Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ANALYSIS OF VARIABLE BENEFIT PLANS

The operational characteristics of a group pension scheme with fixed annual contributions and variable benefit accruals are studied both analytically and by simulation using an aggregate funding requirement under the assumption of a constant valuation rate and log-normal returns. The distribution of the pension entitlement at retirement is compared under three different parameter sets for asset returns. The performance of the variable benefit plan is then compared to a DC benchmark in terms of the proximity of the retirement benefits to the targeted benefit level. Finally, practical modifications to the benefit policy are considered and their effect on performance is assessed.
Identification of Linear, Discrete-Time Filters via Realization

The realization of a discrete-time, linear, time-invariant (LTI) filter from its impulse response provides insight into the role of linear algebra in the analysis of both dynamical systems and rational functions. For an LTI filter, a sequence of output data measured over some finite period of time may be expressed as the linear combination of the past input and the input measured over that same period. For a finite-dimensional LTI filter, the mapping from past input to future output is a finite-rank linear operator, and the effect of past input, that is, the memory of the system, may be represented as a finite-dimensional vector. This vector is the state of the system.
Anti‐tumor effect of endostatin mediated by retroviral gene transfer in mice bearing renal cell carcinoma

We investigated whether transfer of the gene encoding the angiogenesis inhibitor endostatin into the NIH/3T3 fibroblast cell line could inhibit renal tumor growth in vivo. NIH/3T3 cells were transduced with retroviral vectors containing the murine endostatin (ES) gene. SCID mice bearing CaKi‐1 derived tumors were given a subcutaneous injection of either ES‐transduced cells or control cells and were monitored for tumor growth. At the end of the in vivo experiment, the mean tumor volume of treated mice was 51.6 ± 2.4 mm3, while the tumor volume of control was 234.5 ± 14.8 mm3. Microvascular density was significantly decreased on treatment (control 9.79 vs. ES 2.53%, < 0.001) accompanied by a 23‐fold increase in intratur‐moral necrotic area and a 2.94‐fold increase in the apoptotic index, determined by immunohistochemistry with anti‐ activated caspase‐3. Apoptotic cells were found in foci enriched in infiltrating leukocytes. In conclusion, retroviral endostatin gene transfer led to secretion of functional endostatin that was sufficiently active to inhibit tumor angiogenesis and tumor growth. A second mechanism may also be implied in endostatin‐dependent tumor regression, associated with tumor infiltration of leukocytes. Besides its antiangiogenic properties, endostatin may be a promising adjuvant to immunotherapy. —Coutinho, E. L. , Nogueira de Sousa Andrade, L. , Chammas, R. , Morganti, L. , Schor, N. , Bellini, M. H. Anti‐tumor effect of endostatin mediated by retroviral gene transfer in mice bearing renal cell carcinoma. FASEB J. 21, 3153–3161 (2007)
New Sensing Materials for SAW Sensors Using Polymer-Silicate Composites

We present a new type of sensitive coating materials by using polymer-silicate composites as sensing layers on surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors. Initial layers thereof were prepared by spin coating of sol-gel precursors resulting in covalently bound self-organized and stable porous surface structures. In a next step the same but pure polymer solution is used to prepare a second layer capable to semi-selectively absorb gases. Since the applied curing temperature is below 100degC the composites still contain the polymer. The first layer then initiates a controlled structural dewetting of the second layer towards cavities dominated by polymer residuals in the composite. The result is a very stable binding of the additional polymer leading to sensing materials with high longevity. Properties and sensing characteristics of layers using tetra-ethoxysilane and triethoxyfluorosilane as silicate precursors with the sensing polymer polyisobutylene are discussed.
Developing MPA Effectiveness Indicators: Comparison Within and Across Stakeholder Groups and Communities

