Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Role of Establishment Heterogeneity in the Recovery from Sudden Stops

The 1997-1998 Asian crisis countries experienced drastic collapses of macroeconomic aggregates followed by highly persistent underperformance of economies relative to their pre-crises periods. In this paper, we develop a small open economy model with heterogeneous producers which can explain the evolution of the number of establishments across sizes following the sudden stop in Korea: the larger the size of establishments, the slower the recovery for the number of the establishments. The model shows that the establishment composition can explain 40 percent of the short-run drop in TFP, and almost all of the persistently underperforming Korean TFP from the second year of the sudden stop. With the transition dynamics of the TFP, the model can closely match the responses of the macroeconomic aggregates to the sudden stop in Korea. The model also predicts that this highly persistent behavior of TFP coming from the establishment composition causes output to be 7.7 percent lower than its trend even 20 years after the shock.
A Divergence Bound for Hybrids of MCMC and Variational Inference and an Application to Langevin Dynamics and SGVI

Two popular classes of methods for approximate inference are Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) and variational inference. MCMC tends to be accurate if run for a long enough time, while variational inference tends to give better approximations at shorter time horizons. However, the amount of time needed for MCMC to exceed the performance of variational methods can be quite high, motivating more fine-grained tradeoffs. This paper derives a distribution over variational parameters, designed to minimize a bound on the divergence between the resulting marginal distribution and the target, and gives an example of how to sample from this distribution in a way that interpolates between the behavior of existing methods based on Langevin dynamics and stochastic gradient variational inference (SGVI).
Molecular Biology Can Change the Classic Laboratory Approach for Intestinal Protozoan Infections

For many years microscopy has been considered the mainstay of the diagnosis of parasitic infections. In our laboratory, before the advent of molecular biology, the approach for the identification of parasitic infections in stools was the microscopic exam of three samples. Once we adopted molecular biology, a real-time PCR on one single sample was added to the classical coproparasitological exam of three samples. Given the high sensitivity of real-time PCR (Rt-PCR), we then decided to evaluate if a change of our routine was justified. In detail, we intended to assess if a much more practical routine, based on the analysis of a single fecal sample, was sufficiently sensitive to replace the routine described above. The new approach to be evaluated included, on the same and unique fecal sample, a classical coproparasitological exam plus Rt-PCR. The data obtained showed that the sensitivity of the new proposed approach remains very high, despite the reduction of coproparasitological exams from three to one, with the advantage of reducing costs and saving time, both for patients and for the laboratory.
Alternariol 9-O-methyl ether dimethyl sulfoxide monosolvate

The title compound (systematic name: 3,7-dihydroxy-9-methoxy-1-methyl-6H-benzo[c]chromen-6-one dimethyl sulfoxide monosolvate), C15H12O5·C2H6OS, was isolated from an unidentified endophytic fungus (belonging to class Ascomycetes) of Taxus sp. In the crystal, both the alternariol 9-O-methyl ether (AME) and the dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) molecules exhibit crystallographic mirror symmetry. One of the hydroxy groups makes bifurcated hydrogen bonds, viz. an intramolecular bond with the carbonyl group and an intermolecular bond with the carbonyl group in an inversion-related AME molecule. In the crystal, the AME molecules are organized into stacks parallel with the b axis by π–π interactions between centrosymmetrically related molecules [the distance between the centroid of the central ring and the centroid of the methoxy-substituted benzene ring in the next molecule of the stack is 3.6184 (5) Å]. Pairs of DMSO molecules, linked via centrosymmetric C—H⋯O contacts, are inserted into the voids created by the AME molecules, making O—H⋯O and C—H⋯O contacts with the hosts.
/spl mu/trench phase-change memory cell engineering and optimization

Phase-change memory (PCM) cell is the most promising technology as post-flash nonvolatile memory (NVM). Among the different proposed cell structures, /spl mu/trench allows to simultaneously achieve low programming currents, small cell size, easy tunability and good dimensional control. Aim of this paper is to investigate the optimization and fine tuning capability of this cell architecture. Based on theoretical analysis and experimental results, the dependence of the PCM electrical parameters on the cell structure and on the geometric dimensions is assessed. An optimized /spl mu/trench cell with a programming current of 450 /spl mu/A at 1.5 V and a set resistance of 5 k/spl Omega/ is finally presented.
Object retrieval in image databases using image composition

We propose an algorithm of image retrieval from a partial request. In order to retrieve images containing a specific object or group of objects, we use an algorithm of inexact graph matching, adapted to adjacency graphs of regions. The number of regions representing the object can be different from an image to the other. The algorithm uses a search tree in which only similar nodes are developed. The adjacency and spatial relationship of regions are used to prune the tree and accelerate the retrieval. The algorithm computes a distance between graphs, allowing to rank images. This distance takes into account both the distance between region features and the relative position of regions.
Disposition of Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid in Conventional and Nonconventional Biologic Fluids After Single Drug Administration: Issues in Methodology and Drug Monitoring

