Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interest Bearing Demand Deposits and Bank Portfolio Behavior: Reply

One of the results of the failure of a large number of banks in the 1930s was the institution of a statutory prohibition of the payment of interest on demand deposits. It was argued at that time that competitive pressures to pay high rates of interest on demand deposits led banks to reach out for extremely risky assets in order to maintain a high rate of return. This belief was accepted by both the Commission on Money and Credit [3, 167] and President Kennedy's Committee on Financial Institutions [7, 19-22]. 1 It has, however, traditionally been regarded with suspicion by economists because it implies that banks are not attempting to maximize expected profits.2 It will be shown here that if bank managements have utility functions, and if these utility functions include as an argument some measure of the dispersion of the expected return on a portfolio in addition to the expected return, then they may indeed increase the riskiness of their portfolios when forced (by regulatory changes and competition) to pay interest on demand deposits. This can be seen by a simple application of the mean-variance approach to portfolio theory as developed by Markowitz and Tobin [6; 9]. 3 As Tobin shows, if the bank has available to it a risk-free asset (say treasury bills),4 the proportionate shares of the risky assets to one another will be independent of their aggregate share in the portfolio, provided the bank chooses to hold some part of its portfolio in the riskless asset.
A Multi-scale Method for Automatic Correction of Intensity Nonuniformity in MRI Data

Introduction Surface coils, especially phased-arrays, are used extensively for acquiring magnetic resonance (MR) images with high spatial resolution. The signal intensities on images acquired from using these coils have a non-uniform map, due to the coil sensitivity profile. Although these smooth intensity variations have little impact on visual diagnosis, they become a critical issue when quantitative information is needed from the images. A new method is presented here to estimate the near optimal coil’s sensitivity profile from analysis of the multiscale approximate templates and residues produced by the wavelet transform. It does not rely on any data other than the image generated by the MR scanner.
A probabilistic framework for the spatio-temporal segmentation of multiple sclerosis lesions in MR images of the brain

In this paper we describe the application of a novel statistical image-sequence (video) modeling scheme to sequences of multiple sclerosis (MS) images taken over time. A unique key feature of the proposed framework is the analysis of the image-sequence input as a single entity as opposed to a sequence of separate frames. The extracted space-time regions allow for the detection and identification of disease events and processes, such as the appearance and progression of lesions. According to the proposed methodology, coherent space-time regions in the feature space, and corresponding coherent segments in the video content are extracted by unsupervised clustering via Gaussian mixture modeling (GMM). The parameters of the GMM are determined via the maximum likelihood principle and the Expectation-Maximization (EM) algorithm. The clustering of the image sequence yields a collection of regions (blobs) in a four-dimensional feature space (including intensity, position (x,y), and time). Regions corresponding to MS lesions are automatically identified based on criteria regarding the mean intensity and the size variability over time. The proposed methodology was applied to a registered sequence of 24 T2-weighted MR images acquired from an MS patient over a period of approximately a year. Examples of preliminary qualitative results are shown.
Optimizing Antimicrobial Peptide Dendrimers in Chemical Space.

We used nearest-neighbor searches in chemical space to improve the activity of the antimicrobial peptide dendrimer (AMPD) G3KL and identified dendrimer T7, which has an expanded activity range against Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria including Klebsiellae pneumoniae, increased serum stability, and promising activity in an in vivo infection model against a multidrug-resistant strain of Acinetobacter baumannii. Imaging, spectroscopic studies, and a structural model from molecular dynamics simulations suggest that T7 acts through membrane disruption. These experiments provide the first example of using virtual screening in the field of dendrimers and show that dendrimer size does not limit the activity of AMPDs.
An Efficient method to collapse the spatial networks

In this study, we focus on the efficient disintegration method in spatial networks. First, we present an optimization model for the disintegration strategy in the spatial network and introduce a heuristic algorithm to seek the efficient disintegration strategy. Experiment in American fiber network indicates that our method could seek the efficient disintegration strategy with the tabu search. Also, the disintegration effect based on tabu search substantially exceeds the degree-core strategy and betweenness-core strategy.
An econometric analysis of climate change impacts on tourism flows: an empirical evidence from the region of Tuscany, Italy

This paper contributes to the study of climate change impacts on tourism by exploring how flows of visitors to Tuscany, which counts for more than 45 million of presences a year. Our estimation results show that under the A1B IPCC scenario, by 2050 we shall be assisting to a decrease in the annual tourism flows to Tuscany between 13.2% and 16.5%, with a maximum ranging up to 22% in the eastern hilly areas of Tuscany and the south of the region. This is equivalent to a loss of 2.9 million US dollars today, which corresponds to 6.2% of the total expenditures in Italy by arrivals. We can interpret these results has signaling the need to study alternative mitigation and adaptation policies and this way reduce such potential welfare loss to the region of Tuscany.
Species-Specific PCR Assay for Identification of Buffalo Meat

