Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Herding, Trend Chasing and Market Volatility

We introduce a heterogeneous agent asset pricing model in continuous-time to show that, although trend chasing, switching and herding all contribute to market volatility in price and return and to volatility clustering, their impacts are different. The fluctuations of the market price and return and the level of the significant autocorrelations (ACs) of the absolute and squared returns increase with the intensities of herding and trend chasing based on long time horizon. However an increase in switching intensity reduces the return volatility and in particular a low switching intensity reduces the price volatility and increases the level of the significant ACs, but the effect becomes opposite when the switching intensity is high. We also show that market noise plays a more important role than fundamental noise on the power-law behavior of returns.
BUDGETING, BUDGETARY CONTROL AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION: Evidence from Hospitality Firms in Nigeria

This study was carried out with the view to address two fundamental issues: first, to determine if there is any association between budget, budgetary control and performance evaluation; second, to ascertain if there is any significant variation in the budget, budgetary control and performance evaluation measures of hospitality firms in Nigeria. The study employed descriptive design and primary data (questionnaire) was the major source of data collection. Questionnaire was administered to a total of six hundred (600) employees of ten (10) selected hospitality firms in Nigeria. The data obtained were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings indicated that budget and budgetary control could serve as an avenue through which hospitality firms in Nigeria can be evaluated. In addition, it was revealed that there is a significant variation in the budget, budgetary control and performance evaluation of hospitality firms in Nigeria. On the basis of the findings, it was recommended that hospitality firms in Nigeria should carry out performance evaluation on every aspect of their budget and budgetary activities as a way of ensuring that budgeted outcomes are met. Also, budgetary costs should be a basis of choosing the most-fit performance evaluation technique for hospitality firms since such
A new efficient 2D combined with 3D CAD system for solitary pulmonary nodule detection in CT images

Lung cancer has become one of the leading causes of death in the world. Clear evidence shows that early discovery, early diagnosis and early treatment of lung cancer can significantly increase the chance of survival for patients. Lung Computer-Aided Diagnosis (CAD) is a potential method to accomplish a range of quantitative tasks such as early cancer and disease detection. Many computer- aided diagnosis (CAD) methods, including 2D and 3D approaches, have been proposed for solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs). However, the detection and diagnosis of SPNs remain challenging in many clinical circumstances. One goal of this work is to develop a two-stage approach that combines the simplicity of 2D and the accuracy of 3D methods. The experimental results show statistically significant differences between the diagnostic accuracy of 2D and 3Dmethods. The results also show that with a very minor drop in diagnostic performance the two-stage approach can significantly reduce the number of nodules needed to be processed by the 3D method, streamlining the computational demand. Finally, all malignant nodules were detected and a very low false-positive detection rate was achieved. The automated extraction of the lung in CT images is the most crucial step in a computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system. In this paper we describe a method, consisting of appropriate techniques, for the automated identification of the pulmonary volume. The performance is evaluated as a fully automated computerized method for the detection of lung nodules in computed tomography (CT) scans in the identification of lung cancers that may be missed during visual interpretation. Index Terms—Lung Cancer, Computer-aided Diagnosis, Solitary pulmonary nodules, 3D, Automated
Experimental Design for Nonlinear Problems

Experimental designs for nonlinear problems have to a large extent relied on optimality criteria originally proposed for linear models. Optimal designs obtained for nonlinear models are functions of the unknown model parameters. They cannot, therefore, be directly implemented without some knowledge of the very parameters whose estimation is sought. The natural way is to adopt a sequential or Bayesian approach. Another is to utilize available estimates or guesses. In this article we provide a brief historical account of the subject, discuss optimality criteria commonly used for nonlinear models, the associated problems and ways of overcoming them. We also discuss issues of robustness of locally optimal designs. A brief review of sequential and Bayesian procedures is given. Finally we discuss alternative design criteria of constant information and minimum bias and pose some problems for future work.
Asymptotic solutions of serial radial fuel shuffling

In this paper, the mechanism of traveling wave reactors (TWRs) is investigated from the mathematical physics point of view, in which a stationary fission wave is formed by radial fuel drifting. A two dimensional cylindrically symmetric core is considered and the fuel is assumed to drift radially according to a continuous fuel shuffling scheme. A one-group diffusion equation with burn-up dependent macroscopic coefficients is set up. The burn-up dependent macroscopic coefficients were assumed to be known as functions of neutron fluence. By introducing the effective multiplication factor k eff , a nonlinear eigenvalue problem is formulated. The 1-D stationary cylindrical coordinate problem can be solved successively by analytical and numerical integrations for associated eigenvalues k eff . Two representative 1-D examples are shown for inward and outward fuel drifting motions, respectively. The inward fuel drifting has a higher k eff than the outward one. The 2-D eigenvalue problem has to be solved by a more complicated method, namely a pseudo time stepping iteration scheme. Its 2-D asymptotic solutions are obtained together with certain eigenvalues k eff for several fuel inward drifting speeds. Distributions of the neutron flux, the neutron fluence, the infinity multiplication factor k inf and the normalized power are presented for two different drifting speeds.
Régine Debrosse The mediator role of collective relative deprivation Profound organizational change , psychological distress and burnout symptoms :