Little controlled drug administration data are available to aid in the interpretation of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) distribution in conventional and nonconventional fluids and the potential correlation between the pharmacokinetics of GHB and drug effects. Single oral sodium GHB doses of 50 mg/kg were administered to five volunteers. Plasma, oral fluid, urine, and sweat were analyzed for GHB by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. GHB stability in plasma was studied at different storage temperatures. Subjective effects were measured using a set of 13 different visual analog scales. Mean peak GHB plasma concentrations at 30 minutes were 83.1 μg/mL. After the absorption phase, concentrations declined to mean values of 0.9 μg/mL at 6 hours. GHB was found in oral fluid at peak value concentrations equivalent to one third to one fourth of those found in plasma. The oral fluid-to-plasma ratio varied two fold in the 1- to 6-hour time range but always was lower than unit. The mean half-life (t1/2) of GHB was approximately 0.7 hour in plasma and approximately 1.2 hours in oral fluid. GHB urinary excretion is less than 2% of the dose administered. GHB was also detected in sweat at low concentrations. GHB showed a mixed sedative-stimulant pattern with subjective effects peaking between 1 and 1.5 hours after drug administration and lasting for 2 hours. Oral fluid and sweat appeared not to be suitable biologic matrices for monitoring GHB consumption. GHB -mediated subjective effects are related to GHB plasma concentrations.
Advantages of adding diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging to conventional magnetic resonance imaging for evaluating acute stroke.

BACKGROUND Accurate localization of acute ischemic lesions in patients with an acute stroke may aid in understanding the etiology of their stroke and may improve the management of these patients. OBJECTIVE To determine the yield of adding diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) to a conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol for acute stroke. DESIGN A prospective cohort study. SETTING A referral center. PATIENTS AND METHODS Fifty-two patients with a clinical diagnosis of acute stroke who presented within 48 hours after symptom onset were included. An MRI scan was obtained within 48 hours after symptom onset. A neuroradiologist (A.M.N.) and a stroke neurologist (G.W.A.) independently identified suspected acute ischemic lesions on MRI sequences in the following order: (1) T2-weighted and proton density-weighted images, (2) fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images, and (3) diffusion-weighted images and apparent diffusion coefficient maps. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Diagnostic yield and interrater reliability for the identification of acute lesions, and confidence and conspicuity ratings of acute lesions for different MRI sequences. RESULTS Conventional MRI correctly identified at least one acute lesion in 71% (34/48) to 80% (39/49) of patients who had an acute stroke; with the addition of DWI, this percentage increased to 94% (46/49) (P<.001). Conventional MRI showed only moderate sensitivity (50%-60%) and specificity (49%-69%) compared with a "criterion standard. " Based on the diffusion-weighted sequence, interrater reliability for identifying acute lesions was moderate for conventional MRI (kappa = 0.5-0.6) and good for DWI (kappa = 0.8). The observers' confidence with which lesions were rated as acute and the lesion conspicuity was significantly (P<.01) higher for DWI than for conventional MRI. CONCLUSION During the first 48 hours after symptom onset, the addition of DWI to conventional MRI improves the accuracy of identifying acute ischemic brain lesions in patients who experienced a stroke.
LONG‐TERM OUTCOME IN ADULTS WITH OBSESSIVE‐COMPULSIVE DISORDER

Obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic condition that often produces lifelong morbidity, but few studies have examined long‐term outcome (greater than 5 years) in adult patients. Available studies suggest that 32–74% of adult OCD patients will experience clinical improvement over the long term. However, these studies were conducted before validated OCD rating scales were established and the development of evidence‐based treatments for OCD.
Rennet-induced coagulation of raw and heated camel and cow milk gels determined by instrumental techniques: effects of added calcium and phosphate.

BACKGROUND The potentiality of the front-face fluorescence spectroscopy and rheological measurements combined with chemometric tools to characterise the structure evolution during coagulation of raw and preheated camel and cow milk at 50 and 70 °C with/without added calcium and phosphate was evaluated. Tryptophan and vitamin A fluorescence spectra were collected during the gelation of milk at 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 45 min after the addition of rennet-induced coagulation. In parallel, the storage modulus (G'), loss modulus (G″) and tan delta (tan δ) were determined using low amplitude oscillation shear analysis. RESULTS The principal component analysis (PCA) applied to the normalised tryptophan spectra allowed the gels made with camel milk to be differentiated from those of cow milk on the one hand, and to monitor protein structure modifications during the gelation, on the other hand. The common components and specific weights analysis (CCSWA) applied jointly to the fluorescence and rheological data sets permitted a clear separation of raw milk gels from those preheated at 50 and 70 °C. CONCLUSION The front-face fluorescence spectroscopy method coupled with multi-variate statistical analyses showed a high capacity for studying changes in the micelle structure throughout the rennet-induced coagulation process. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.
Reminiscence therapy for dementia.

