Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Employment Fluctuations in U.S. Regions and Industries: The Roles of National, Region‐Specific, and Industry‐Specific Shocks

This study quantifies the roles of national, region‐specific, and industry‐specific shocks in aggregate employment fluctuations in U.S. regions and industries. Variation among the growth rates of major regions and industries is decomposed into unobserved national, region‐, and industry‐specific components. The results reject the view that any heterogeneity in regional fluctuations is attributable to differences in industry composition. After controlling for industry mix effects, roughly 40% of the variance of the cyclical innovation in any region's growth rate is particular to that region. In addition, region‐specific shocks appear to propagate across regions over time.
Routine testing of magnetic field homogeneity on clinical MRI systems.

Poor main magnetic field (B0) homogeneity (HB) leads to artifacts and signal losses in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The American College of Radiology's MRI quality control manual mandates annual checks of HB, suggesting tests using spectral linewidth and phase-difference (Δφ) maps. A new method, the bandwidth-difference (ΔBW) method, which compares the distortion for small and large BW acquisitions to determine the HB, is proposed. The ΔBW method has the advantage that it can be used to measure multiple diameters of spherical volumes (DSV) in a single phantom. A phantom has been developed to exploit this method and results obtained with it are compared to those using three standard methods. Small receiver BW in the presence of poor HB leads to geometric distortions because gradients are reduced to the level of the B0 inhomogeneities. Data were acquired using seven MRI systems from different manufacturers, ranging in field strength from 0.2to3. 0T. Fast gradient echo pulse sequences were scanned twice using small and large BWs. HB was measured from the shift of landmarks between the two BW acquisitions. Results were compared with data from the full width at half maximum (FWHM) method, the Δφ method and one manufacturer's resonant frequency mapping data. The FWHM method was available on two systems and the Δφ method was available on one. The ΔBW method could be performed in all scanners investigated. The HB measured ranged 0.11-0.32ppmto6. 7-12.9ppm for DSV of 13-22.6cm. Direct comparisons of the data obtained using the ΔBW method showed good agreement with data obtained using the FWHM method. Data obtained using the ΔBW method compared favorably with the manufacturer's resonant frequency map. The ΔBW method produces measurements of HB at various DSV values that can be obtained from a single set of phantom images. The accuracy of ΔBW B0 homogeneity measurements are comparable to the other methods tested.
Interactively Learning a Blend of Goal-Based and Procedural Tasks

Agents that can learn new tasks through interactive instruction can utilize goal information to search for and learn flexible policies. This approach can be resilient to variations in initial conditions or issues that arise during execution. However, if a task is not easily formulated as achieving a goal or if the agent lacks sufficient domain knowledge for planning, other methods are required. We present a hybrid approach to interactive task learning that can learn both goal-oriented and procedural tasks, and mixtures of the two, from human natural language instruction. We describe this approach, go through two examples of learning tasks, and outline the space of tasks that the system can learn. We show that our approach can learn a variety of goal-oriented and procedural tasks from a single example and is robust to different amounts of domain knowledge.
Evidence for Size-Dependent Discrete Dispersions in Single-Wall Nanotubes

Raman scattering spectra of single-wall nanotubes with mean radii 0.55, 0.65, and 1.0 nm show size-dependent multiple splittings of the optical phonon peak corresponding to the ${E}_{2g}$ mode in graphite. These splittings constitute the first experimental evidence for the unique feature of nanotubes that they exhibit discrete and diameter-dependent dispersions arising from their cylindrical symmetry. The observed dispersion is well explained on the basis of graphite, and shows possibilities of predicting and controlling the basic property of nanotubes in the zone-folding scheme.
Investigation on the amplitude coupling effect of random telegraph noise (RTN) in nanoscale FinFETs

In this paper, based on the complex random telegraph noise (RTN) data in FinFETs, the impacts of the trap coupling effect on RTN amplitude are studied statistically. The coupling effect is found to be enhanced by the double-side coupling mechanism in FinFETs. The non-monotonic Vg dependence of amplitude coupling strength is observed for the first time, which is contributed by the evolution of channel percolation paths. In addition, the impacts of HCI and NBTI stresses on the coupling strength are studied. Based on the new understandings on coupling effect in FinFETs, the impacts of amplitude coupling on typical digital circuits are also investigated. The results are helpful for comprehensive understanding of the RTN coupling mechanism in nanoscale FinFET technology and RTN-aware circuit design.
Correlation evidence in the dynamics of agricultural commodity prices

The article studies the correlation structures of a large panel of agricultural commodities prices between January 1990 and February 2014. We use a various collection of mathematical and statistical methodologies (estimated correlation matrix and principal component analysis) to capture these correlations. Our results show that there exist different degrees of correlation between commodities. We also demonstrate, through data mining analysis, that there are hidden correlations between some commodities. Indeed, some commodities’ price behaviours are very similar in trend. Our results contribute to a better understanding of agricultural prices’ behaviours by producers, investors and market intermediaries. The results contribute to a more efficient strategic asset allocation process within agricultural markets.
Fault tolerant control - a residual based set-up