Shared expectations about marine protected areas (MPAs) might be expected to enhance their effectiveness. This study determined whether members of local communities had common or divergent views about the objectives and indicators of MPA effectiveness. In the central Philippines we used unconstrained and constrained methods to interview people in five stakeholder groups (elders, fishers, leaders, women, and youth) associated with each of 10 community-based no-take MPAs that had been protected between 0 and 21 years. Respondents identified multiple MPA objectives, the most frequently mentioned of which was restoring and sustaining fish populations. The results suggest that MPA age accounts for the greatest level of variation across communities. When unconstrained, progress in enforcement was identified as a key indicator among respondents from younger MPAs while respondents from older MPAs identified increased fish abundance and catch. Although consensus can be reached more easily under constrained conditions, the results derived from unconstrained methods are more revealing of the needs and aspirations of communities. These are likely to contribute more to the search for appropriate management interventions, particularly given that MPAs evolve over time. Hence, the development of MPA effectiveness indicators must be an iterative community-informed process to ensure timely and relevant management interventions.
Comparison of Fuzzy and MPC based Flying Capacitor Multicell Inverter

The Flying Capacitor Multicell Inverter (FCMI) possesses an inherent balancing of voltage across the capacitors and it is used to distribute the input voltage and minimize the voltage stress. This FCMI's RMS is first controlled with fuzzy controller and the outputs are analyzed, then a suitable Model Predictive Controller (MPC) is considered to be in command of the RMS voltage of the Flying Capacitor Multicell Inverter and the outputs are measured up to with fuzzy controlled FCMI. The controller (Fuzzy and MPC) are considered for different levels of FCMI circuits and has been found that MPC controller gives better performance as compared to the fuzzy controlled FCMI. To weigh against the performance of Fuzzy and MPC controllers the Rise time, Settling time, Overshoot, Peak and Peak time are taken as comparison parameters and the comparison chart is presented for analysis.
An assessment of Nigeria’s agricultural credit guarantee scheme fund: evidence from time-series analysis

The operations of Nigeria’s Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund (ACGSF), after twenty-seven years, were subjected to macro econometric analysis, presumably the first quantitative approach to the scheme, with the objective of providing useful results, deducing policy implications, and perhaps, policy options. Specifically, the volume by number and value of loans guaranteed and repaid, with the addition of a credit-determining policy instrument, were modelled using vector autoregression (VAR) methodology to evaluate the economic information they contain and their relevance in terms of policy analysis. The value of loans guaranteed was identified to be positively related to the number of loans guaranteed and the number and value of loans repaid, and inversely related to the policy instrument. In this light, the managers of the scheme need to step up and encourage vigorous repayment of loans under the guarantee and develop capacity to process and approve guarantees and default claims on-line. Beyond these, the monetary policy regulating institution is urged to adopt forward looking rules, example, by encouraging participating banks to access the discount window at favourable terms, that do not directly or indirectly infringe on the expressed aims of the ACGSF, say, in its attempt at affecting the liquidity (interest rate) and/ or credit channels of monetary transmission. KEYWORDS: Credit, guarantee, agriculture, vector autoregression, monetary policy.
Physical workload, leisure-time physical activity, obesity and smoking as predictors of multisite musculoskeletal pain. A 2-year prospective study of kitchen workers

Objectives The aim of this prospective study was to examine the role of physical workload, leisure-time physical activity, obesity and smoking in predicting the occurrence and course of multisite musculoskeletal pain (MSP). Methods Data on physical and psychosocial workload, lifestyle factors and MSP were based on questionnaire surveys of 385 Finnish female kitchen workers. MSP (defined as pain at three or more of seven sites) during the past 3 months was measured repeatedly at 3-month intervals over 2 years. Four different patterns (trajectories) in the course of MSP were identified. The authors analysed whether the determinants at baseline predicted the occurrence of MSP (1) at the 2-year follow-up and (2) over the total of nine measurements during the 2 years by exploiting the MSP trajectories. Logistic regression was used. Results High physical workload at baseline was an independent predictor of MSP at the 2-year follow-up (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.7 to 8.5) in a model allowing for age, psychosocial factors at work and lifestyle. High physical workload (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.0 to 4.0) and moderate (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.2 to 4.9) or low (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.1 to 4.7) physical activity predicted persistent MSP. Obesity (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.0 to 7.8) predicted an increased, and not being obese (OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.1 to 12.7) a decreased, prevalence of MSP in models similarly including all covariates. Smoking had no effect. Conclusion The results emphasise the importance of high physical workload, low to moderate physical activity and obesity as potential modifiable risk factors for the occurrence and course of MSP over time.
A Survey of the International Empirical Evidence on the Tax-Spend Debate