BACKGROUND Reminiscence Therapy (RT) has been defined as vocal or silent recall of events in a person's life, either alone, or with another person or group of people. It typically involves group meetings, at least once a week. in which participants are encouraged to talk about past events, often assisted by aids such as photos, music, objects and videos of the past. There is, often, little consistent application of psychological therapies in dementia services. A number of these 'therapies' were greeted with enthusiasm by health care practitioners in understimulating care environments. They were expected to work miracles and their 'failure' to do this has led to their widespread disuse. A systematic review of the available evidence is important in order to identify the effectiveness of the different therapies. Subsequently, guidelines for their use can be made on a sound evidence base. OBJECTIVES RT involves groups of elderly people talking of past events, assisted by aids such as videos, pictures and archives, as a means of communicating and reflecting upon their life experiences. The objective of the review is to assess the effects of RT for dementia. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, MEDLINE, PSYCHLIT, EMBASE, OMNI, BIDS, Dissertation Abstracts International, SIGLE and reference lists of relevant articles up to 1998, and we contacted specialists in the field. We also searched relevant internet sites and we handsearched Aging and Mental Health, the Gerontologist, Journal of Gerontology, Current Opinion in Psychiatry, Current Research in Britain: Social Sciences, British Psychological Society conference proceedings and Reminiscence database. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials and quasi-randomised trials of RT for dementia in elderly people. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed trial quality. MAIN RESULTS Two trials are included in the review, but only one trial with 15 participants had extractable data. The results were statistically non-significant for both cognition and behaviour. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS No firm conclusions could be reached regarding the effectiveness of RT for dementia. The review highlighted the urgent need for more systematic research in the area.
The Role of Civic Engagement in Undergraduate Leadership Courses.

Undergraduate leadership courses are becoming increasingly important venues to promote civic engagement. Despite their prominence, the nature of civic engagement in leadership courses has not been examined systematically. This study examined 77 introductory undergraduate leadership courses and the role of civic engagement in these courses. Results indicate that civic engagement components are not widely utilized, and when they are part of the curricula, their implementation and design vary. Recommendations for improving undergraduate leadership curricula are offered.
Comparison of four prediction models to discriminate benign from malignant vertebral compression fractures according to MRI feature analysis.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to identify a set of significant predictors, predominantly based on MRI features and limited demographic data, for differentiating benign from malignant vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) and to compare the diagnostic value of four different types of prediction models. MATERIALS AND METHODS The cohort included 101 subjects (mean age, 64 years; range, 22-89 years; 39.6% were men) with 128 VCFs, 84 (65.6%) of which were proven to be malignant by biopsy or follow-up imaging. A set of 36 predictors (34 MRI features, age, and sex) was acquired for each VCF retrospectively. RESULTS Univariate analysis and initial variable screening selected 14 moderately significant predictors. All four model types performed similarly in overall discrimination power. The median area under the curve for each model type was 0.872 for logistic regression, 0.781 for classification tree, 0.760 for support vector machine, and 0.730 for neural network, but no significant difference was found between any two model types by Student t test. Five predictors for the logistic regression model were statistically significant (p < 0.01). Focal paraspinal mass and depositlike appearance of pedicle involvement were positively correlated with VCF malignancy. Age, other compression deformities without bone marrow edema, and intravertebral fluid collection or fluid signal were negatively correlated with VCF malignancy. CONCLUSION It is possible to estimate the malignancy risk of VCF by using a small number of MRI features and patient age. The diagnostic performance of models selected by logistic regression, support vector machine, neural network, and classification tree was similar.
Understanding Domestic Savings in Chile

This paper constructs time series data on savings per type of agent for Chile during the period 1960-2012. It is found that the economy's average savings rate increased by 11 percentage points in the period 1985-2012 compared to 1960- 1984, with particularly pronounced growth in corporate savings. The evidence suggests that this increase was driven largely by the following measures: i) pension reform that introduced mandatory savings and private sector management, ii) banking reform, iii) tax reform, iv) capital markets reform and v) privatizations.
A comprehensive computational model for music analysis, applied to maqâm analysis