Two primer sets based on mitochondrial D-loop and cytochrome b gene sequences of buffalo with amplicon size of 227 and 152 bp, respectively, were opted for species identification of buffalo meat. The buffalo specific primer was subsequently tested for cross reactivity with cattle (ox), sheep, goat and pig meat. Primer targeting D-loop gene, yielded amplicon with buffalo meat as well as yielded size fragment with sheep and goat meat. However, with the primer based on cytochrome b gene, an intense band in buffalo meat and, a relatively faint band of similar size fragment in sheep was observed. In remaining three species cattle, goat and pig, no amplification was observed at usual 600C annealing temperature. In order to eliminate the cross reactivity of buffalo specific primer in sheep, amplification was attempted at the higher annealing temperatures 64.4oC and 67oC. At the annealing temperatures of 67oC, no cross reactivity of the buffalo specific primer was obtained in sheep as well as cattle (ox), goat and pig meat and only species-specific fragment was obtained in buffalo meat. Thus, buffalo species specific primer based on cytochrome b gene, under modified PCR condition was found useful.
The Implicit Market for Quality: An Hedonic Analysis

Modeling product differentiation has always presented a particular challenge to empirical researchers. The model must at once capture the complexity of output heterogeneity and remain within the bounds posed by econometric constraints. A fairly common approach employed in the literature is based on hedonic theory, which posits that a good or service is valued for its utilitybearing attributes [29]. Many empirical studies follow a pricing technique developed in part by Griliches [18] to estimate marginal prices for a product's underlying characteristics [13; 14; 20; 34; 47]. More complex analyses estimate a structural implicit market model, using the procedure presented in Rosen's [36] seminal work. This methodology is a two-stage process that uses estimated attribute prices derived from a first-stage hedonic price function to estimate a second-stage implicit market model for all product attributes. For example, Witte, Sumka, and Erekson [45] use this approach to examine the supply and demand for housing attributes. Recently, however, empirical research in hedonics has become the subject of much debate in the literature. Some of the contention deals with the proper functional form to be used for the hedonic price locus [6; 19; 35]. More serious discussion points out a "hidden" identification problem inherent in Rosen's [36] two-stage empirical procedure [3; 4]. As a result, much of what had been achieved in advancing hedonic empirical work is now viewed in retrospect as suspect. ' Clearly, new research is necessary to restore credibility to this important subject matter. To that end, this research estimates an implicit market model using current methodology that directly addresses the empirical problems cited above. In particular, a multi-market estimation of an hedonic price locus is conducted to accommodate proper identification and estimation of a structural implicit model. Within this context, vertical product differentiation is studied, i.e., differentiation based solely upon the inherent quality of a good or service. An effective means to model product quality is demonstrated through a generalized index variable constructed to capture quality differences without compromising empirical tractability, a common problem associated
QUANTIFYING CORRELATION IN THREE-DIMENSIONAL GEOLOGIC MAPPING OF GLACIAL DRIFT

Glaciated terrain covers much of North America and other parts of the world. The depositional and erosi onal processes associated with glaciation produce a wide variety of sediment types and landforms. These materials have irregular geometry and represent a tremendous range of hydraulic conductivity values. The resulting complexity in the hydrogeologic framework complicates 3D mapping and the assessment of water resources or contaminant transport.
Investigated Cold Press Oil Extraction from Non-Edible Oilseeds for Future Bio-Jet Fuels Production

Bio-jet fuel produced from non-edible oilseeds can be an alternative to fossil fuels with the benefits of increasing national energy security, reducing environmental impact, and fostering rural economic growth. Efficient oil extraction from oilseeds is critical for economic production of bio-jet fuels. Oil extractions from camelina (sativa) and canola (Brassica napus) seeds were conducted using a cold press method. The effect of the frequency controlling the screw rotation speed on the oil recovery and quality was discussed. Characterization of the produced raw vegetable oils, such as heating value, elemental content and main chemical compositions, was carried out. The results showed that the oil recovery increased when the frequency decreased. The highest oil recoveries for camelina and canola seeds were 88.2% and 84.1% respectively, both at 15 Hz. The cold press frequency and processing temperature (97.2°C - 106.0°C) had a minor influence on the qualities and recovery of both camelina and canola oils. In addition, camelina and canola oils produced at 15 Hz underwent catalytic cracking to examine potential hydrocarbon fuels production. It was observed that some of oil physicochemical properties were improved after catalytic cracking. Although more study is needed for further improvement of oil recovery and qualities, cold press could be an efficient method for oil extraction from non-edible oilseeds. Additionally, the preliminary results of upgrading the oils produced show very promising for future bio-jet fuels production.
REPORTS : CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE IN MINORITY POPULATIONS IMPACT OF BREATHING AWARENESS MEDITATION ON AMBULATORY BLOOD PRESSURE AND SODIUM HANDLING IN PREHYPERTENSIVE AFRICAN AMERICAN ADOLESCENTS