A new set-up for fault tolerant control (FTC) for stable systems is presented in this paper. The new set-up is based on a simple implementation of the Youla-Jabr-Bongiorno-Kucera (YJBK) parameterization. This implementation of the YJBK parameterization will allow a direct and simple re-configuration of the feedback controller. Another central part of fault tolerant control is fault diagnosis. The controller implementation can be applied directly in connection with both passive diagnosis (PFD) as well as with active fault diagnosis (AFD). The presented FTC set-up is investigated with respect to sensor reconfiguration. Actuator reconfiguration can be dealt with in a similar way.
Effect of oral alendronate on bone mineral density and the incidence of fractures in postmenopausal osteoporosis. The Alendronate Phase III Osteoporosis Treatment Study Group.

BACKGROUND Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a serious health problem, and additional treatments are needed. METHODS We studied the effects of oral alendronate, an aminobisphosphonate, on bone mineral density and the incidence of fractures and height loss in 994 women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. The women were treated with placebo or alendronate (5 or 10 mg daily for three years, or 20 mg for two years followed by 5 mg for one year); all the women received 500 mg of calcium daily. Bone mineral density was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. The occurrence of new vertebral fractures and the progression of vertebral deformities were determined by an analysis of digitized radiographs, and loss of height was determined by sequential height measurements. RESULTS The women receiving alendronate had significant, progressive increases in bone mineral density at all skeletal sites, whereas those receiving placebo had decreases in bone mineral density. At three years, the mean (+/- SE) differences in bone mineral density between the women receiving 10 mg of alendronate daily and those receiving placebo were 8.8 +/- 0.4 percent in the spine, 5.9 +/- 0.5 percent in the femoral neck, 7.8 +/- 0.6 percent in the trochanter, and 2.5 +/- 0.3 percent in the total body (P < 0.001 for all comparisons). The 5-mg dose was less effective than the 10-mg dose, and the regimen of 20 mg followed by 5 mg was similar in efficacy to the 10-mg dose. Overall, treatment with alendronate was associated with a 48 percent reduction in the proportion of women with new vertebral fractures (3.2 percent, vs. 6.2 percent in the placebo group; P = 0.03), a decreased progression of vertebral deformities (33 percent, vs. 41 percent in the placebo group; P = 0.028), and a reduced loss of height (P = 0.005) and was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS Daily treatment with alendronate progressively increases the bone mass in the spine, hip, and total body and reduces the incidence of vertebral fractures, the progression of vertebral deformities, and height loss in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.
In Our Ivory Towers? The Research-Practice Gap in Management Accounting: An Academic Perspective

Motivated by repeated observations in the management accounting literature concerning the relevance of academic research to policy and practice communities, this study reports on an exploratory investigation of the perceptions and attitudes of a sample of 64 senior management accounting academics from 55 universities in 14 countries about the extent to which academic management accounting research does, and should inform practice. Drawing on Diffusion of Innovations theory as a point of departure, and based on evidence obtained from a questionnaire survey and subsequent interviews, our findings reveal the prevalence of two broad schools of thought. One school, represented by the majority of senior academics, and which we have identified as, the ‘majority view’, holds there is a significant and widening ‘gap’ between academic research and the practice of management accounting, and that this gap is of considerable concern. In contrast, the other school, which we identify as ‘the minority view’, holds that a divide between academic management accounting research and practice is appropriate, and that efforts to bridge this divide are unnecessary, untenable or irrelevant. From this empirical evidence, we advance a conceptual framework distinguishing between the ‘means’ and ‘ends’ of academic research which enables these two opposing schools to be located relative to each other. On the basis of this framework, we contend that framing the relationship between academic research and practice as a ‘gap’ is potentially an oversimplification, and directs attention away from the broader but fundamental question of the role and societal relevance of academic research in management accounting.
Compact design for wireless power transmission using U-slot resonators with folded coupled lines

In this work, a new compact wireless power transfer (WPT) system is proposed. This system is used for short-range WPT using two compact size folded U-slot resonators with a pair of coupled lines folded inside resonator through an electromagnetic resonant coupling. This proposed design enables us to achieve power transfer efficiency of 77.6% with separating distance of 10 mm and operates at 1 GHz. Simulation results and theoretical studies have shown good agreement with the measurements.
Real-Time Fit of a Respirator during Simulated Health Care Tasks

