this purpose, a novel transmit antenna number detection algorithm called iterative-maximum ratio combining (i-MRC) is presented. Spatial modulation is used to transmit different number of information bits and i-MRC is used to estimate both the transmitted signal and the transmit antenna number. The results are compared to ideal V-BLAST (vertical-Bell Lab layered space-time) and to MRC. Spatial modulation outperforms MRC. The (bit-error-ratio) BER performance and the achieved spectral efficiency is comparable to V-BLAST. However, spatial modulation results in a vast reduction in receiver complexity.
Conquering the scheduling alternative explosion problem of SystemC symbolic simulation

Due to the non-determinism of the SystemC scheduler, SystemC symbolic simulation faces a scalability issue. The issue stems from enumerating all scheduling alternatives such that all design behaviors can be captured assuredly. To conquer the scheduling alternative explosion problem, we first adopt symbolic partial order reduction to reduce the equivalent scheduling alternatives for exploration. Moreover, for those scheduling alternatives that cannot be reduced by partial order reduction, we merge their execution paths (and also states) into fewer ones to prevent the number of paths from explosion. The experimental results show that we achieve a tremendous scalability improvement by combining these two techniques together.
FAME-a flexible appearance modeling environment

Combined modeling of pixel intensities and shape has proven to be a very robust and widely applicable approach to interpret images. As such the active appearance model (AAM) framework has been applied to a wide variety of problems within medical image analysis. This paper summarizes AAM applications within medicine and describes a public domain implementation, namely the flexible appearance modeling environment (FAME). We give guidelines for the use of this research platform, and show that the optimization techniques used renders it applicable to interactive medical applications. To increase performance and make models generalize better, we apply parallel analysis to obtain automatic and objective model truncation. Further, two different AAM training methods are compared along with a reference case study carried out on cross-sectional short-axis cardiac magnetic resonance images and face images. Source code and annotated data sets needed to reproduce the results are put in the public domain for further investigation.
Knowledge Discovery across Documents through Concept Chain Queries

This paper focuses on detecting links between two concepts across text documents (e.g. two persons). We interpret such a query as finding the most meaningful evidence trail across documents that connect these two concepts. Here we propose a fast and efficient algorithm to perform this task. It is based on the idea of hypothesis generation originated by Swanson called "complementary structures in disjoint literatures" (CSD). We adapted the technique by (i) developing an alternate method of generating semantic profiles and (ii) extending the technique to generate concept chains. Counterterrorism corpus is used to evaluate the performance of this approach and demonstrates the effectiveness of our algorithm
Chapter 5 Identiiication of Lethal Micrornas Speciiic for Head and Neck Cancer

Objective: The prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains disappointing and the development of novel anti-cancer agents is urgently awaited. We identiiied, by a functional genetic screen, microRNAs (miRNAs) that are selectively lethal for head and neck cancer cells but not for normal cells. We further investigated the genes targeted by these miRNAs. Methods: A retroviral expression library of human miRNAs was introduced in HNSCC cell lines and normal oropharyngeal keratinocytes to identify tumor-selective lethal miRNAs. Potential downstream gene targets of these miRNAs were identiiied by gene expression prooiling and validated by functional assays. Results: We identiiied six miRNAs that selectively inhibit proliferation of head and neck cancer cells. By gene expression prooiling and 3' untranslated region (UTR) luciferase reporter assays, we showed that the ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene is a common target for at least two and likely three of these miRNAs. Speciiic inhibition of ATM resulted in a similar tumor-speciiic lethal effect, whereas the phenotype was reverted in rescue experiments. Conclusion: These six miRNA might be developed as novel anti-cancer agents and highlight ATM as an interesting novel therapeutic target for head and neck cancer.
Choosing Qualitative Data Analysis Software: Atlas/ti and Nudist Compared