Design and Methods: Following three consecutive days of SBP screenings, 66 eligible ninth graders were randomly assigned by school to either BAM (n520) or health education control (n546) groups. The BAM group engaged in 10minute BAM sessions at school and at home each day for three months. Teachers conducted sessions at school during health classes. Before and after the intervention, overnight urine samples were collected, and ambulatory SBP, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate were recorded periodically for 24 hours.
TAS Strategies for Incremental Cognitive MIMO Relaying: New Results and Accurate Comparison

In this paper, we thoroughly elaborate on the impact different transmit-antenna selection (TAS) strategies induce in terms of the outage performance of incremental cognitive multiple-input multiple-output relaying systems employing receive maximum-ratio combining (MRC). Our setup consists of three multi-antenna secondary nodes: a transmitter, a receiver and a decode-and-forward relay node acting in a half-duplex incremental relaying mode whereas the primary transmitter and receiver are equipped with a single antenna. Only a statistical channel-state information is acquired by the secondary system transmitting nodes to adapt their transmit power. In this context, our contribution is fourfold. First, we focus on two TAS strategies that are driven by maximizing either the received signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) or signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), and extend their operating mode into an incremental relaying setup where MRC is carried jointly over both relaying hops. Second, given the inherited complexity, we proceed by the exact outage analysis of the direct (first-hop) transmission as a preliminary yet innovative step pertaining to the SINR-driven TAS strategy. Third, the end-to-end (second-hop) transmission outage performance is also evaluated although shown to entail an involved derivation roadmap for both TAS strategies. Fourth, we simplify our exact derivations by means of the asymptotic analysis which reveals that the detrimental effect of mutual interference on the secondary system is originated from the primary transmitter (i.e., co-channel interference) and not from the primary receiver (i.e., interference threshold). That is, even if the secondary system operates at a high tolerated amount of interference, an outage floor will still occur because the primary system will pump a high amount of co-channel interference in return. The SINR-driven TAS shows up as an optimal interference-aware strategy in this regard. It achieves the same diversity gain but a better coding gain compared to its SNR-driven counterpart. The correctness of our results is confirmed by Monte Carlo simulations and the actual outage gap between both TAS strategies is reflected.
A laser-activated MEMS transducer for efficient generation of narrowband longitudinal ultrasonic waves

In this paper, we demonstrate an optically powered microelectromechanical system (MEMS) transducer. It was designed and fabricated using MEMS techniques, and can generate narrowband ultrasonic bulk waves from a broadband laser excitation pulse with high efficiency. The transducer is a two-mask-level MEMS device with a microdisk seated on a microsystem. When a laser pulse is incident on the disk center, a resonant flapping motion of the disk is actuated because of the thermomechanical interaction between the absorbing and non-absorbing parts of the disk, coupling a narrowband longitudinal bulk wave propagating along the axis of the stem into the sample. Finite element (FE) methods were used to simulate the generated ultrasound; the results agree well with experimental measurements. Experiments with the fabricated transducers have shown that narrowband ultrasound with a high SNR/amplitude was generated successfully; compared with normal thermoelastic generation, ultrasound with at least 5 times higher amplitude can be achieved by an optimized MEMS transducer. The transducer is inexpensive, compact, and simple to use.
Teachers Using Designerly Thinking in K-12 Online Course Design

Teachers are typically abstracted from the design process and not referred to as instructional designers. However, they are constantly designing instruction or adapting instructional materials on a daily basis. Teachers provide a unique perspective as instructional designers: instructional design, content experts, and instruction delivery. Thus, describing their design process is important to help support teachers as they design online courses. This case study examined and described the design process of eleven high school teachers as they designed, developed, and implemented their first online courses. Findings from this study present the online course de-sign processes of these high school teachers and highlight the resources perceived as valuable when embarking on their first online courses. Among the key findings are that teachers face constraints, use a variety of technological tools, and use a variety of pedagogical strategies. Belonging to a community of practice helps online teachers, who report valuing the support of an Online Learning Coordinator. Although given similar guides and resources, they make independent design decisions and rely on feedback from a variety of sources. Recommendations are made for K-12 online learning coordinators, school administrators, and for first-time online teachers/designers related to the processes involved in designing online courses.
A bacterial hormone (the SCB1) directly controls the expression of a pathway‐specific regulatory gene in the cryptic type I polyketide biosynthetic gene cluster of Streptomyces coelicolor

