Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The term structure of interest rates and the real economy

The Term Structure of Interest Rates and the Real Economy Philippe Mueller In the first chapter of this dissertation, joint with Mikhail Chernov, we use evidence from the term structure of inflation expectations implicit in the nominal yields and survey forecasts of inflation to address the question of whether or not monetary policy is effective. We construct a model that accommodates forecasts over multiple horizons from multiple surveys and Treasury yields by allowing for differences between risk-neutral, subjective, and objective probability measures. We extract private sector expectations of inflation from this model and establish that they are driven by inflation, real activity and one latent factor, which is correlated with survey forecasts. We show that the interest rate responds to this "survey" factor. The inflation premium and out-of-sample estimates of the inflation long-run mean and persistence suggest that monetary policy became effective over time. As an implication, our model outperforms a standard macro-finance model in inflation and yield forecasting. The second chapter explores the transmission of credit conditions into the real economy. Specifically, I examine the forecasting power of the term structure of credit spreads for future GDP growth. I find that the whole term structure of credit spreads has predictive power, even though the term structure of Treasury yields has none. Using a parsimonious macro-finance term structure model that captures the joint dynamics of GDP, inflation, Treasury yields and credit spreads, I decompose the spreads and identify what drives the relationship between credit spreads and the real economy. I show that there is a pure credit component orthogonal to macroeconomic information that accounts for a large part of the forecasting power of credit spreads. The macro factors themselves also contribute to the predictive power, especially for long maturity spreads. Taken together, credit and macro factors capture virtually all predictability inherent in the actual spreads, while additional factors affecting Treasury yields and credit spreads are irrelevant. The credit factor is highly correlated with the index of tighter loan standards, thus lending support to the existence of a transmission channel from borrowing conditions to the economy.
The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Aspergillus flavus

Abstract Aspergillus flavus is a haploid filamentous fungus that is common in the environment and has been implicated in human infections. The complete mitochondrial genome of A. flavus has been determined by high-throughput sequencing technology in this work. Our study revealed that the mitochondrial genome of A. flavus is 31,602 bp long, with an A + T content of 74.83%, which consists of a usual set of mitochondrial proteins and RNA genes, including large and small ribosomal RNAs, 15 proteins, and 20 tRNA genes and contains two introns. Notably, it also contains two hypothetical proteins without obvious homology to any known proteins. All structural genes are located on one strand and are apparently transcribed in one direction. Codon usage analysis indicated that all protein coding genes employ the standard fungal mitochondrial start and stop codons; and the nucleotide bias toward AT was also reflected in the codon usage. The complete mitochondrial genomes of A. flavus would be useful for future investigation of the genetic, evolution, and clinical identification of Aspergillus species.
Heavy Smokers Perform More Poorly than Nonsmokers on a Simulated Task of Gambling

The Gambling Task (GT) has demonstrated sensitivity to a type of decision-making that differentiates individuals manifesting substance use disorders from those without such disorders. However, studies have not yet compared the GT performance of “heavy smokers” to the performance of never-smokers. In the present study, the GT performance of “heavy smokers” (n = 39) and never-smokers (n = 32) recruited from the community was compared in an experimental design. Analysis of covariance showed that “heavy smokers” performance on the GT was significantly worse than that of never-smokers (p < .01). Implications, the study's limitations and future directions are discussed.
Compiler Optimizations with Retrofitting Transformations: Is there a Semantic Mismatch?

A retrofitting transformation modifies an input program by adding instrumentation to monitor security properties at runtime. These tools often transform the input program in complex ways. Compiler optimizations can erroneously remove the instrumentation added by a retrofitting transformation in the presence of semantic mismatches between the assumptions of retrofitting transformations and compiler optimizations. This paper proposes a strategy to ascertain that every event of interest that is checked in the retrofitted program is also checked after optimizations. Our initial experiments have identified bugs both in previously proposed retrofitting transformations and our implementations of etrofitting transformations.
A new framework for peer-to-peer energy sharing and coordination in the energy internet

Compared with the traditional power grid, Energy Internet is motivated by the concept of intelligent energy sharing and coordination, achieving higher penetration of renewable energy and economic saving. In this paper, we propose a new framework for the time-slotted Peer-to-Peer (P2P) energy sharing and coordination in Energy Internet, which aims to achieve flexible and efficient distributed energy management and control. In this framework, users are equipped with distributed generators (DGs), distributed energy storage systems (DESs) and smart meters; the P2P energy sharing fashion is supported, where users can buy/sell electric from/to utility company and their neighboring users. The energy sharing and coordination problem is formulated as a convex optimization problem with the objective to minimize the economic cost of users. Then, a distributed algorithm is proposed, in combination with alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM). On the basis of a real-world dataset of renewable energy and real-time electricity price, both analytical and numerical results show the effectiveness of the proposed framework and algorithm in terms of not only fast convergence in a time slot but also economic saving prominently for a long time application.
Planning for a Payout