Choosing between Nudist and Atlas/ti, the main qualitative data analysis software packages can be difficult. To assist researchers in making this choice, I have conceptualised their differences along two dimensions, related to the qualities of the software and of the research project. The software dimension is structural design, and the project dimension is complexity. Software structure is dichotomised between structured, sequential, verbal versus visual, spatial, interconnected modes of operation. Projects are dichotomised between homogeneous sample, short timeframe, single data-type, single data analyst; versus multiple samples, longitudinal data, multiple data types and team data analysis. First I review the CAQDAS literature. Then I outline the different personalities and strengths of Atlas/ti and Nudist, and show how they match these dimensions. I offer suggestions as to how to choose, and whether to use in tandem with complementary conceptual network software.
Joint Routing and Resource Allocation via Superposition Coding for Wireless Data Networks

A wireless data network with K static nodes is considered. The nodes communicate simultaneously over the same narrowband channel and each node uses superposition coding to broadcast independent messages to individual nodes in the network. The goal herein is to find optimal data routes and power allocations to maximize a weighted sum of the data rates injected and reliably communicated over the network. Two instances of this problem are considered. In the first instance, each node uses a fixed power budget, whereas in the second instance the power used by each node is adjustable. For the latter case, two variants are considered: in the first there is a constraint on the power used by each node and in the second there is constraint on the total power used by all nodes. It will be shown that while the instance in which the power of each node is fixed can be cast in the form of an efficiently solvable geometric program (GP), the second instance in which the node powers are adjustable cannot be readily cast in this form. To circumvent this difficulty, an iterative technique is proposed for approximating the constraints of the original optimization problem by GP-compatible constraints. Numerical simulations suggest that this technique converges to a locally optimal solution within a few iterations.
PCR amplification of minimal gene expression cassette : an alternative, low cost and easy approach to 'clean DNA' transformation

We report here an alternative and easy approach to generate sufficient quantity of minimal gene expression cassette (promoter-open reading frame-terminator) DNA by PCR amplification using high fidelity DNA polymerases. Isolating the minimal gene cassette DNA in large quantities by restriction digestion and gel extraction for biolistic-mediated 'clean DNA' transformation, is not only a cumbersome and time-consuming process, but also laborious and expensive. The minimal cassette for GUS gene, generated from pCAMBIA-1305.1, was used as a reporter system for bombardment of mature embryo-derived calluses of indica rice IR-64. Transient GUS expression in the bombarded calluses showed no significant difference, in terms of GUS expression units, whether the GUS gene cassette was generated by restriction digestion or PCR amplification using high fidelity DNA polymerases. The results demonstrated that PCR amplification of the minimal gene cassette using high fidelity DNA polymerase is a reliable, low cost and easier approach to 'clean DNA' transformation.
Introducing a Round Robin Tournament into Evolutionary Individual and Social Learning Checkers

In recent years, much research attention has been paid to evolving self-learning game players. Fogel's Blondie24 is a demonstration of a real success in this field, inspiring many other scientists. In this paper, artificial neural networks are used as function evaluators in order to evolve game playing strategies for the game of checkers. We introduce a league structure into the learning phase of an individual and learning system based on the Blondie24 architecture. We show that this helps eliminate some of the randomness in the evolution. The best player we evolve is tested against an implementation of an evolutionary checkers program, and also against a player, which utilises the proposed round robin tournament and finally against an individual and social learning checkers program. The results are promising, suggesting many other research directions.
P0Is Constitutively Expressed in the Rat Neural Crest and Embryonic Nerves and Is Negatively and Positively Regulated by Axons to Generate Non-Myelin-Forming and Myelin-Forming Schwann Cells, Respectively

