Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Addressing important econometric issues on how to construct theoretical based exchange rate misalignment estimates

Exchange rate misalignment assessment is becoming more relevant in recent period particularly after the nancial crisis of 2008. There are di erent methodologies to address real exchange rate misalignment. The real exchange misalignment is de ned as the di erence between actual real e ective exchange rate and some equilibrium norm. Di erent norms are available in the literature. Our paper aims to contribute to the literature by showing that Behavioral Equilibrium Exchange Rate approach (BEER) adopted by Clark & MacDonald (1999), Ubide et al. (1999), Faruqee (1994), Aguirre & Calderon (2005) and Kubota (2009) among others can be improved in two following manners. The rst one consists of jointly modeling real e ective exchange rate, trade balance and net foreign asset position. The second one has to do with the possibility of explicitly testing over identifying restrictions implied by economic theory and allowing the analyst to show that these restrictions are not falsi ed by the empirical evidence. If the economic based identifying restrictions are not rejected it is also possible to decompose exchange rate misalignment in two pieces, one related to long run fundamentals of exchange rate and the other related to external account imbalances. We also discuss some necessary conditions that should be satis ed for disrcarding trade balance information without compromising exchange rate misalignment assessment. A statistical (but not a theoretical) identifying strategy for calculating exchange rate misalignment is also discussed. We illustrate the advantages of our approach by analyzing the Brazilian case. We show that the traditional approach disregard important information of external accounts equilibrium for this economy.
Transition to turbulence via spatiotemporal intermittency in one-dimensional Rayleigh-Bénard convection.

Rayleigh-Benard convection is studied in quasi-one-dimensional geometries. Fixed and periodic boundary conditions are imposed using a rectangular and an annular cell, respectively. The destabilization process of the homogeneous convective pattern is studied for increasing Rayleigh number A. The first time-dependent behaviors are given by the appearance of coupled oscillators. At larger A values, the spatial breakdown appears through the propagation of spatial defects, which appear to be solitary waves. This spatiotemporal destabilization is followed at higher % by a spatiotem-poral intermittent regime, which corresponds to a dramatic decrease of the spatial coherence and to a mixing of turbulent patches within laminar domains. This last regime is studied within the frame of phase transitions. The statistical analysis evidences a second-order phase transition at least in the rectangular geometry (fixed boundary conditions), while this transition looks imperfect in the annu-lar geometry (periodic boundary conditions). Nevertheless, the essential qualitative features shown by theoretical and numerical models are observed in both geometries. Comparison with a simple model of directed percolation shows that the imperfect nature of the transition in the annulus could be the consequence of some mechanism of self-generation of the turbulent domains. This mechanism is, however, unknown but is probably related to the influence of the boundaries.
Concerns of parents and teachers of children with autism in elementary school

Many consensus guidelines encourage parents and teachers to openly communicate about their concerns regarding their children. These guidelines attest to the importance of achieving consensus about what issues are most critical and how to address them. The purpose of this study was to examine whether parents and teachers (1) agree about their concerns for their children with autism and (2) when given the opportunity, whether they discussed these concerns. Participants were 39 parent–teacher dyads of children with autism in kindergarten-through-fifth grade autism support classrooms. Each parent and teacher was interviewed separately about their concerns and then observed together in a discussion about the child. Parents and teachers generally agreed about their primary and secondary concerns. When given an opportunity to communicate their concerns, 49% of the parent–teacher dyads discussed problems that neither reported as their primary concern, and 31% discussed problems that neither reported as their primary or secondary concern. These findings suggest that interventions should target parent–teacher communication, rather than agreement, to facilitate home–school collaboration.
Traumatic Atlanto-occipital Dislocation: Presentation of a New Posterior Occipitoatlantoaxial Fixation Technique in an Adult Survivor: Technical Case Report

