Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Achieving linearity for outphasing amplifiers targeting LTE applications and beyond

This paper analyses the impact of the level locations in a multilevel LINC transmitter on the obtainable linearity performance. Results show that by placing levels in the upper dynamic region of outphased signals, a linearity performance suitable for LTE applications and beyond can be achieved. A multilevel LINC transmitter with 5 levels is implemented using 10 W GaN CREE devices at 1.9 GHz. A 10 dB PAPR 1.4 MHz LTE signal is decomposed for outphasing and recombined to achieve an ACPR performance of -50 dBc while delivering 2 W average output power.
DwarfCode: A Performance Prediction Tool for Parallel Applications

We present DwarfCode, a performance prediction tool for MPI applications on diverse computing platforms. The goal is to accurately predict the running time of applications for task scheduling and job migration. First, DwarfCode collects the execution traces to record the computing and communication events. Then, it merges the traces from different processes into a single trace. After that, DwarfCode identifies and compresses the repeating patterns in the final trace to shrink the size of the events. Finally, a dwarf code is generated to mimic the original program behavior. This smaller running benchmark is replayed in the target platform to predict the performance of the original application. In order to generate such a benchmark, two major challenges are to reduce the time complexity of trace merging and repeat compression algorithms. We propose an O(mpn) trace merging algorithm to combine the traces generated by separate MPI processes, where m denotes the upper bound of tracing distance, p denotes the number of processes, and n denotes the maximum of event numbers of all the traces. More importantly, we put forward a novel repeat compression algorithm, whose time complexity is O(nlogn). Experimental results show that DwarfCode can accurately predict the running time of MPI applications. The error rate is below 10 percent for compute and communication intensive applications. This toolkit has been released for free download as a GNU General Public License v3 software.
Joint decode-compress-forward for the broadcast diamond channel

In this paper, we study the broadcast diamond channel, which is a special case of diamond channel by replacing the multiple access part in the diamond channel by two orthogonal links with finite capacity. We propose a joint decode-compress-forward achievability scheme for the broadcast diamond channel and evaluate the proposed scheme in Gaussian broadcast diamond channel. We show that the proposed decode-compress-forward scheme achieves higher rate than decode-forward and compress-forward in broadcast diamond channel.
ParaGlide: Interactive Parameter Space Partitioning for Computer Simulations

In this paper, we introduce ParaGlide, a visualization system designed for interactive exploration of parameter spaces of multidimensional simulation models. To get the right parameter configuration, model developers frequently have to go back and forth between setting input parameters and qualitatively judging the outcomes of their model. Current state-of-the-art tools and practices, however, fail to provide a systematic way of exploring these parameter spaces, making informed decisions about parameter configurations a tedious and workload-intensive task. ParaGlide endeavors to overcome this shortcoming by guiding data generation using a region-based user interface for parameter sampling and then dividing the model's input parameter space into partitions that represent distinct output behavior. In particular, we found that parameter space partitioning can help model developers to better understand qualitative differences among possibly high-dimensional model outputs. Further, it provides information on parameter sensitivity and facilitates comparison of models. We developed ParaGlide in close collaboration with experts from three different domains, who all were involved in developing new models for their domain. We first analyzed current practices of six domain experts and derived a set of tasks and design requirements, then engaged in a user-centered design process, and finally conducted three longitudinal in-depth case studies underlining the usefulness of our approach.
Structural Versus Reduced‐Form Estimation of Optimal Stopping Problems

In this paper I examine several statistical, interpretive, and policy implications of reduced-form (probit or logit) estimation of optimal stopping problems. The discussion proceeds in the context of an examination of the timber harvest decision of nonindustrial private forest (NIPF) owners. For a large class of optimal stopping problems a reduced-form model which closely approximates the statistical performance of its structural counterpart is readily found. Still, failure to properly interpret the relationship between the reduced-form model and the underlying optimal stopping problem invites flawed econometric analysis and inappropriate interpretation of reduced-form coefficients. Copyright 1997, Oxford University Press.
Lessons Learned from Environmental Accounting: Findings From Nine Case Studies