The reasons underlying some individuals’ negative reactions to profound societal and organizational changes are still unclear. We argue that collective relative deprivation (i.e., feelings of discontent arising from group-based threat) mediates the relationship between perceptions of change and employees’ psychological reactions. Specifically, we tested the hypothesis that when employees perceive organizational change to be negative and rapid, they are more likely to sense collective relative deprivation. This sense of collective relative deprivation, in turn, leads to higher levels of psychological distress and burnout symptoms. We tested the mediator role of collective relative deprivation among a group of nurses, and confirmed these hypotheses through a path analysis and a bootstrap procedure. The discussion underlines both theoretical and applied contributions, particularly in the modern context of vast and profound organizational changes.
Appraisal of teachers: Who appraises whom and does it matter?

Elementary school teachers in Hong Kong (n =527) responded to survey items about formative outcomes, summative outcomes, perceived purposes of appraisal, overall effectiveness of appraisal, and summative purposes such as promotion and dismissal of staff. Principal components analysis and confirmatory analysis yielded the two a priori outcome factors, each of which was significantly correlated with perceived overall effectiveness of appraisal. When analyzed separately, analysis of variance found that senior teachers appraised by the school principal (SP group) had a stronger sense of the formative purpose of appraisal than teachers appraised by senior staff (TS group), while the TS group had the weakest sense of the promotion purposes. Teachers appraised by the principal (TP group) had a strong perception of the dismissal purpose than the TS group. The TS group was more favorable toward the competence of their appraisers than the TP group. Although the three groups did not differ in their perceptions of formative outcomes, summative outcomes, or the overall effectiveness of teacher appraisal, the appraiser-appraisee combination did make a significant difference in teacher perceptions of the purposes and appropriateness of the appraisal. An appendix contains a list of the survey items. (Contains 2 figures, 3 tables, and 33 references.) (Author/SLD) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. Appraisal of Teachers
Is Classical Acid-Alkali-Acid Treatment Responsible for Contamination? An Alternative Proposition

It is well known that, during the widely used AAA pretreatment (de Vries and Barendsen 1954), alkali treatment is responsible for the incorporation of modern carbon due to the precipitation of atmospheric CO2 as carbonate. Until now, the last step of the experiment, consisting in acid treatment (most of the time with hydrochloric acid) was considered to be sufficient to eliminate all of lab contamination. But wood, peat and sediment present a complex molecular structure. During radiocarbon chemical treatments, functional groups still present in the molecules are likely to form ionic bonds with “modern” carbonates. These new chemical bonds resist a “classical” acid treatment and are responsible for rejuvenation. This short paper presents preliminary results for two common 14C cases: rejuvenation of a 0.4 pMC wood and of an Oxygen Isotope Stage 3 (OIS3) paleosol. For both cases, contamination due to incorporation of modern carbon during chemical treatment is evaluated and an alternative protocol is proposed.
The Rebels’ Credibility Dilemma

Abstract This article examines why rebel groups make large demands of governments that are inconsistent with their fighting capacity, especially when such demands are almost always rejected. We show that making large demands, even if ultimately rejected by the government, makes sense for rebels who face a credibility dilemma. Such a dilemma is most likely to arise when militarily weak rebel groups face governments of uncertain strength and can commit to fight credibly only when they believe the government is also weak. This results in a counterintuitive set of strategic incentives for weak rebels, who choose their demands to ensure that they are rejected even when the government is weak. Thus, to make their threat to fight credible, weak rebels make large demands that, when rejected, result in inefficient fighting. Since most civil wars are characterized by weak rebels bargaining with much stronger governments, it is important to understand how this particular feature of civil war shapes intrawar negotiations between the rebels and the government. We develop a model of bargaining between a government and rebel group and evaluate its implications using historical data on civil conflict in Africa from 1989 to 2010. The results suggest that the tendency for the government to be significantly stronger than rebels induces rebel groups to make unrealistically large demands.
Study on the involvement of maternal immune response in the natural occurrence of persistent infection with bovine viral diarrhea virus [an abstract of dissertation and a summary of dissertation review]