Fit is an important but difficult-to-predict feature of respirator performance. This study examined a new approach to measuring respirator performance using two continuous direct-reading particle-counting instruments in a simulated health care workplace. A pilot test was conducted with eight experienced health care professionals who passed a traditional quantitative fit test before performing three randomized 10-min health care scenarios (patient assessment [PA], IV treatment [IV], and wound care [WC]). Two TSI Portacount Plus (Model 8020) with N95 Companion (Model 8095) instruments were used to continuously measure 1-sec ambient particle concentrations inside and outside the respirator facepiece. A simulated workplace protection factor (SWPF) was calculated by dividing outside by inside concentrations. Data were log transformed and examined using analysis of variance (ANOVA) between subjects, scenario types, and scenario order. The GM SWPF for the eight subjects, three scenarios per subject, ranged from 172 to 1073 (GSD 1.7 to 3.5) and was significantly different for each subject. A multi-way analysis of variance showed no difference between the three scenario types (PA, IV, WC). There were differences by the order in which scenarios were performed: the third scenario SWPF was significantly different and higher than that of the first and second scenarios. All subjects passed the initial quantitative fit test with a fit factor of at least 100. Five subjects had fit factors greater than 200 and GM scenario SWPFs greater than 400. Three participants with initial fit factors less than 200 had GM scenario SWPFs ranging from 132 to 326. This pilot test demonstrates that it is possible to evaluate instantaneous respirator fit using two quantitative fit test instruments in a simulated health care environment. Results suggest that an initial fit test may be predictive of fit during simulated tasks and that one scenario may be adequate for measuring a simulated workplace protection factor. [Supplementary materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene for the following free supplemental resource: a video for subject D activities overlaid with simulated workplace protection factor data. ]
Hepatoprotective and antioxidant effect of ellagitannins and galloyl esters isolated from Melaleuca styphelioides on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in HepG2 cells

Abstract Context In a previous study, the total extract of Melaleuca styphelioides Sm. (Myrtaceae) showed a significant hepatoprotective effect in a CCl4-induced toxicity model in mice. However, the active components responsible for the activity of the extract were not identified. Objective To determine the in vitro hepatoprotective activity of the isolated pure compounds from M. styphelioides leaves using the CCl4-challenged HepG2 cell model. Materials and methods The hepatoprotective activity of the compounds (at concentrations of 100, 50 and 25 μm), the total extract and silymarin (Sil) (100, 50 and 25 μg/ml) was determined by measuring the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) after pretreatment with the tested samples for one hour. Glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) were estimated to determine the mechanisms of the hepatoprotective activity. Results Some compounds showed marked hepatoprotection, including tellimagrandin I, which produced 42, 36 and 31% decrease in ALT and 47, 43 and 37% decrease in AST, at the tested concentrations, respectively, pedunculagin (32, 32 and 30% decrease for ALT and 48, 48 and 45% for AST), tellimagrandin II (38, 32 and 26% decrease for ALT and 45, 40 and 34% for AST) and pentagalloyl glucose (30, 28 and 26% decrease for ALT and 45, 38 and 36% for AST). Tellimagrandin I and II showed the highest increase in GSH (113, 105 and 81% and 110, 103 and 79%, respectively), which was comparable to Sil. Pedunculagin produced the highest increase in SOD (497, 350 and 258%). Conclusion This study highlights promising natural hepatoprotective candidates derived from M. styphelioides.
Trade fragmentation and coordination in bilateral oligopolies

This paper studies a strategic market game where agents fragment their bids on different markets. Simple conditions for existence of an interior equilibrium point are provided. In equilibrium, all agents are active on the same markets and prices are identical across markets, so that all equilibria are equivalent to an equilibrium where all agents trade on a single market.
Switching RF signals

Modern RF relays have to carry and to switch DC as well as AC and RF signals with frequencies up to the GHz range. While the switching phenomena for switching DC loads or low frequency AC loads are very well known, only very limited information is available for switching RF signals up to 5 GHz. Basic considerations about relevant phenomena for switching RF signals are made and compared with the already well-known effects, when DC or low frequency AC signals are switched. Practical tests were performed on a new type of high performance low-cost ultra-miniature RF relay with DC loads up to 60 W, low frequency AC loads up to 62.5 VA and RF loads with a maximum power of 50 W. The results obtained confirm the theoretical approach. Major advantages of bridge contacts providing two contact gaps in series were found, yielding excellent RF characteristics as well as outstanding switching performance in all frequency ranges from DC to RF.
Expiration‐day effects on individual stocks and the overall market: Evidence from Taiwan

On expiration days of the MSCI‐TW index futures, the Taiwan spot market is associated with abnormally large volume and high index volatility, along with mild index reversal. The effects concentrate only in the last five minutes of expiration days and appear to be strengthened by the adoption a call auction closing procedure by the Taiwan Stock Exchange. Individual index stocks show high volatility and strong tendency of price reversal, with large‐ and small‐cap stocks being affected more than the medium‐sized stocks. The highest‐weighted stocks exhibit excessive volume and volatility, which is disproportionate to the impact on all other index stocks, indicating that the expiration‐day effects may have been amplified by the attempt of price manipulation using large‐cap stocks. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 29:920–945, 2009
Implications of Applying a Private Sector Based Reporting Model to Not-for-Profit Entities: The Treatment of Charitable Distributions by Charities in New Zealand