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: More survivors of traumatic atlanto-occipital dislocation (AOD) in adults have recently been reported. Surgical management options are therefore of increasing interest. We present a new technique of posterior C0–C1–C2 fixation. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 29-year-old motorcyclist survived a traumatic vertical AOD of 15 mm. No spinal cord or medullary lesion was present. Brain contusion and diffuse axonal injuries led to a cortical biplegia, which recovered progressively over a period of 6 months. Twelve months after surgery, no neurological deficit was present except for slightly increased deep tendon reflexes. INTERVENTION: Posterior C0–C1–C2 fixation was performed with two bicortical occipital screws, one bicortical lateral mass screw in the atlas, and one monocortical pars screw in the axis on each side, connected to a plate-rod on the right and left sides. Fusion was performed with monocortical bone graft from the posterior iliac crest. CONCLUSION: The surgical technique described was thought to be safe to perform and resulted in immediate stability without external immobilization. Solid fusion was achieved 6 months after surgery.
Effects of fast and slow patterns of tonic long‐term stimulation on contractile properties of fast muscle in the cat.

Different physiological rates of 'tonic' long‐term electrical stimulation (rates 5‐40 Hz; activity greater than or equal to 50% total time) were delivered to the left‐side common peroneal nerve of the cat hind limb. The duration of treatment was 8 weeks, and the animals had previously been subjected to a left‐side hemispinalization and dorsal rhizotomy. In the absence of stimulation, these operations had no slowing or weakening effects on peroneal muscle contraction. The minimum two‐pulse interval that gave a summation of tension (neuromuscular refractory period) was longer for stimulated than for non‐stimulated muscles. Twitches of chronically stimulated muscles had become prolonged by more than 100%. Corresponding changes were found in the tension‐frequency relation and in the 'sag'‐behaviour of the stimulated muscles. There were no differences between the 'fast' (20 or 40 Hz pulse rates) and the 'slow' (5 or 10 Hz pulse rates) patterns of tonic stimulation with respect to their effects on speed‐related muscle properties. Furthermore, during the period of chronic stimulation, the prolongation of twitch contraction time occurred along the same time course for the fast and slow patterns of tonic treatment. All chronically stimulated muscles had become weaker than normal. In comparison to the slow patterns, the present fast patterns of long‐term activation caused (1) a smaller amount of decline in maximum muscle force, (2) a smaller twitch: tetanus ratio, and (3) the retention of a normal amount of post‐tetanic potentiation of twitch size (decreased by the slow patterns). When tested by a series of 40 Hz bursts, force was better maintained in chronically stimulated muscles than in normal ones. These effects on fatigue resistance were the same for the fast and slow patterns of long‐term activation. In peroneus longus muscles contralateral to the side of chronic activation, an evident impairment had commonly occurred in the capability to maintain force during tetani at the high rates needed for a maximum tetanic contraction. The results are discussed in relation to problems concerning the long‐term effects of motoneuronal activity patterns on the contractile properties of their muscle units.
A Machine Learning-Based Intrusion Detection System for Securing Remote Desktop Connections to Electronic Flight Bag Servers

Remote desktop protocols (RDP) are commonly used for connecting and interacting with computers remotely. In this case, a server component runs on the remote computer and shares its desktop (i.e., screen) with the client component which runs on an end user device. In recent years, a number of vulnerabilities have been identified in two widely used remote desktop implementations, Microsoft Remote Desktop and RealVNC. These vulnerabilities may expose the remote server to a new attack vector. This concern is increased when it comes to a cyber-physical system (CPS) in which a client device with a low trust level connects to the critical system via the remote desktop server. In order to mitigate this risk, in this paper we propose a network based intrusion detection system (NIDS) specifically designed for securing the remote desktop connections. The propose method utilizes an innovative anomaly detection technique based on machine learning for detecting malicious TCP packets, which can carry exploits aimed at the RDP server. An empirical evaluation conducted on an avionic system setup consisting of a commercial tablet (Samsung Galaxy Tab) connected through a Virtual Network Computing (VNC) remote desktop implementation to a real electronic flight bag (EFB) server shows that the proposed method can detect malicious packets carrying real exploits (reported in recent years) with a true positive rate of 0.863 and a false positive rate of 0.0001.
EVALUATING PERFORMANCE OF FLOW LINE SYSTEMS WITH BLOCKING UNDER FUZZY ENVIRONMENTS

