Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
International Comparisons of Pricing-to-Market Behavior

This paper measures the degree of price discrimination across export destinations that is associated with exchange rate changes using U.S., U.K., German and Japanese industry-level data. Given the industries sampled more price discrimination across destinations is observed in the U.K., German and Japanese data. For industries that match across source countries, however, behavior is very similar across source countries. Furthermore, destination-specific price adjustment on exports to the U.S. from Germany and Japan is similar to price adjustment observed on shipments to other destinations. Most variation in the data appears to be related to industry.
Analysis of bifurcation behavior in a current-fed boost converter for PV systems

In most power electronics applications, the input is a voltage source and it is required to control the output voltage to a desired value. In photovoltaic (PV) applications, the control of the input voltage of the converter is frequently required to extract the maximum power from the PV panel. Moreover, unlike the conventional case, the output voltage is constant. This paper presents an analysis of nonlinear dynamics and bifurcation behavior of a current-fed boost converter for PV applications. First, a discrete-time model of the converter is derived. Simulation results using this model show that the system can exhibit period doubling bifurcation when some design parameters are varied. Then, the monodromy matrix obtained from Floquet theory and Filippov method is used to perform a stability analysis of the system periodic orbits and to explain the mechanism of losing their stability.
Increase in interleukin-6 and fibrinogen after exposure to dust in tunnel construction workers

Objectives: To see if there is any change in blood concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and fibrinogen during a working shift in tunnel construction workers. Methods: 12 Tunnel construction workers were followed up during a 24 hours period after returning from a 9 day work free period. The first blood sample was taken on Monday afternoon before starting the shift. Another was taken around midnight after 8 hours of work, and another the next afternoon after about 12 hours of rest. Exposure to respirable dust was measured by personal samplers. Results: The exposure of the workers to respirable dust, in terms of an 8 hour time weighted average, varied between 0.3 and 1.9 mg/m3. For IL-6, there was an increase in the median serum concentration from 1.14 ng/l before starting the shift to 4.86 ng/l after 8 hours of work (p=0.002). For fibrinogen, there was an increase in the median concentration from 3.40 g/l before entering the shift to 3.70 g/l 24 hours later (p=0.044). There was a positive correlation between values of IL-6 at the end of the working shift and the fibrinogen concentrations the next afternoon (Pearson's R=0.73, p=0.007). The observed increase in IL-6 was significant for both smokers and non-smokers. Conclusion: The study shows an increase in both IL-6 and fibrinogen concentrations during a working shift for both smoking and non-smoking tunnel construction workers.
Evaluation of OFDM(A) Relaying Protocols: Capacity Analysis in Infrastructure Framework

We consider a two-hop downlink hybrid orthogonal frequency-division multiple-access [OFDM(A)] communication system in which a fixed infrastructure-based relay node is deployed to serve multiple user equipment beyond the coverage area of a base station. The key factor defining the performance and complexity of such systems is the relaying protocol, i.e., the interface between the OFDM point-to-point backhaul link and the OFDMA point-to-multipoint service link. We introduce and analyze a comprehensive set of OFDM(A) relaying protocols that are based on the following design choices: whether to perform time-domain, frequency-domain, resource block (RB)-wise, or symbol-wise processing; whether to apply amplify-and-forward (AF) or decode-and-forward (DF) retransmission; whether to implement random, fixed, or adaptive pairing of RBs in backhaul and service links; whether to introduce buffering over fading states or not; and how the time sharing between the backhaul and service links is controlled. The joint effect of all these design choices has not previously been evaluated in a unified framework or by means of closed-form performance expressions. The main contribution of this paper is to calculate the average ergodic system capacity when adopting each of the proposed relaying protocols. Consequently, the new expressions facilitate thorough numerical performance comparison between the different protocols in a typical suburban vehicular system.
Measuring method of complex dielectric constant with monostatic horn antenna in W-band using multiple distance measurements and analysis

To extend the application of the free-space method to measuring a complex dielectric constant, a reflection method with a monostatic horn antenna integrated with two processes to reduce errors is developed. One of the processes can reduce the error caused by unnecessary reflections from objects around an experimental setup. The process is performed by averaging complex reflection coefficients of a sample measured at multiple distances between the antenna aperture and the sample surface. The other process can reduce the error caused by the difference between the positions of the reference plane and the sample surface. In this process, the distance between the two positions is derived by analysis and is used to correct the errors. In this paper, an overview of the developed method is presented. Then, the effectiveness of the two processes is validated by measuring the complex dielectric constants of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polyoxymethylene (POM). The results prove that the errors can be reduced, and the complex dielectric constant of a lossy material such as POM can be measured accurately using the developed method.
Economic and Policy Considerations Drive the LNT Debate