Public management literature has previously examined privatization in which government contracts with private firms or other organizations to provide goods or services to the public. However, privatization of organizational structure through the creation of special purpose organizations remains relatively underexplored. This study examines the policy consequences of privatizing state lottery organizations by comparing the revenue returned to state governments from lotteries managed by independent state agencies to lotteries managed by privatized special purpose organizations. Using data on the organizational structure and revenue returns of the state lottery administrations in the United States from 1985-2008, fixed effects analyses demonstrate that independent state lottery agencies are more effective than privatized special purpose administrations. The revenue costs of lottery administrative privatization are robust to multiple measurements and specifications, and suggest that choosing a privatized organizational structure can cost states tens of millions of dollars in lost lottery revenue annually. Special purpose lottery administrations maximize returns to state governments in average-sized states with low African American populations. State-agency lottery administrations maximize returns to state governments in small- or large-sized states with high per capita income and high population density. Implications of state special purpose administrations and future research opportunities are discussed.
Attitudes of nursing students on consumer participation: the effectiveness of the Mental Health Consumer Participation Questionnaire.

PURPOSE The aims of this article were to evaluate the Mental Health Consumer Participation Questionnaire, and measure nursing students' attitudes to consumer participation. DESIGN AND METHODS Undergraduate nursing students (n = 116) completed the Mental Health Consumer Participation Questionnaire at the start of a course on recovery for mental health nursing practice. FINDINGS The current findings confirm an endorsement of consumer participation in individual care processes, but less agreement with participation in organizational-level processes, such as management of mental health services and education of providers. This article also confirms that the questionnaire can effectively measure attitudes to consumer participation. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS The participation of consumers is critical for achieving person-centered services mental health services. It is important that nursing education influence positive attitudes.
Appraisers and Valuation Bias: An Empirical Analysis

Using appraisals from a lender across the 2005-06 period, we find that the association between appraisers' valuation inflation patterns and work volume varies across states. Moreover, we find a considerable occupational exit for appraisers, and provide evidence that appraisers, as applicants, did not receive better loan pricing compared with the population of applicants. Overall, this paper offers novel insights concerning the political economy of financial regulation through the lens of a specific profession.
Baseline and post‐treatment assessment of the general health status of head and neck cancer patients compared with United States population norms

It is a common perception that the overall health of patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) is likely to be poor compared with the general population. This project was undertaken to investigate the pre‐ and post‐treatment, global health status of HNC patients in comparison with age‐matched, U.S. population norms using a self‐administered general health status survey.
Predictive Stator Flux and Load Angle Control of Synchronous Reluctance Motor Drives Operating in a Wide Speed Range

This paper presents a new simplified finite-control-set model predictive control strategy for synchronous reluctance motors operating in the entire speed range. It is a predictive control scheme that regulates the stator flux and the load angle of the synchronous reluctance motor, incorporating the ability to operate the drive in the field-weakening region and respecting the motor voltage and current limits as well as the load angle limitation needed to operate this type of motor in the maximum torque per voltage region. The proposed control strategy possesses some attractive features, such as no need for controller calibration, no weighting factors in the cost function, good robustness against parameter mismatch, and smaller computational cost compared to more traditional finite-control-set model predictive control algorithms. Simulation and experimental results obtained using a high-efficiency synchronous reluctance motor demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Pipeline scanning architecture with computation reduction for rectangle pattern matching in real-time traffic sign detection

This paper describes a novel compact hardware oriented algorithm and its conceptual implementation for real-time traffic signs detection system. The speed limit sign area on a grayscale video frame is detected based on a novel, simple and compact rectangle pattern matching and circle detection modules. The speed limit recognition system is divided into two-pipeline stages. The region of interests is detected by global features of sign and implemented in pipeline, while the speed limit is recognized by local features of numbers. It achieves 100% in sign detection rate and be able to implement on Xilinx SoC Zynq system for real-time processing.
From Evidence to Community Practice in Work Rehabilitation: The Quebec Experience