Flow line systems with blocking are often seen in the fuzzy real world. This paper proposes a mixed integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) approach for evaluating the performances of the flow line system with blocking in fuzzy environments. The main idea is to model this system as a single-channel, multiple-phase queuing model with finite capacity, wherein the arrival rate and service rates are fuzzy numbers. This model is then transformed to a family of conventional crisp queues by applying the α-cut approach in fuzzy theory. On the basis of α-cut representation and the extension principle, two pairs of mixed integer nonlinear programs are formulated to calculate the lower and upper bounds of the fuzzy performance measures at possibility level α, from which the membership functions of the performance measures are derived. This paper also provides a representative value of the performance measure via the Yager ranking index method. An example is investigated successfully to illustrate the validity and the informative benefits of using the proposed approach. Since the performance measures are expressed by membership functions rather than by crisp values, the fuzziness of input information is conserved completely and more information is provided for capacity planning in flow line systems. Managerial implications of the analyses are also examined.
A Novel Sequential-Stage Optimization Strategy for an Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator Design

For an optimal design of an interior permanent magnet synchronous generator (IPMSG) for range the extended electric vehicle (REEV), many design variables and objective functions should be considered. Conventional optimization methods like the Taguchi method and multiobjective optimization algorithm have completeness or calculation time problems when solving the many design variables and objectives problems. To address these problems, a sequential-stage optimization strategy (SSOS) is proposed. In the first stage of the SSOS, the initial design result considering the various objective functions is derived by using the Taguchi method. In addition, the sensitive design variables are sorted through the calculation of synthetic signal to noise. In the second stage, the optimal solution for the sensitive design variables is derived using the surrogate assisted genetic algorithm (SAGA). The SAGA not only obtains an accurate and well-distributed Pareto front set but considerably reduces the number of function calls as well. In the last stage, the uncertainty consideration based on the worst-case scenario is applied to derive the robust optimal solution. By applying the proposed optimization strategy to the optimal design of IPMSG for REEV, an optimal solution is derived with fewer function calls, and the feasibility of the proposed optimization is verified by experimental results of manufactured generator.
Induction of insulin resistance by the adipokines resistin, leptin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and retinol binding protein 4 in human megakaryocytes

Background In normal platelets, insulin inhibits agonist-induced Ca2+ mobilization by raising cyclic AMP. Platelet from patients with type 2 diabetes are resistant to insulin and show increased Ca2+ mobilization, aggregation and procoagulant activity. We searched for the cause of this insulin resistance. Design and Methods Platelets, the megakaryocytic cell line CHRF-288-11 and primary megakaryocytes were incubated with adipokines and with plasma from individuals with a disturbed adipokine profile. Thrombin-induced Ca2+ mobilization and signaling through the insulin receptor and insulin receptor substrate 1 were measured. Abnormalities induced by adipokines were compared with abnormalities found in platelets from patients with type 2 diabetes. Results Resistin, leptin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and retinol binding protein 4 left platelets unchanged but induced insulin resistance in CHRF-288-11 cells. Interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and visfatin had no effect. These results were confirmed in primary megakaryocytes. Contact with adipokines for 2 hours disturbed insulin receptor substrate 1 Ser307-phosphorylation, while contact for 72 hours caused insulin receptor substrate 1 degradation. Plasma with a disturbed adipokine profile also made CHRF-288-11 cells insulin-resistant. Platelets from patients with type 2 diabetes showed decreased insulin receptor substrate 1 expression. Conclusions Adipokines resistin, leptin, plasminogen activator-1 and retinol binding protein 4 disturb insulin receptor substrate 1 activity and expression in megakaryocytes. This might be a cause of the insulin resistance observed in platelets from patients with type 2 diabetes.
Myocardial Infarction Causes Transient Cholinergic Transdifferentiation of Cardiac Sympathetic Nerves via gp130