We show that in the rat, the major gene of PNS myelin, P0, is expressed long before myelination in the neural crest, Schwann cell precursors, and embryonic Schwann cells irrespective of whether they will myelinate or not. This myelin-independent P0 expression is constitutive and likely to serve as a specific marker for the Schwann cell lineage. The much higher P0 expression accompanying myelination is therefore not new gene expression but strong up-regulation of preexisting basal levels. We provide new evidence that the up-regulation to myelination-related levels depends on positive extrinsic signals and therefore does not represent a constitutive phenotype. P0 mRNA is not detectable in mature non-myelin-forming Schwann cells of the sympathetic trunk, but is detectable after transection, indicating that there is a P0-inhibitory signal associated with mature unmyelinated axons. Thus, the regulation of the P0 gene is complex, encompassing extrinsically signaled amplification superimposed on a highly lineage-specific and constitutive basal expression.
A real-time system for monitoring of cyclists and pedestrians

Camera based fixed systems are routinely used for monitoring highway traffic. For this purpose inductive loops and microwave sensors are mainly used. Both techniques achieve very good counting accuracy and are capable of discriminating trucks and cars. However pedestrians and cyclists are mostly counted manually. In this paper, we describe a new camera based automatic system that utilizes Kalman filtering in tracking and Learning Vector Quantization (LVQ) for classifying the observations to pedestrians and cyclists. Both the requirements for such systems and the algorithms used are described. The tests performed show that the system achieves around 80%-90% accuracy in counting and classification.
Addressing issues of race, ethnicity and culture in CBT to support therapists and service managers to deliver culturally competent therapy and reduce inequalities in mental health provision for BAME service users

Abstract Conversations around improving access to psychological therapies for BAME (Black, Asian and minority ethnic) service users have been ongoing for many years without any conclusion or resolution. BAME service users are often under-represented in primary care mental health services, and often have worse outcomes, leading to them being portrayed as ‘hard to reach’, and to deterioration in their mental health. They are over-represented in secondary care mental health services. The authors of this article argue that more resources are required in order to understand the barriers to accessing mental health services, and improve both access and recovery for BAME service users. This paper examines concepts such as race, ethnicity and culture. It aims to support service managers and therapists to develop their confidence to address these issues in order to deliver culturally competent psychological therapies to service users from BAME communities, with a focus on primary care. It is based on our experiences of working with BAME communities and the feedback from our training events on developing cultural competence for CBT therapists. The paper also discusses the current political climate and the impact it may have on service users and the need for therapists to take the wider political context into consideration when working with BAME service users. Finally, the paper stresses the importance of addressing structural inequalities at a service level, and developing stronger ethical guidelines in the area of working with diversity for CBT therapists in the UK. Key learning aims (1) To examine concepts such as race, ethnicity and culture and to provide a shared understanding of these terms for CBT therapists. (2) To assist CBT therapists and supervisors to develop their confidence in addressing issues of race, ethnicity and culture with BAME service users within the current political climate and to deliver culturally competent therapy. (3) To assist service managers to promote equality of access and of outcomes for service users from BAME communities. (4) To understand how unequal expectations of therapists in services impacts on CBT therapists from BAME communities. (5) To widen understanding of some of the structural inequalities at service level which the CBT community needs to overcome, including recommending stronger ethical guidelines around working with diversity in the UK.
Patterns and temporal precedence of symptom change during cognitive processing therapy for military sexual trauma-related posttraumatic stress disorder

Abstract Background: Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) is an effective treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including for veterans with military sexual trauma (MST)-related PTSD. Most CPT research to date has focused on pre- to post-treatment change in total PTSD symptoms; however, PTSD symptom criteria may not change equivalently over the course of treatment. For example, changes in re-experiencing symptoms have been shown to precede changes in other PTSD criteria during other PTSD treatments (i.e. virtual reality exposure therapy, venlafaxine ER). An improved understanding of the mechanism of change in PTSD symptoms during CPT may assist in optimizing treatment. Aims: The purpose of this study was to identify the pattern and temporal precedence of change in PTSD symptom criteria during and after CPT using cross-lagged panel analyses. Method: Data from veterans (n = 32) enrolled in a randomized clinical trial investigating the effectiveness of CPT for MST-related PTSD were utilized for this secondary analysis. Using hierarchical linear modelling, each symptom criterion was entered as a predictor of subsequent change in the other PTSD symptom criteria. Results: All symptom criteria followed a logarithmic pattern of change. Hyperarousal symptoms were found to both predict and temporally precede change in avoidance symptoms, but not re-experiencing symptoms. Re-experiencing and avoidance symptoms did not predict change in other PTSD symptom criteria. Conclusions: These findings provide initial support that targeting and reducing hyperarousal symptoms may be a key component of PTSD intervention with CPT. Additional research is needed to identify factors that predict change in PTSD-related re-experiencing symptoms.
Theorizing CSR Reporting: A Discursive Institutionalism Framework