Title Study on the involvement of maternal immune response in the natural occurrence of persistent infection with bovine viral diarrhea virus [an abstract of dissertation and a summary of dissertation review] Author(s) HELAL, MAHMOUD ATEF YOUSSEF Issue Date 2013-09-25 Doc URL http://hdl.handle. net/2115/53856 Rights(URL) http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.1/jp/ Type theses (doctoral abstract and summary of review) Additional Information There are other files related to this item in HUSCAP. Check the above URL. File Information Mahmoud_Helal_abstract. pdf (「論文内容の要旨」)
Using A Segmented Voltage Sweep Mode and A Gaussian Curve Fitting Method to Improve Heavy Metal Measurement System Performance

This paper presents a voltammetric segmented voltage sweep mode that can be used to identify and measure heavy metals’ concentrations. The proposed sweep mode covers a set of voltage ranges that are centered around the redox potentials of the metals that are under analysis. The heavy metal measurement system can take advantage of the historical database of measurements to identify the metals with higher concentrations in a given geographical area, and perform a segmented sweep around predefined voltage ranges or, alternatively, the system can perform a fast linear voltage sweep to identify the voltammetric current peaks and then perform a segmented voltage sweep around the set of voltages that are associated with the voltammetric current peaks. The paper also includes the presentation of two auto-calibration modes that can be used to improve system’s reliability and proposes the usage of a Gaussian curve fitting of voltammetric data to identify heavy metals and to evaluate their concentrations. Several simulation and experimental results, that validate the theoretical expectations, are also presented in the paper.
The cutting-edge morphology of the mole snake’s dental apparatus

The mole snake (Pseudaspis cana) is capable of inflicting unusual bites in defence and during male combat that present as two parallel lacerations. We investigated the dental morphology of the mole snake by making SEM images, and by CT-scanning and digitally reconstructing the skulls of 14 specimens comprising both sexes. The lengths, volumes, shapes and positions of maxillary and dentary teeth were compared within individuals, between individuals, and between sexes. CT reconstructions show the occurrence of large, flat triangular teeth at the posterior end of the maxilla that are angled to point towards the posterior of the skull. SEM imagery highlights the presence of sharp ridges (carinae) on the posterior edges of the posterior dentary and maxillary teeth. Males have greater dental specialization, maxillary tooth variation, enlargement of the posterior-most maxillary teeth, and dentary teeth with posterior carinae. We hypothesize that mole snake dental specializations are adaptations for their particular form of male combat and possibly for subduing prey in the confines of underground burrows. Our findings reveal a complex dental morphology in mole snakes and provide impetus for further studies on the functional morphology of snake teeth.
Immunohistochemical Expression of MMR Proteins with Clinicopathological Correlation in Colorectal Cancer in Egypt

BACKGROUND: Microsatellite instability (MSI) is the genetic pathway underlying 15% of sporadic colorectal carcinoma (CRC) and hereditary non-polyposis CRC. MSI-H CRC has a distinct clinicopathological characteristic including excess mucin and signet ring component, proximal colon, Crohn’s like reaction, lymphocytic infiltration, and better survival. AIM: This research aims to screen Egyptian CRC patients for MSI status by IHC testing of expression of the MMR proteins in correlation to its clinicopathological features. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Immunohistochemistry study for mismatch repair proteins (MMR) was done on 115 cases of CRC. Their expressions were assessed and correlated to clinicopathological parameters in an attempt to obtain the most significant predictors of MSI. RESULTS: MSI (low and high) represents 67% of the study cases. The most frequent expression pattern was combined loss of MLH, and PMS2 (38% of MSI) followed by a combined loss of MSH2, and MSH6 (29% of MSI). There was significant correlation of expression pattern of MMR proteins with the laterality, lymphovascular emboli, perineural invasion, grade, T stage, N stage, signet ring component, tumor infiltrating lymphocyte, and peritumoral lesion (0.014, 0.035, 0.012, 0.033, 0.013, 0.000, 0.041, 0.012, and 0.009 respectively). Proximal location (right sided) and lower grade, higher nodal stage, and marked TIL were selected as predictors of MS-H CRC (0.005, 0.031, 0.025, and 0.000 respectively). CONCLUSION: All clinicopathological and histological parameters should be assessed in CRC for the sake of predicting MSI. The optimal approach to MSI evaluation is (IHC) assessment of MMR proteins.
Description on two species of genus Platythomisus (Araneae, Thomisidae) from China and Singapore

Abstract Two species of the genus Platythomisus Doleschall, 1859 are studied: P.xiandao Lin & Li, sp. nov. is described based on male and female specimens from Yunnan, China, and P.octomaculatus (C. L. Koch, 1845), the type species of the genus, is redescribed based on female specimens from Singapore. Its male, also from Singapore, is described for the first time.
An Ecological Approach to Electronic Gambling Machines and Socioeconomic Deprivation in Germany