Environmental accounting  the modification of the national income accounts to take into consideration the economic role of the environment  has grown in importance over the past ten years. However, many countries have not yet implemented such accounts, and there is much controversy about whether and how to do so. This paper aims to shed light on this situation through nine country case studies: Norway, The Netherlands, Sweden, France, Canada, The Philippines, Namibia, Germany, and the United States.
z-Tree: Zurich toolbox for ready-made economic experiments

Abstractz-Tree (Zurich Toolbox for Ready-made Economic Experiments) is a software for developing and conducting economic experiments. The software is stable and allows programming almost any kind of experiments in a short time. In this article, I present the guiding principles behind the software design, its features, and its limitations.
The political economy of exchange rate in Brazil

This paper reviews part of the political economy literature on exchange rate policy relevant to understanding the political motivations behind the Brazilian exchange rate policy. We shall first examine the distributive role of the exchange rate, and the way it unfolds in terms of the desired political goals. We will follow by analyzing exchange policy as indicative of government effciency prior to elections. Finally, we discuss fiscal policy from the point of view of political economy, in which the exchange rate results from the macroeconomic equilibrium. Over this review, the Brazilian exchange rate policy is discussed in light of the theories presented.
Determinants of Financial Transparency in Government

ABSTRACT The search for enhanced transparency and accountability in government organizations has inspired studies to identify the key factors that facilitate greater disclosure of public financial information. With the advantages provided by the meta-analysis technique, applied to a sample of studies, we identify the most significant factors and incentives underlying the decisions adopted by public managers on policy strategies regarding information transparency and public responsibility. Our study shows the variables analyzed to be positively associated with the disclosure of public financial information, but also that this depends on the context in which the research is carried out. The most influential variables were the moderator variables of the administrative culture and of the measurement unit for the variables.
Robust Active Disturbance Rejection Control of Induction Motor Systems Based on Additional Sliding-Mode Component

This paper deals with motion control systems with induction motor, subject to severe requirements on both dynamics and steady-state behavior. The proposed control methodology could be viewed as an advancement of the standard field oriented control. It consists of two control loops, i.e., the rotor flux and the speed control loops, designed using the active disturbance rejection control method, with the aim to cope with both exogenous and endogenous disturbances, which are estimated by means of two linear extended state observers and then compensated. Moreover, with the aim of achieving total robustness, a sliding-mode based component is designed, in order to take into account disturbance estimation errors and uncertainties in the knowledge of the control gains. The effectiveness of this approach is shown by means of numerical simulations, and experiments carried out on a suitably developed test set-up. Finally, experimental comparisons between the proposed robust active disturbance rejection control, and the basic active disturbance rejection control are given.
The role of hotel owners: the influence of corporate strategies on hotel performance

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine corporate strategic effects on hotel unit performance. Taking a hotel owner's perspective, the relationship between four types of the owner's corporate level strategies and the hotel property financial performance are examined.Design/methodology/approach – This study is built on a secondary data set provided by Smith Travel Research. A total of 2,012 hotels across the USA were analyzed for the period between 2003‐2005.Findings – The findings support the existence of corporate effects in the US lodging industry. It is revealed that a hotel owner's corporate strategies do influence hotel property level financial performance. Specifically, a hotel owner's expertise in implementing superior strategies regarding segment, brand, operator, and location (i.e. state) are critical to hotel unit financial performance.Research limitations/implications – The main limitations of this study include the limited number of years with available data, lack of knowledge on the.
On the Global Properties of the Model of Developing Countries with Imperfect International Financial Market

Using a dynasty model of a representative consumer facing upward sloping supply curve of foreign debt, the characteristics of the dynamic paths of capital and consumption are examined both when the international borrowing interest rate increases whith foreign debt, and with foreign-debt/capital ratio. The possibilities of bankruptcy and movement to ward stationary sate are examined.
Cobo and tabua in Fiji: Two forms of cultural currency in an economy of sentiment