We introduce a new computational framework for music analysis decomposed into a set of modules. Each module addresses a core aspect of music analysis and offers some innovative breakthrough compared to the state of the art. In order to overcome the limitations of local segmentation, we propose an alternative paradigm based on hierarchical local grouping. New mechanisms for ornamentation reduction based on local grouping enable to build a syntagmatic network for the search for ornamented patterns. We propose an approach for modal analysis based on comparison of the local context (defined by the current and recent notes, and taking into account ornaments reduction) with all possible modes and key scales. We show how this could be applied in particular for the analysis of maqâm music. Pattern mining is applied for the search for motives, for mode-related patterns as well as metrical analysis. The integration of the modules into a single framework enables to model interdependencies, which play a major role in music.
Implementing Rectangle Detection using Windowed Hough Transform

—This paper implements Jung and Schramm’s method to use Hough Transform for rectangle recognition using a few pre processing methods and performing a windowed application so that the the algorithm can perform faster. Images are scanned with a sliding Hough transform window, peaks of the transform are extracted(which correspond to line segments) and rectangles are detected based on a certain geometric conditions. The algorithm proposed was effective in identifying rectangles in synthetic images and a few ’not so complex’ natural images. This method fails in the case of overlapped images. An alternate method was used for such images.
Development of a test stand for Maglev vehicles using hardware-in-the-loop simulation

A test stand consisting of one-third segment car body which simulates bending vibration is developed to evaluate ride comfort of maglev vehicles. The test stand utilizes hardware-in-the-loop simulation (HILS), which simulates motion of the missing segment using numerical simulation. Experimental results confirm that the test stand with the HILS system can generate the bending vibration accurately. Then, a method to reduce the bending vibration is proposed. Fundamental experiments using the test stand indicate that the optimally-designed anchor, a coupling element between the car body and the bogie, can reduce the bending vibration. It is expected that this test stand will lead to improvement of ride comfort of maglev vehicles.
Model based control of modified four-phase interleaved boost converter for fuel cell power source for mobile based station

This paper proposes a modified 4-phase interleaved converter for the FC power source for mobile based station applications. The ripple and harmonic content of the FC current is one of the various phenomena influencing FC lifetime. The main objective of this research is to minimize inductor size, capacitor, current/voltage ripples, and harmonic content. The main contribution is to presents a control law for a distributed dc generation supplied by a FC generator. Classically, to control the voltage, the current, or the power in the converter, a linearized technique is often used to study the stability and to select the controller parameters of the nonlinear converter. In this paper, a nonlinear-control algorithm based on the flatness property of the system is proposed. Utilizing the flatness property, we propose simple solutions to the system performance and stabilization problems. Design controller parameters are autonomous of the operating point. To authenticate the proposed control laws, a test bench is realized in the laboratory. The control algorithm is digitally implemented by dSPACE controller DS1104. Experimental results with small-scale device (a proton exchange membrane FC (PEMFC) of 1.2 kW, 26 V) substantiate the excellent performance during load cycles.
The Business Value of Information System-Enabled E-Collaboration Capabilities

This study aims to understand how firms in developing countries can effectively use their Information System (IS) resources to develop valuable e-collaboration capabilities that in turn improve business performance. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted to collect data from 408 Iranian and Malaysian manufacturing firms. Findings revealed that Supply Chain-Wide Process Integration (SCPI) and Collaborative Knowledge Management (CKM) are key IS-enabled capabilities that enhance performance gain of manufacturing firms. The work found that these capabilities serve as catalysts in transforming the value of IS resources controlled by firms into business performance improvement. The results suggest that SCPI, as a determinant of a highly integrated and dynamic supply chain, is an important intermediate organizational capability through which value of IS resources can be materialized. Likewise, the findings imply that CKM across a given supply network, as a valuable intermediate organizational capability, converts the benefits of both technical and human IS resources into performance gain at the corporate level.
What Does an Observed Relative Risk Convey about Possible Misclassification?

Summary Misclassification of exposure in epidemiological studies has the effect of distorting the results in various directions. We give quantitative information about the possible order of magnitude of misclassification and of “true” effects given the observations of an epidemiological study. It will be demonstrated that misclassification can also distort trends in relative risks. Real examples from the epidemiological literature are used for illustration.
Sensorial characteristics and fatty acid mozzarella cheese from milk of crossbred cows fed with palm oil and coconut fat - doi: 10.4025/actascitechnol.v35i4.20158

The aim was to improve nutritional quality of cows’ milk and use it as raw material for mozzarella cheese. Three treatments were tested with 23 healthy animals ranging power: control, palm oil and coconut oil. Collection was performed in 21 days and another after 36 days. Proximate composition (moisture, ash, fat, protein, carbohydrates), sensory, color (CIE L * , a * , b * ) and texture were made for mozzarella cheese. The fatty acids (FA) present in mozzarella cheese were determined by chromatography. Saturated fatty acids (SFA) were the most abundant in cheese. The results point that it is feasible to add various fat sources in animal feed for milk and milk products in dairy cows.