In Germany, gambling research has primarily focused on the broader population in prevalence studies, neglecting the importance and influence of the local socioeconomic context in the development and maintenance of gambling disorders. To analyze the interplay between contextual and compositional factors in the market for electronic gambling machines (EGMs) in Germany, we assessed the EGM densities and socioeconomic deprivation in 244 local communities within Baden-Wuerttemberg. Our results suggest that EGM density is statistically associated with 3 socioeconomic determinants: The shares of migrants, unemployed, and high-school-educated people in the communities are statistically significant variables in our linear regression model, whereas younger age, male gender, and marital status exhibit no statistical associations with EGM density. The share of unemployed people is the only variable of statistical and practical significance. Our analysis advocates area-based policy measures to minimize gambling-related harm. By decreasing EGM densities in communities with high levels of unemployment, we expect to protect at-risk population strata that are most vulnerable to gambling exposure.
Predatory behaviour and selectivity of a primary piscivore: comparison of fish and non-fish prey

Young-of-the-year (YOY) bluefish Pomatomus saltatrix become piscivorous at about 40 mm total length, coinciding with a habitat shift from offshore waters to estuarine nursery areas. Although YOY bluefish are primarily piscivorous in estuarine waters, shrimp prey can often be an important component of diets in mid-summer. In this study, we first compare the feeding behaviour and prey selection patterns of bluefish feeding on fish Menidia menidia and sand shrimp Crangon septemspinosa prey in a series of laboratory experiments, and then assess prey-type selectivity in the field. Compared to consuming fish prey, ingesting shrimp prey involved added manipulation and close inspection by the predator. Feeding on shrimp prey resulted in lower attack success rates, longer handling times, and lower relative profitabilities than feeding on fish prey. When given a choice, bluefish selectively ingested fish prey over similarly-sized shrimp prey. The results of these experiments suggest that species-specific differences in prey response lead to the observed differ- ences in predator behaviour and selectivity. Examination of field-collected spring-spawned bluefish showed that their diet was dominated by fishes; however, sand shrimp were important prey in early summer. Selectivity index values showed that bluefish exhibited positive selection for fishes and avoidance of shrimp. The occurrence of shrimp in bluefish diets probably results from high relative abundance of shrimp and the small size of shrimp relative to fish prey. We conclude that the timing of bluefish entry into estuaries relative to peaks in abundance of various prey could have a strong effect on bluefish size at the end of the growing season and, therefore size-dependent survival.
PARTNER RELATIONSHIPS DURING PREGNANCY

To assess anxiety, depression and relationship satisfaction in both women and men during pregnancy, the State Anxiety Inventory (STAI), The Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D) and The Relationship Questionnaire (RQ) were administered during the second trimester to a sample of 59 pregnant women and their partners. Anxious pregnant women rated their relationships as less positive. Depressed pregnant women also rated their relationships as less positive. The women’s anxiety scores were predictive of their positive and negative relationship scores. The women and their partners’ negative relationship scores were also predictive of each others’ negative relationship scores. These results highlight the importance of targeting anxiety as well as depression, and pregnant women as well as their partners in prenatal intervention programs.
Garden centre customer attitudes to pollinators and pollinator-friendly planting

Growing nectar- and pollen-rich flowering plant varieties in domestic gardens and other greenspace is an important pro-environmental behaviour that supports pollinating insects. Wildlife gardening is popular in the UK; however, public attitudes and behaviour relating to planting for pollinators are currently not well understood. We investigated these through questionnaires and interviews with customers in five garden centres in Sussex, southeast England, a relevant and useful consumer group representing horticulturally-engaged members of the public. Garden centre customers had strongly positive attitudes and were motivated to plant for bees and other pollinators: most (77%) grew pollinator-friendly varieties, while 64% would be more likely to buy a plant with a pollinator-friendly logo. Personal motivation to support pollinators was linked to a recent increase in personal and public awareness of their declines through (often negativistic) information from mass media sources. Practical implications of these findings in relation to the horticultural retail industry are discussed.
No apparent effect of naproxen on CSF markers of innate immune activation

We studied 78 participants having a parental or multiple‐sibling history of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in a two‐year randomized placebo‐controlled trial of naproxen 220 mg b.i. d. for mitigation of early AD pathogenesis. Naproxen was detected in cerebrospinal fluid at concentrations ~100 times lower than in plasma, but produced negligible change in immune markers. The repeated lack of benefit in AD prevention trials using naproxen and related drugs may reflect limited CNS permeability, lack of expected drug effects, or both. These findings suggest reconsideration of implications from results of AD prevention trials using anti‐inflammatory drugs.
Mutation spectrum of Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease among the Han Chinese in Taiwan

Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease (CMT) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of inherited neuropathies. Mutations in more than 90 genes have been implicated in CMT; however, the mutational spectrum of CMT in Chinese population remains obscure. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the frequency of mutations in Taiwanese patients with CMT and look for genotype‐phenotype correlations.