Cultural currency, defined in performance terms, is a highly specific medium for the deployment of sentiment in community life, and it can be usefully compared with varieties of material currency. Sentiment, as a cultural system, is an intellectual rather than a material property, and, like all property, it is defined by social relationships and obligations. Cultural currencies are performances that are constrained in use by meaning and identity, rather than by physical possession. Research on the cobo and tabua in Fiji represents an ethnographic case study of cultural currency that has implications for investigating the relationships among culture, sentiment, property, and mode of production generally.
DETECTING AND CHARACTERIZING MALICIOUS WEBSITES

v List of Tables . ix List of Figures . xi Chapter 1: Introduction . 1 1.1 Problem Statement and Research Motivation . 1 1.2 Dissertation Contributions . 3 Chapter 2: Data Collection, Pre-Processing and Feature Definitions . 4 2.1 Data Collection . 4 2.2 Data Pre-Processing . 6 2.3 Data Description . 7 2.3. 1 Application-Layer Features . 7 2.3. 2 Network-Layer Features . 10 2.4 Effectiveness Metrics . 14 Chapter 3: Cross-layer Detection of Malicious Websites . 15 3.
Sufficient and Necessary Conditions for Information to Have Social Value in Pure Exchange

This paper extends, corrects, and unifies earlier statements concerning the social value of public information as well as the no-trading conditions in pure exchange. Sufficient and necessary conditions are provided for both the single-period and two-period cases in a postsignal trading model. The social value of information is shown to be closely linked to the allocational efficiency of the market, the degree of homogeneity of prior beliefs, and of information structures, the time-additivity of preferences, and the efficiency of endowments. We conclude that the case in favor of public information is much stronger than previously suggested.
Reduced Expression of the rplU-rpmA Ribosomal Protein Operon in mexXY-Expressing Pan-Aminoglycoside-Resistant Mutants of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

ABSTRACT Pan-aminoglycoside-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa mutants expressing the mexXY components of the aminoglycoside-accommodating MexXY-OprM multidrug efflux system but lacking mutations in the mexZ gene encoding a repressor of this efflux system and in the mexXY promoter have been reported (S. Fraud and K. Poole, Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 55:1068–1074, 2011). Genome sequencing of one of these mutants, K2966, revealed the presence of a mutation within the predicted promoter region of the rplU-rpmA operon encoding ribosomal proteins L21 and L27, consistent with an observed 2-fold decrease in expression of this operon in the mutant relative to wild-type P. aeruginosa PAO1. Moreover, correction of the mutation restored rplU-rpmA expression and, significantly, reversed the elevated mexXY expression and pan-aminoglycoside resistance of the mutant. Reduced rplU-rpmA expression was also observed in a second mexXY-expressing pan-aminoglycoside-resistant mutant, K2968, which, however, lacked a mutation in the rplU-rpmA promoter region. Restoration of rplU-rpmA expression in the K2968 mutant following chromosomal integration of the rplU-rpmA operon derived from wild-type P. aeruginosa failed, however, to reverse the elevated mexXY expression and pan-aminoglycoside resistance of this mutant, although it did so for K2966, suggesting that the mutation impacting rplU-rpmA expression in K2968 also impacts other mexXY-related genes. Increased mexXY expression owing to reduced rplU-rpmA expression in K2966 and K2968 was dependent on PA5471, whose expression was also elevated in these mutants. Thus, mutational disruption of ribosome function, by limiting expression of ribosomal constituents, promotes recruitment of mexXY and does so via PA5471, reminiscent of mexXY induction by ribosome-disrupting antimicrobial agents. Interestingly, reduced rplU-rpmA expression was also observed in a mexXY-expressing pan-aminoglycoside-resistant clinical isolate, suggesting that ribosome-perturbing mutations have clinical relevance in the recruitment of the MexXY-OprM aminoglycoside resistance determinant.
Testing for Quasi-Market Forces in Secondary Education