The concern over budget deficits in the mid-1980s generated a strand of literature known as the tax-spend debate, sometimes labeled the revenue-expenditure nexus. This literature has focused on the intertemporal relationship between revenues and expenditures in the generation of budget deficits. In light of the numerous empirical time-series studies on the subject, the intent of this survey article is to provide an overview of the work to date as well as provide suggestions for future research in this area.
A Novel Realization of Three-D Rounding Photography System

Three-D rounding photography system is an application of Desktop Virtual Reality. It takes the pictures around the objects with the computer, and then deasl with them for the 360 degree display in the local computer or a web page. The Three-D visual sense and image real-time amplification of this system are the key technical problems. This paper researches on this system and proposes a new solution based on the Silverlight technology togher withan improved triangle internal interpolation method based on the barycentric coordinates properties for the image real-time amplification.The experimental results show that the solution meets the visual sense and interaction Requirements of the Three-D Rounding Photography system. And the improved algorithm reduces the operation time efficiently, thus it has some practical value.
Backpropagation Neural Network for Motion Analysis on Blood-pool Gated Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography

We used backpropagation neural network for left ventricular motion analysis on Tc-99m labeled RBC blood-pool gated single photon emission computed tomography (GSPECT). Phantom images by the model of solid spheres were generated to simulate the left ventricle. Training data sets were selected from the phantom images. After training, the neural network can perform motion analysis on the phantom images and all series of patients' GSPECT images. The results of motion analysis were displayed in the formats of vector fields superimposed on the original GSPECT images. The GSPECT of one patient with normal left ventricle and two patients with abnormal left ventricular motion were acquired and analyzed. The study showed that back propagation neural network was useful in the evaluation of left ventricular motion in GSPECT images
The Relationship between the `Psychological Contract' and `Employment Relations'

Great importance is being attached to the concept of the psychological contract. However, the concept does not sit easily within the `traditional' perspective on employment relations with its primarily institutional-level focus. Nevertheless, the concept, depending on how it is defined, has great potential to fill an emerging gap in employment relations: that of individual-level analysis. This gap becomes apparent when a broader, more `contemporary' perspective on employment relations is considered. This `contemporary' perspective moves beyond an institutional-level focus to consider all the behaviours, outcomes, practices, and institutions that relate to the employment relationship. In order to integrate the concept of the psychological contract into `contemporary' employment relations thinking, additional research is required in the following areas: (1) the relationship between employment institutions and individual employees; (2) how employment institutions influence the psychological contract between individuals and their employer; and, (3) the relationship between the legal context and the psychological contract.
Extrinsic vs. Intrinsic Regimes Shifts in Shallow Lakes: Long-Term Response of Cyanobacterial Blooms to Historical Catchment Phosphorus Loading and Climate Warming