Sympathetic and parasympathetic control of the heart is a classic example of norepinephrine (NE) and acetylcholine (ACh) triggering opposing actions. Sympathetic NE increases heart rate and contractility through activation of β receptors, whereas parasympathetic ACh slows the heart through muscarinic receptors. Sympathetic neurons can undergo a developmental transition from production of NE to ACh and we provide evidence that mouse cardiac sympathetic nerves transiently produce ACh after myocardial infarction (MI). ACh levels increased in viable heart tissue 10–14 d after MI, returning to control levels at 21 d, whereas NE levels were stable. At the same time, the genes required for ACh synthesis increased in stellate ganglia, which contain most of the sympathetic neurons projecting to the heart. Immunohistochemistry 14 d after MI revealed choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in stellate sympathetic neurons and vesicular ACh transporter immunoreactivity in tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cardiac sympathetic fibers. Finally, selective deletion of the ChAT gene from adult sympathetic neurons prevented the infarction-induced increase in cardiac ACh. Deletion of the gp130 cytokine receptor from sympathetic neurons prevented the induction of cholinergic genes after MI, suggesting that inflammatory cytokines induce the transient acquisition of a cholinergic phenotype in cardiac sympathetic neurons. Ex vivo experiments examining the effect of NE and ACh on rabbit cardiac action potential duration revealed that ACh blunted both the NE-stimulated decrease in cardiac action potential duration and increase in myocyte calcium transients. This raises the possibility that sympathetic co-release of ACh and NE may impair adaptation to high heart rates and increase arrhythmia susceptibility. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Sympathetic neurons normally make norepinephrine (NE), which increases heart rate and the contractility of cardiac myocytes. We found that, after myocardial infarction, the sympathetic neurons innervating the heart begin to make acetylcholine (ACh), which slows heart rate and decreases contractility. Several lines of evidence confirmed that the source of ACh was sympathetic nerves rather than parasympathetic nerves that are the normal source of ACh in the heart. Global application of NE with or without ACh to ex vivo hearts showed that ACh partially reversed the NE-stimulated decrease in cardiac action potential duration and increase in myocyte calcium transients. That suggests that sympathetic co-release of ACh and NE may impair adaptation to high heart rates and increase arrhythmia susceptibility.
Technological Modernisation in the Soviet Union and Post-Soviet Russia: Practices and Continuities

Abstract Focusing on the Soviet system of scientific and technical cooperation, the study analyses the structures and agency created on the basis of scientific–technical cooperation during the Cold War. The essay introduces a model of the process of East–West interaction based on agency created through scientific and technical cooperation. By encompassing a long temporal trajectory, the essay suggests that it is possible to recognise similar practices and continuities in the modernisation project in contemporary Russia.
Machiavellianism, Relationship Satisfaction, and Romantic Relationship Quality

Machiavellianism is characterised by a manipulative interpersonal style, willingness to exploit others, and a preference for emotionally detached relationships. The present studies investigate the extent to which Machiavellianism influences relationship satisfaction and romantic relationship quality. In Study 1, 194 heterosexual partnered women completed Machiavellianism and Relationship Satisfaction measures. Women with higher levels of Machiavellianism reported lower levels of relationship satisfaction. In Study 2, 132 heterosexual partnered women completed Machiavellianism, Trust, Commitment, Control, and Emotional Abuse scales. Women with higher levels of Machiavellianism perceived their partners to be less dependable, reported less faith in their partners, and were less willing to persist with the relationship than those with low levels of Machiavellianism. With regards to negative behavior, Machiavellianism predicted each form of control and emotional abuse investigated, such that those with high levels of Machiavellianism were more likely to engage in controlling behavior and emotional abuse. Findings have important implications for the prediction of romantic relationship quality and in particular for negative behavior such as control and abuse.
Can the Consumption of Tomatoes or Lycopene Reduce Cancer Risk?