This paper investigates the effect of introducing quasi-market forces into secondary education on the allocation of pupils between schools and on the exam performance of pupils. A unique database is used which covers all publicly-funded secondary schools in England over the period 1992-98. We find several effects consistent with the operation of a quasi-market. Firstly, new admissions are found to be positively related to a school's own exam performance and negatively related to the exam performance of competing schools. Secondly, a school's growth in pupil numbers is positively related to its exam performance compared to its immediate competitors. Thirdly, there is strong evidence that schools experiencing an excess demand for places have responded by increasing their physical capacity. Fourthly, there is some evidence of an increase in the concentration of pupils from poor family backgrounds in those schools with the poorest exam performance of schools during 1992-98 can be attributed to the introduction of quasi-market forces.
The Effect of SNAP on Poverty

Laura Tiehen Research Economist Economic Research Service, USDA 355 E St. SW, 5-225A Washington, DC 20009 ltiehen@ers.usda. gov Dean Jolliffe Senior Economist Economic Policy and Poverty Team The World Bank Group 1818 H Street NW Washington, DC 20433 DJolliffe@worldbank.org Timothy Smeeding Director, Institute for Research on Poverty, and Distinguished Professor of Public Affairs and Economics Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs University of Wisconsin Madison,WI 53706 smeeding@lafollette.wisc. edu
Maize Adh‐1 promoter sequences control anaerobic regulation: addition of upstream promoter elements from constitutive genes is necessary for expression in tobacco

The promoter region of a maize alcohol dehydrogenase gene (Adh‐1) was linked to a reporter gene encoding chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) and transformed stably into tobacco cells using T‐DNA vectors. No CAT enzyme activity could be detected in transgenic tobacco plants unless upstream promoter elements from the octopine synthase gene or the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter were supplied in addition to the maize promoter region. CAT enzyme activity and transcription of the chimaeric gene were then readily detected after anaerobic induction. The first 247 bp upstream of the translation initiation codon of the maize Adh‐1 gene were sufficient to impose anaerobic regulation on the hybrid gene and S1 nuclease mapping confirmed mRNA initiation is from the normal maize Adh‐1 transcription start point.
Does the Conditional CAPM Work? Evidence from the Istanbul Stock Exchange

This paper tests whether the conditional CAPM accurately prices assets utilizing data from the Istanbul Stock Exchange (ISE) over the time period from February 1997 to April 2008. In our empirical analysis, we closely follow the methodology introduced in Lewellen and Nagel (2006). Our results show that the conditional CAPM fairs no better than the static counterpart in pricing assets. Although market betas do vary significantly over time, the intertemporal variation is not nearly large enough to drive average conditional alphas to zero.
Psychological impact of family history risk assessment in primary care: a mixed methods study.

BACKGROUND Routine family history risk assessment for chronic diseases could enable primary care practitioners to efficiently identify at-risk patients and promote preventive management strategies. OBJECTIVES To investigate patients' understanding and responses to family history risk assessment in primary care. METHOD A mixed methods study set in 10 Eastern England general practices. Participants in a family history questionnaire validation study were triaged into population or increased risk for four chronic diseases (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, colorectal cancer). Questionnaires completed immediately prior to the family history consultation (baseline) and 4 weeks later (follow-up) assessed the psychological impact, including State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scores. Semi-structured interviews explored the meaning participants gave to their personal familial disease risk. RESULTS Four hundred and fifty-three participants completed both baseline and follow-up questionnaires and 30 were interviewed. At follow-up, there was no increase in anxiety among either group, or differences between the groups [difference in mean change 0.02, 95% confidence interval -2.04, 2.08, P = 0.98]. There were no significant changes over time in self-rated health in either group. At follow-up, participants at increased risk (n = 153) were more likely to have recent changes to behaviour and they had stronger intentions to make changes to diet (P = 0.001), physical activity (P = 0.006) and to seek further information in the future than those at population risk (n = 300; P < 0.001). Using qualitative analysis, five themes were developed representing ways in which participants gave meaning to familial disease risk ('Being reassured', 'Controlling risk', 'Dealing with it later', 'Beyond my control', 'Disbelieving the risk'). The meanings they attributed to increased risk appeared to shape their intention to undertake behaviour change. CONCLUSION Routine assessment for familial risk of chronic diseases may be undertaken in primary care without causing anxiety or reducing self-rated health. Patient responses to family history risk assessment may inform promotion of preventive management strategies.
Intraoperative Avidination for Radionuclide Therapy: A Prospective New Development to Accelerate Radiotherapy in Breast Cancer