BackgroundThe causes of prolonged disability due to back pain are multiply determined, involving medical, social, and environmental factors. Possible solutions to the problem of prolonged back pain disability have emerged from recent research but few efforts have been made to transfer evidence-based programs to large community settings. ObjectiveThis article describes three phases of the process of transfer of evidence from rehabilitation research to community practice in the province of Quebec. Methods and ResultsPhase A: Based on literature review and expert knowledge, the Sherbrooke model was developed and assessed through a population-based, randomized clinical trial. Results at 1-year follow-up showed quicker return to regular work and improvement of quality of life; the 6-year follow-up showed the cost-effectiveness of the method.Phase B: Based on the Sherbrooke model experience and recent evidence, a new program addressing the disability paradigm was developed and implemented in the province of Quebec (Canada). Results at 1- and 3-year follow-ups showed that only 24% of workers were not working owing to their musculoskeletal disorder. The program is presently being tested through a population-based, randomized clinical trial in a population of construction workers.Phase C: To implement the program at a provincial level, a network for management, research and education in work rehabilitation was developed. An external assessment is presently planned to evaluate return to work and economic outcomes and quality of implementation of the program in various settings.
SOME FRONTLINE ADVERTISING THEORIES AND THE QUESTION OF UNIVERSAL APPLICABILITY

In scholarship, it is not unusual to expect theories, especially the frontline ones to exhibit a good degree of universality of applicability. This, it seems, may be tantamount to expecting too much. It becomes needful, therefore for such theories to be tested for applicability from time to time in different local environments around the world. This paper subjects some of the frontline advertising theories of Behavioural Learning or Low Involvement, Active Learning or Information Processing and Dissonance Reduction or Cognitive Dissonance to the all-important applicability test, within the Nigerian environment; utilizing the Nigerian advertisement audience. The study adopted the quantitative methodology, and it is realized as a descriptive survey. A purposive sample made up of city dwellers formed the body of respondents. Results have been presented in tables and percentages. When the data from Three Thousand and Two respondents across Nigeria was collected and analysed, a few insights emerged. While the advertising theories of Active Learning, which is also known as the Information Processing Theory of Advertising, has found applicability with the local audience, the same could not be said for the theories of Behavioural Learning as well as Dissonance Reduction. The study, thus, establishes the levels to which these frontline advertising theories are applicable or not applicable to the Nigerian advertisement audience, as the case may be. It affirms that some of these theories, in truth, lack universality of applicability. That is to say, for example, that if a particular theory is found to be applicable in Europe, it must not be assumed that the same is also applicable in Africa. 1.0: Introduction Although Advertising Studies are usually domiciled in the disciplines of Mass Communication, Communication Studies, Media Studies and Marketing, most advertising theories have emerged from Psychology and the Behavioral Sciences. We need not wonder much, because while all the other areas tend to focus on concept and practice, Psychology and the Behavioural Sciences have the primary task of studying and following human behaviour. Advertising, undoubtedly, has a lot to do with human behaviour. For example, advertisements are created to influence human behaviour through persuasion. This aspect certainly falls under the purview of Psychology and the Behavioural Sciences; which explains why we, find most frontline theories of advertising emanating from these areas of study and research. A good number of advertising theories are available for study and scholarly activity. However, for the purpose of this particular study, only three have been utilized. These are the
c-Jun N-terminal kinase plays a major role in murine acetaminophen hepatotoxicity.

BACKGROUND & AIMS In searching for effects of acetaminophen (APAP) on hepatocytes downstream of its metabolism that may participate in hepatotoxicity, we examined the role of stress kinases. METHODS Mouse hepatocytes and C57BL/6 mice were administered a toxic dose of APAP with or without SP600125, a chemical c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor. JNK activity as reflected in phospho-c-jun levels, serum alanine transaminase (ALT), and liver histology were assessed. Similar experiments were repeated in JNK1 and JNK2 knockout mice and by using antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) to knockdown JNK. RESULTS Sustained activation of JNK was observed in cultured mouse hepatocytes and in vivo in the liver after APAP treatment. The importance of this pathway was identified by the marked protective effect of SP600125 against APAP toxicity in vitro and in vivo. The specificity of this protective effect was confirmed in vivo by the knockdown of JNK1 and 2 using ASO pretreatment. JNK2 knockout mice and mice treated with JNK2 ASO exhibited partial protection against APAP. One potential target of JNK is Bax translocation, which was enhanced by APAP and blocked by the JNK inhibitor. Protection by the JNK inhibitor persisted in Kupffer cell-depleted mice, whereas there was no protection against CCl(4) or concanavalin A toxicity. CONCLUSIONS This work suggests that JNK acts downstream of APAP metabolism to promote hepatotoxicity. The results suggest that JNK2 plays a predominant role, although maximum protection was seen with decrease in both forms of JNK.
Attaining the 2050 Vision for Africa