Lycopene, a natural antioxidant found predominantly in to mato products, is attracting attention as a cancer prevention agent. Serum and dietary lycopene levels have been found to be inversely related to the incidence of several types of cancer, including prostate cancer. Although the antioxidant properties of lycopene are thought to be primarily responsible for its apparent beneficial effects, other mechanisms may also be involved. We outline the possible mechanisms of action of lycopene and review the current findings of in vitro and in vivo studies in cancer prevention and to some extent treatment. We examine the epidemiologic evidence regarding consumption of tomato and tomato products with the risk of cancer at various sites. Data suggest lycopene may account for or contribute to chemoprevention, but this hypothesis requires further study. Numerous other potentially beneficial compounds are present in tomatoes and complex interactions among multiple components may contribute to the anticancer properties of tomatoes.
Attribute conditioning: Changing attribute-assessments through mere pairings

We propose Attribute Conditioning (AC) as a form of learning that refers to changes in people's assessment of stimuli's (CSs) attributes due to repeated pairing with stimuli possessing these attributes (USs). We review the available evidence and, based on this review, delineate three open questions and investigate them experimentally: a) the moderating role of CS-US similarity; b) the possibility of blocking; and c) the possibility of extinction. Five experiments conditioned health and athleticism. We measured AC effects on direct and indirect dependent variables (direct ratings and semantic misattribution). Experiment 1 shows that CS-US feature similarity does not moderate AC. Experiments 2 and 3 show that AC effects are insensitive to blocking; and Experiments 4 and 5 show that AC effects are resistant to extinction. These five experiments show that AC depends on CS-US contiguity, but not on CS-US contingency. Thereby, the study establishes AC as a simple learning phenomenon describing how people, stimuli, and concepts acquire specific attributes in people's minds due to mere pairings.
Role of nicotine dependence in smoking relapse: Results from a prospective study using population-based recruitment methodology

Results of a prospective examination of factors influencing smoking relapse are reported for a sample of smokers (N=522) obtained through population-based recruitment. All subjects were given a modified Fagersirom Tolerance Questionnaire (modified FTQ), which is a 5-item self-report instrument characterizing smokers according to their degree of nicotine dependence. At 30 days postcessation. those placing in the lowest quartile of the modified FTQ at baseline had the highest survival rate (79%) and those placing in the highest quartile at baseline had the lowest survival (non-relapse) rate (43%). The difference in survival among the groups was statistically significant (p > .001). At 12 months, those placing in the lowest quarrtile of baseline cigarette consumption had the highest survival rate (34%) and those placing in the highest quartile had the lowest survival rate (14%; p > .001), It seems increasingly clear that level of dependence, even as indexed by comparatively crude self-report measures such as amount smoked is associated with the rate and pattern of smoking relapse.
Gene sam1 encoding adenosylmethionine synthetase: effects of its expression in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe

By screening gene libraries of Schizosaccharomyces pombe with a DNA fragment encoding part of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae S‐adenosylmethionine synthetase (SAMS), we isolated the fission yeast sam1 gene. Its sequence exhibits good homology to SAMSs of other organisms and reveals the motifs characteristic for SAMSs. SAMS activity and sam1 mRNA levels decrease when cells enter stationary phase. In haploid strains, gene sam1 is essential for growth; if weakly expressed, cells mate and sporulate at a reduced rate. Strains overexpressing sam1 exhibit methionine‐sensitive growth. This methionine‐induced growth inhibition is partially relieved by adenine. We assume that methionine reduces the level of one or several adenine nucleotides by a SAMS‐mediated mechanism. Intracellular SAM levels increase drastically by exogenously added methionine. This increase predicts that mutants exhibiting methionine revertible phenotypes can be indicative for mutations in proteins exhibiting SAM‐dependent functions. In agreement with this prediction, we show that mutant pmt2–5 has this phenotype and that gene pmt2 encodes a potential SAM‐dependent enzyme. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.