Although CSR reporting is a well-established business practice now, it is still an emerging genre that lacks convergence and standardization. Different theoretical perspectives are used to study CSR reporting. These perspectives agree on the instrumental nature of CSR reporting, while they vary in the aspects of the practice they emphasize and in their normative assumptions. Using ‘Discursive Institutionalism’ as a theoretical lens, different practices in the field can be incorporated in the proposed framework to reach a comprehensive understanding of CSR reporting phenomenon. The paper aims to propose a theoretical framework for CSR reporting research that enables a holistic and comprehensive explanation that is inclusive of different practices and normative assumptions in the field. The proposed framework utilizes new developments in Institutional Theory that emphasize multiple institutional logics, the hybridity of social practices, the role of social agents, and the discursive aspect of institutions. The proposed theoretical framework adds a new comprehensive perspective to CSR reporting research. It provides a solid theoretical base for further investigation of different practices in the field.
A Designerly-Way of Conducting Qualitative Research in Design Studies

Design studies focuses on explaining the human activity of design, and is fundamental to design research. It frequently involves the use of qualitative research approaches such as case study, with the collection of a considerable amount of heterogeneous data (e.g. observations, interviews, documents, artifacts). Multiple sources and heterogeneous data can be hard to analyse. Within social sciences, qualitative analysis is undertaken through the process of coding (e.g. grounded theory) which can be supported by computer-assisted software such as Nvivo. However, this type of analysis works better for textual data and is not so effective to analyze more heterogeous and visual data sets. Moreover, the process of open, selective and axial coding in traditional qualitative research do not have a good fit with the more visual, iterative, and participatory approaches of service design researchers. To address these challenges this article presents a case study research, where a more visual and participatory designerly approach was used to conduct qualitative research in design studies. The results show that the approach enabled a richer data triangulation and analysis; and also triggered more multidisciplinary discussions, enriching study’s results .
Long term outcomes of Gamma Knife radiosurgery for classic trigeminal neuralgia : implications of treatment and critical review of the literature

351 With > 15,000 new cases each year, TN is a de­ bilitating illness characterized by severe, uni­ lateral, electrical shock–like pain occurring in the distribution of the trigeminal nerve.12 Since its first description by Aretaeus of Cappodocia in the 2nd cen­ tury,26,27 the diagnosis of TN has evolved tremendously. The International Headache Society has defined TN pain as the following: 1) paroxysmal attacks, lasting from 1 second to 2 minutes, affecting ≥ 1 division of the trigemi­ nal nerve; 2) pain that is intense, sharp, superficial, or stabbing, precipitated from trigger areas or factors; 3) attacks stereotyped in the individual patient; 4) no clini­ cally evident neurological deficit; and 5) pain not attrib­ uted to another disorder.11 Numerous treatment options exist for patients who suffer from TN. In most patients the pain is initially managed pharmacologically with anticonvulsant or anti­ depressant medications. However, both classes of medi­ cations are associated with a wide variety of side effects, including sedation, impaired memory, peripheral neurop­ athy, confusion, tremors, nausea, and insomnia, to name a few.28,30 More invasive procedures such as percutanous rhizotomies and MVDs are reserved for patients in whom Long­term outcomes of Gamma Knife radiosurgery for classic trigeminal neuralgia: implications of treatment and critical review of the literature