To evaluate the relative influence of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on ecosystem dynamics and regime shifts, we examined the algal response to historical catchment phosphorus loading from two shallow lakes located in Quebec, Canada. Roxton Pond is a eutrophic shallow lake with submerged macrophytes, and Lake Petit Saint-Francois (PSF) is a hypereutrophic shallow lake with no submerged macrophytes. Specifically, we inferred past cyanobacteria dynamics using pigment analyses, and tested whether the most parsimonious response model for cyanobacteria dynamics was congruent with the response model for phosphorus loading to the catchment. For both lakes, we found that an abrupt increase in cyanobacteria concentration lagged behind the initial increases in agricultural phosphorus use in the catchment as well as climate warming by over a decade. The delayed cyanobacterial response to these external drivers, observed in both lakes, suggests that intrinsic factors more than likely played important roles in ecosystem dynamics. These results show that cyanobacteria dominance in shallow lakes can be brought on by intrinsic responses to catchment phosphorus loading, climate warming, or both, but the timing depends on the antecedent conditions and the magnitude of the external forcing.
Inputs, Outputs, and a Theory of Production and Cost at Depository Financial Institutions

THE TOOL OF ANALYSIS most often applied to the behavior of financial institutions has been portfolio theory. The inadequacy of this approach stems from the total omission of production and cost constraints under which financial firms operate, and thus the role of these constraints in determining the equilibrium output mix and the scale size of the financial firm. Although various studies have proposed to describe the operations of the financial firm (mostly commercial banks) by utilizing the concepts of the theory of the firm, thus correcting the deficiencies of portfolio analysis, they have not been completely successful in developing an adequate model of the banking or other financial firm [3; 16; 17; 19; 271.1 The lack of success of previous studies in developing a positive theory of the financial firm can be attributed to the incomplete application of the essential elements of the theory of the firm to financial institutions. Specifically, previous writers have failed to: (1) appropriately classify outputs and inputs of the financial firm by failing to consider the criteria on which the financial firm makes economic decisions, and (2) analyze the technical aspects of production and cost for the financial firm. The purpose of this paper is to develop a model within which the role of production and cost can be analyzed and the behavior of the financial firm understood within the context of a profit maximizing producer rather than, as viewed from the portfolio approach, as a rational investor. The analysis presented in this paper shows the following: (1) contrary to existing literature, in order to develop a positive theory of price and output decisions of the financial firm, explicit concepts of outputs and inputs of the financial firm must be developed and these concepts must be consistent with the criteria on which the firm's economic decisions are made; (2) by carefully analyzing the technical aspects of the financial firm's production process, a model of financial firm behavior can be developed which is consistent with the theory of the firm; (3) in contrast to the traditional firm, the technical production conditions facing the financial firm result in optimality conditions where the marginal revenue products do not, in general, equal the
Top management team trust, behavioral integration and the performance of international joint ventures

Purpose – This study seeks to identify antecedents of trust among top managers representing partners in international joint ventures (IJVs) and to show how this trust influences IJV performance.Design/methodology/approach – The paper proposes that the national cultural distance of the foreign partner, the business similarity of partners' organizations and behavioural integration are antecedents to trust, and that trust is a key mediator through which these antecedents affect IJV performance. Data are collected through a field survey from IJVs in Beijing and Shenzhen, PRC, and employ regression analysis to test these propositions.Findings – It is found that: trust across IJV factional subgroups is influenced by partners' business similarity and by the behavioural integration of top managers representing the partners from both sides; and this trust mediates the relationship between the behavioural integration of top managers in Sino‐foreign IJVs and overall venture performance. The effects of business simil.
Genes involved in matrix formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14 biofilms

Pseudomonas aeruginosa forms diverse matrix‐enclosed surface‐associated multicellular assemblages (biofilms) that aid in its survival in a variety of environments. One such biofilm is the pellicle that forms at the air–liquid interface in standing cultures. We screened for transposon insertion mutants of P. aeruginosa PA14 that were unable to form pellicles. Analysis of these mutants led to the identification of seven adjacent genes, named pel genes, the products of which appear to be involved in the formation of the pellicle's extracellular matrix. In addition to being required for pellicle formation, the pel genes are also required for the formation of solid surface‐associated biofilms. Sequence analyses predicted that three pel genes encode transmembrane proteins and that five pel genes have functional homologues involved in carbohydrate processing. Microscopic and macroscopic observations revealed that wild‐type P. aeruginosa PA14 produces a cellulase‐sensitive extracellular matrix able to bind Congo red; no extracellular matrix was produced by the pel mutants. A comparison of the carbohydrates produced by the wild‐type strain and pel mutants suggested that glucose was a principal component of the matrix material. Together, these results suggest that the pel genes are responsible for the production of a glucose‐rich matrix material required for the formation of biofilms by P. aeruginosa PA14.
Social Media - Processing Romanian Chat and Discourse Analysis