Gamma‐butyrolactone signalling molecules are produced by many Streptomyces species, and several have been shown to regulate antibiotic production. In Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) at least one γ‐butyrolactone (SCB1) has been shown to stimulate antibiotic production, and genes encoding proteins that are involved in its synthesis (scbA) and binding (scbR) have been characterized. Expression of these genes is autoregulated by a complex mechanism involving the γ‐butyrolactone. In this study, additional genes influenced by ScbR were identified by DNA microarray analysis, and included a cryptic cluster of genes for a hypothetical type I polyketide. Further analysis of this gene cluster revealed that the pathway‐specific regulatory gene, kasO, is a direct target for regulation by ScbR. Gel retardation and DNase I footprinting analyses identified two potential binding sites for ScbR, one at −3 to −35 nt and the other at −222 to −244 nt upstream of the kasO transcriptional start site. Addition of SCB1 eliminated the DNA binding activity of ScbR at both sites. The expression of kasO was growth phase regulated in the parent (maximal during transition phase), undetectable in a scbA null mutant, and constitutively expressed in a scbR null mutant. Addition of SCB1 to the scbA mutant restored the expression of kasO, indicating that ScbR represses kasO until transition phase, when presumably SCB1 accumulates in sufficient quantity to relieve kasO repression. Expression of the cryptic antibiotic gene cluster was undetectable in a kasO deletion mutant. This is the first report with comprehensive in vivo and in vitro data to show that a γ‐butyrolactone‐binding protein directly regulates a secondary metabolite pathway‐specific regulatory gene in Streptomyces.
Mechanical Thrombectomy in Elderly Stroke Patients with Mild-to-Moderate Baseline Disability

Background: The number of elderly patients suffering from ischemic stroke is rising. Randomized trials of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) generally exclude patients over the age of 80 years with baseline disability. The aim of this study was to understand the efficacy and safety of MT in elderly patients, many of whom may have baseline impairment. Methods: Between January 2015 and April 2017, 96 patients ≥80 years old who underwent MT for stroke were selected for a chart review. The data included baseline characteristics, time to treatment, the rate of revascularization, procedural complications, mortality, and 90-day good outcome defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0–2 or return to baseline. Results: Of the 96 patients, 50 had mild baseline disability (mRS score 0–1) and 46 had moderate disability (mRS score 2–4). Recanalization was achieved in 84% of the patients, and the rate of symptomatic hemorrhage was 6%. At 90 days, 34% of the patients had a good outcome. There were no significant differences in good outcome between those with mild and those with moderate baseline disability (43 vs. 24%, p = 0.08), between those aged ≤85 and those aged > 85 years (40.8 vs. 26.1%, p = 0.19), and between those treated within and those treated beyond 8 h (39 vs. 20%, p = 0.1). The mortality rate was 38.5% at 90 days. The Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) predicted good outcome regardless of baseline disability (p < 0.001 and p = 0.009, respectively). Conclusion: Advanced age, baseline disability, and delayed treatment are associated with suboptimal outcomes after MT. However, redefining good outcome to include return to baseline functioning demonstrates that one-third of this patient population benefits from MT, suggesting the real-life utility of this treatment.
Correlating Pattern Grime and Quality Attributes

The gang of four design patterns are widely adopted in industry as best practices and their effect on software quality has been long investigated in academia, with both positive and negative consequences being observed. One important parameter that relates to the effect of patterns on quality is the deterioration of pattern instances due to the buildup of artifacts unrelated to the pattern structure. This is called pattern grime and can potentially diminish some of the benefits of using patterns in the first place. In this paper we investigate the relation between pattern grime and three qualities, namely performance, security, and correctness. To this end, we conducted a case study with five industrial projects (approx. 260 000 lines of code) implemented by 16 developers. Our findings suggest a correlation between the accumulation of grime and decreased levels of performance, security, and correctness. Moreover, factors such as the project itself, pattern type and the developer can influence this relation. The obtained results can benefit both researchers and practitioners, as we provide evidence on the accumulation of pattern grime and its correlation to performance, security and correctness, and how different factors affect these correlations.
Bolstering Resilience in Students: Teachers as Protective Factors

Resilience (from the Latin resilire: “to bounce back”) refers to the capacity to return to good mental health after challenging and difficult situations. Some researchers define it as the return to normal (or better than normal) functioning after exposure to a high-risk experience (such as abuse, trauma or the death of a parent) or environment (such as poverty, systemic discrimination or a “bad neighbourhood”). Resilience allows individuals to manage difficult episodes or chronic challenges in their lives.