This article discusses the imperative of a major scaling up of human capital in Africa as a prerequisite for economic transformation. Sustained economic growth cannot be driven by improved macroeconomic policies, greater political stability, improved business climate, and growing global interest in Africa (primarily driven by commodities) alone. This article presents a vision of 2050 in which more African students enroll and complete school, African universities are leading global research centers of excellence, and Africans would be healthier and living longer as a result of better nutrition and healthcare, higher incomes, and drastically reduced poverty. It highlights the opportunities and challenges that African countries face in making what would amount to a quantum leap in raising levels of human capital and outlines some promising approaches toward achieving that objective.
A retrospective analysis of 800 Brånemark System implants following the All-on-Four™ protocol.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate implant survival rates in patients treated with the All-on-Four™ protocol according to edentulous jaws, gender, and implant orientation (tilted vs. axial). MATERIALS AND METHODS All Brånemark System implants placed in patients following the All-on-Four™ protocol in a single private practice were separated into multiple classifications (maxilla vs. mandible; male vs. female; tilted vs. axial) by retrospective patient chart review. Inclusion criteria consisted of any Brånemark System implant placed with the All-on-Four™ protocol from the clinical inception (May 2005) until December 2011. Life tables were constructed to determine cumulative implant survival rates (CSR). The arches, genders, and implant orientations were statistically compared with ANOVA. RESULTS One hundred fifty-two patients, comprising 200 arches (800 implants) from May 2005 until December 2011, were included in the study. Overall implant CSR was 97.3% (778 of 800). Two hundred eighty-nine of 300 maxillary implants and 489 of 500 mandibular implants survived, for CSRs of 96.3% and 97.8%, respectively. In male patients, 251 of 256 implants (98.1%) remain in function while 527 of 544 implants (96.9%) in female patients survived. Regarding implant orientation, 389 of 400 tilted implants and 389 of 400 axial implants osseointegrated, for identical CSRs of 97.3%. All comparisons were found to be statistically insignificant. The prosthesis survival rate was 99.0%. CONCLUSIONS The results from this study suggest that edentulous jaws, gender, and implant orientation are not significant parameters when formulating an All-on-Four™ treatment plan. The high CSRs for each variable analyzed demonstrate the All-on-Four™ treatment as a viable alternative to more extensive protocols for rehabilitating the edentulous maxilla or mandible.
Repetitive Controller With Phase-Lead Compensation for Cuk CCM Inverter

This paper proposes a repetitive controller with phase-lead compensation for an unfolding-type Cuk continuous conduction mode (CCM) inverter operating in the CCM. The Cuk CCM inverter features medium power capacity, step up/down ability, and low input/output current ripples, so it is well suited to distributed power generation systems. To achieve accurate tracking of the reference output current, we make the use of the repetitive controller coupled with a conventional proportional-integral controller and a nominal duty ratio. In developing the proposed controller, we use the average model of the Cuk CCM inverter in the grid-connected case. The two right-half plane (RHP) zeros in the transfer function of the Cuk CCM inverter cause phase lag of the closed-loop system; to compensate for the phase lag, we implement a phase-lead compensation algorithm in the repetitive control scheme. We also provide detailed and practical design guidelines of the control parameters to develop a stable Cuk CCM inverter. Experimental tests using a 500-W Cuk CCM inverter demonstrate the desirable performance of the proposed control approach.
Comparison of chemical aging and water immersion time on durability of resin-dentin interface produced by an etch-and-rinse adhesive.

AIM The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the influence of short-term NaOCl-storage and long-term water storage on the microtensile bond strength (µTBS) of etch-and-rinse adhesive system to human dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-six third human molars were randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 6) according to the aging protocol: G1 (water, 24 hours); G2 (water, 6 months); G3 (water, 12 months); G4 (10% sodium hypochlorite--NaOCl, 1 hour); G5 (10% NaOCl, 3 hours) and G6 (10% NaOCl, 5 hours). A two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive (Adper Single Bond 2) was applied according to the manufacturers' instructions. A composite (Filtek Z250) was applied in four horizontal increments and was individually cured. Specimens were cut following the microtensile test technique, submitted to the different aging protocols, and tested in tension. The fracture pattern was observed in a stereomicroscope (40* magnification) and in a scanning electron microscope. The µTBS data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). RESULTS The effect of storage in 10% NaOCl for 1 or 3 hours was not significantly different from that of aging in distilled water (DW) for 6 or 12 months (p > 0.05). Beams immersed in DW for 24 hours and in 10% NaOCl for 5 hours showed the highest and lowest µTBS values respectively. CONCLUSION The aging protocols negatively influenced dentin bond strength. Aging specimens in 10% NaOCl for 1 or 3 hours can be an alternative method for long-term water storage (6 or 12 months) bond strength studies. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE This aging protocol allows a quick achievement of longitudinal bond strength data, so that results are available to the professionals in this area while the materials are yet present at the dental market.