In order to obtain a balanced corpus, a sub-corpus of 2,576 sentences illustrating contemporary social media language has been added to the Dependency Treebank for Romanian. The texts were taken from the chat. The subject of this paper is to describe the second step of processing non-standard texts with a hybrid POS-tagger for Romanian and with a Malt parser, both until now trained on standard language and on other styles of communication. The results obtained show that the UAIC tools are comparable with the tools for other languages trained on similar corpora. Another purpose is to develop this resource, the Dependency Treebank for Romanian, not only quantitatively, doubling its dimension in a year, but also changing its format with a new one, compatible with other similar foreign corpora, and adding new, more complex annotation layers. A semantic layer and a discursive annotation will be added, permitting the study of discursive and conversational particularities. Finally, examples illustrating discursive particularities of the chat communication are discussed.
Purification and Characterization of Cinnamyl Alcohol Dehydrogenase Isoforms from the Periderm of Eucalyptus gunnii Hook

Cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD, EC 1.1.1.195) isoforms were purified from the periderm (containing both suberized and lignified cell layers) of Eucalyptus gunnii Hook stems. Two isoforms (CAD 1P and CAD 2P) were initially characterized, and the major form, CAD 2P, was resolved into three further isoforms by ion-exchange chromatography. Crude extracts contained two aliphatic alcohol dehydrogenases (ADH) and one aromatic ADH, which was later resolved into two further isoforms. Aliphatic ADHs did not use hydroxycinnamyl alcohols as substrates, whereas both aromatic ADH isoforms used coniferyl and sinapyl alcohol as substrates but with a much lower specific activity when compared with benzyl alcohol. The minor form, CAD 1P, was a monomer with a molecular weight of 34,000 that did not co-elute with either aromatic or aliphatic ADH activity. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and western blot analysis demonstrated that this protein was very similar to another CAD isoform purified from Eucalyptus xylem tissue. CAD 2P had a native molecular weight of approximately 84,000 and was a dimer consisting of two heterogenous subunits (with molecular weights of 42,000 and 44,000). These subunits were differentially combined to give the heterodimer and two homodimers. SDS-PAGE, western blots, and nondenaturing PAGE indicated that the CAD 2P heterodimer was very similar to the main CAD isoform previously purified in our laboratory from differentiating xylem tissue of E. gunnii (D. Goffner, I. Joffroy, J. Grima-Pettenati, C. Halpin, M.E. Knight, W. Schuch, A.M. Boudet [1992] Planta 188: 48–53). Kinetic data indicated that the different CAD 2P isoforms may be implicated in the preferential production of different monolignols used in the synthesis of lignin and/or suberin.
Response Distortion in Adolescents Who Smoke: A Pilot Study

A wide range of data are obtained with self-report. Information obtained from persons using substances is generally reliable and valid, however, many studies show that some proportion of self-reports regarding substance use are inaccurate. This study examines self-reported response distortion in adolescents who received a brief intervention to reduce their smoking. Findings indicate that age and ethnicity of respondent may influence reported response distortion. Factors that appear to influence under- and over-reporting include social desirability and fear of repercussion. Response distortion does not appear to affect rated usefulness of the intervention, nor does intervention type appear to influence whether respondents thought the researcher wanted them to report less use. Results point to the need for further research regarding adolescents and response distortion.