In this paper, we investigate the practical and conceptual difficulties caused by applying a private sector based reporting model to the not-for-profit sector. We deal specifically with reporting on charitable distributions by charities in New Zealand. We find a majority of the entities report charitable distributions in the Statement of Financial Performance (as expenses). This approach is conceptually justifiable, complies with international best practice, and is in line with the accountability argument made in this paper. While the number reduced between 2003 and 2007, a significant minority of the entities report charitable distributions in the Statement of Movements in Equity (and therefore report higher surpluses). These two approaches lead to very different results, yet both are apparently seen as acceptable by the entities and their auditors. While this raises questions as to the understandability and comparability of the financial reporting by these entities, it also raises questions about the suitability of the for-profit sector reporting requirements for the not-for-profit sector.
Contested Economic Institutions: The Politics of Macroeconomics and Wage Bargaining in Advanced Democracies

1. Introduction Part I. The Real Effects of Monetary Policies: 2. An institutional model of economic performance 3. Economic institutions and performance: quantitative evidence Part II. The Politics of Institutional Design: 4. A theory of contested institutions 5. From Keynesian centralization to Monetarist decentralization: five Northern European experiences 6. Conclusion: the fork in the road for social democracy.
Evolutionary Ecology of Prokaryotic Immune Mechanisms

SUMMARY Bacteria have a range of distinct immune strategies that provide protection against bacteriophage (phage) infections. While much has been learned about the mechanism of action of these defense strategies, it is less clear why such diversity in defense strategies has evolved. In this review, we discuss the short- and long-term costs and benefits of the different resistance strategies and, hence, the ecological conditions that are likely to favor the different strategies alone and in combination. Finally, we discuss some of the broader consequences, beyond resistance to phage and other genetic elements, resulting from the operation of different immune strategies.
Pneumococcal Phenotype and Interaction with Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae as Determinants of Otitis Media Progression

ABSTRACT All-cause otitis media (OM) incidence has declined in numerous settings following introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) despite increases in carriage of nonvaccine pneumococcal serotypes escaping immune pressure. To understand the basis for the declining incidence, we assessed the intrinsic capacity of pneumococcal serotypes to cause OM independently and in polymicrobial infections involving nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) using samples obtained from middle ear fluid and nasopharyngeal cultures before PCV7/13 rollout. Data included samples from OM episodes (11,811) submitted for cultures during a 10-year prospective study in southern Israel and nasopharyngeal samples (1,588) from unvaccinated asymptomatic children in the same population. We compared data representing pneumococcal serotype diversity across carriage and disease isolates with and without NTHi coisolation. We also measured associations between the pneumococcal phenotype and the rate of progression from colonization to OM in the presence and absence of NTHi. Whereas pneumococcal serotype diversity was lower in single-species OM than in single-species colonization, levels of serotype diversity did not differ significantly between colonization and OM in mixed-species episodes. Serotypes differed roughly 100-fold in progression rates, and those differences were attenuated in polymicrobial episodes. Vaccine serotype pneumococci had higher rates of progression than nonvaccine serotypes. While serotype invasiveness was a weak predictor of the OM progression rate, efficient capsular metabolic properties—traditionally thought to serve as an advantage in colonization—predicted an enhanced rate of progression to complex OM. The lower capacity of nonvaccine serotypes to cause OM may partially account for reductions in all-cause OM incidence despite serotype replacement in carriage following rollout of PCVs.
Anatomy of the US Income Distribution: Two Decades of Change

Forty years ago, Simon Kuznets, in his presidential address to the American Economics Association, outlined his hypothesis that the process of economic development would first be accompanied by rising disparities in economic well-being, followed by a period when the distribution wouls be stable or eventually move toward greater equality. The distributional changes over the last two decades have been accompanied by a number of key demographic and economic developments.
Exploring governance issues in family firms

Abstract Governance is a major area of study that has attracted an increasing level of attention within the privately held small business and family firm domains. This paper uses research frameworks from several financial and management disciplines to enable the identification and analysis of difficulties arising from making simplistic assertions based on large firm considerations about the benefits and prescriptions for good governance activities in family firms. These difficulties exist primarily because governance in most family firms is driven by a different set of structures and processes from those that apply to large firms. While the theoretical perspectives of the large firm governance literature may hold in family firms, the prescriptions need to be viewed with a different outcome in mind. This paper takes a summative approach as a precursor to establishing empirical approaches to evaluation. The analysis indicates the variety of contextual variations that must be considered in determing an appropriate framework of structures and processes.