Purpose: In a continuous effort to seek for anticancer treatments with minimal side effects, we aim at proving the feasibility of the Intraoperative Avidination for Radionuclide Therapy, a new procedure for partial breast irradiation. Experimental Design: To assess doses of 90Y-DOTA-biotin to target (i.e., breast tumor bed) and nontarget organs, we did simulation studies with 111In-DOTA-biotin in 10 candidates for conservative breast surgery. Immediately after quadrantectomy, patients were injected with 100-mg avidin in the tumor bed. On the following day, patients were given 111In-DOTA-biotin (∼111 MBq) i.v. after appropriate chase of biotinylated albumin (20 mg) to remove circulating avidin. Biokinetic studies were done by measuring radioactivity in scheduled blood samples, 48-h urine collection, and through scintigraphic images. The medical internal radiation dose formalism (OLINDA code) enabled dosimetry assessment in target and nontarget organs. Results: Images showed early and long-lasting radioactive biotin uptake in the operated breast. Rapid blood clearance (<1% at 12 h) and urine excretion (>75% at 24 h) were observed. Absorbed doses, expressed as mean ± SD in Gy/GBq, were as low as 0.15 ± 0.05 in lungs, 0.10 ± 0.02 in heart, 0.06 ± 0.02 in red marrow, 1.30 ± 0.50 in kidneys, 1.50 ± 0.30 in urinary bladder, and 0.06 ± 0.02 in total body, whereas in the targeted area, they increased to 5.5 ± 1.1 Gy/GBq (50% ISOROI) and 4.8 ± 1.0 Gy/GBq (30% ISOROI). Conclusion: Our preliminary results suggest that Intraoperative Avidination for Radionuclide Therapy is a simple and feasible procedure that may improve breast cancer patients' postsurgical management by shortening radiotherapy duration.
A brief guide to competitive intelligence: how to gather and use information on competitors

Outlines the processes involved in competitive intelligence, and discusses what it is, how to do it and gives examples of what happens when companies fail to monitor their competitive environment effectively. Presents a case study, showing how the company that produced the pre-cursor to the Barbie doll failed to look at their business environment and how this led to the firm’s failure. Discusses what competitive intelligence is, and what it is not, and why it is important for businesses. Presents three models used to describe the competitive intelligence process and goes through the various steps involved in defining intelligence requirements and collecting, analyzing, communicating and utilizing competitive intelligence.
“Fee earner vs fee burner”: internal divides in law firms

Purpose – This article aims to explore and define the implications of the predominant divide in law firms between fee earners, i.e. lawyers contributing to law firm revenue, and support staff, i.e. employees in back office functions not directly contributing to revenue. To identify steps to improve retention rates among support staff.Design/methodology/approach – A survey was delivered to support staff across four law firms among the top ten UK law firms, out of which 154 valid responses were collected. For the analysis, responses were clustered to identify emerging themes. Additional interviews were also conducted with the aim to clarify emerging themes and deepen understanding of the issues raised.Findings – “You are either a fee earner or a fee burner” sums up the prevailing attitude support staff experiences in law firms. Throughout the responses – regardless of topic – the divide kept resurfacing again and again. In order to retain and motivate talented support staff, law firms will need to revisit t.