LET radon-daughter P3 particles rays are necessary to explain the Ushaped dose-response data using the BaD bystander model of Brenner et al. (13). At lower (domestic) o particle dose rates, the U-shaped response would be deeper and perhaps would even resemble the epidemiological data of Cohen (14). Even if there is deleterious bystander chromosome damage at very low radon levels, what action can the Environmental Protection Agency take-lower the mediation guideline limit below 4 pCi per liter? So in weighing the low-LET and high-LET radiation low-dose-response probabilities, it is prudent and responsible to premise "a linear hypothesis at high dose but in many cases, at the low doses commonly experienced by humans, a response less than linear or even protective. " This could condition the general public to the fact that not all radiation is harmful. A prime example in adhering to LNT is the relatively strong warnings issued by Heyes et al. (15) and Brenner et al. (16) with respect to high relative biological effectiveness factors for mammography X rays and the linear dose response at mammography dose levels. Heyes et al. estimated a factor of 4.4 and Brenner et al. a factor of 2 excess cancer
Mediterranean Diet, Cognitive Function, and Dementia: A Systematic Review

Background: Adherence to a Mediterranean diet has been associated with lower risk of various age-related diseases including dementia. Although narrative reviews have been published, no systematic review has synthesized studies on the association between Mediterranean diet adherence and cognitive function or dementia. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of 11 electronic databases (including Medline) of published articles up to January 2012. Reference lists, selected journal contents, and relevant websites were also searched. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers using predefined criteria. Studies were included if they examined the association between a Mediterranean diet adherence score and cognitive function or dementia. Results: Twelve eligible papers (11 observational studies and one randomized controlled trial) were identified, describing seven unique cohorts. Despite methodological heterogeneity and limited statistical power in some studies, there was a reasonably consistent pattern of associations. Higher adherence to Mediterranean diet was associated with better cognitive function, lower rates of cognitive decline, and reduced risk of Alzheimer disease in nine out of 12 studies, whereas results for mild cognitive impairment were inconsistent. Conclusions: Published studies suggest that greater adherence to Mediterranean diet is associated with slower cognitive decline and lower risk of developing Alzheimer disease. Further studies would be useful to clarify the association with mild cognitive impairment and vascular dementia. Long-term randomized controlled trials promoting a Mediterranean diet may help establish whether improved adherence helps to prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer disease and dementia.
Short sales constraints, divergence of opinion and IPO overvaluation

In a stock market with strict short sales constraints, the divergence of opinion will affect the asset price significantly. Optimistic investors determine the asset price in the short run, which causes the overvaluation of assets. Using the dispersion of analyst forecast of first-day trading price and the turnover rate on the first trading day of IPOs in Chinese stock market from 2001 to 2007, this paper examines the relationship between the divergence of opinion and the IPO overvaluation. The results show that the higher the dispersion of analystspsila forecast, the higher the level of IPO overvaluation.
A ROSAT Search for X-Ray Emission from Quasar Host Clusters

We report the results of a search for X-ray emission from quasar host clusters at moderate redshift using the {\sl ROSAT} HRI. We detect no emission from the host clusters of 3C~263 (z=0.646) and PKS~2352-34 (z=0.706) to 3$\sigma$\ limits of 3.26 and 2.86 $\times$10$^{44}$\ ergs~s$^{-1}$ respectively (H$_o$=50, q$_o$=1/2) for clusters with r$_{core}$=125~kpc and T=5~keV. These limits show that these quasar host clusters are not substantially more X-ray luminous than optically or X-ray selected clusters of similar richnesses at z$\gtrsim$0.5. We also report the possible detection of a clump of X-ray emitting gas coincident with the brightest radio lobe of 3C~263. This may be evidence for the existence of a clumpy ICM in the host cluster of 3C~263.
A digital CHEMFET front end

Ion sensitive field effect transistors (ISFETs) have been used as analogue continuous time chemical sensors. Each ISFET had its own ion sensitive membrane as part of it. Allowing two ISFETs to share the same ion sensing membrane, a pH inverter was built. Chemical field effect transistors (CHEMFETs) are ISFETs' derivatives. It is demonstrated here that using the ISFET based chemical switch it is possible to choose a chemical concentration threshold that when crossed the circuit changes state. A threshold of pH 6.75 was chosen and electrical output was shown to switch for pH changes from 6.5 to 7.0 and vice versa. This is effectively a digital CHEMFET basic building block as it serves as an input for further processing. This circuit can be used for chemical thresholding operations, as a digital CHEMFET transducer, in adverse applications including biomedical, chemical, and environmental industries.
A configurational approach to the dynamics of firm level knowledge

Purpose – In this paper the aim is to concentrate on the impact that various types and combinations of knowledge can have on firms.Design/methodology/approach – After a review of the literature the authors conceptually configure the extant understanding of knowledge over eight configurations. They illustrate each configuration with practical examples.Findings – This configurational approach provides a basis for identifying potential complementarities and conflicts regarding the dynamics of organisational knowledge in competitive settings. It allows for a better understanding of knowledge in organisations and its link with competitive advantage.Practical implications – The authors' argument can be used by managers to help them think of how knowledge is configured within their firm. By doing so they might better understand how this knowledge configuration might give them a competitive advantage.Originality/value – This paper uses some traditional knowledge concepts but by proposing to take a configurational.
Treatment and health outcomes of women and men in a cohort with coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND Women with coronary artery disease are treated differently than men. Although mortality has been studied, functional outcomes for women and men have not been prospectively compared. METHODS The Manitoba Health Reform Impact Study used hospital databases to identify all residents aged 45 years and older in Manitoba who were hospitalized for a myocardial infarction between October 1, 1991, and September 30, 1992. Cohort members were interviewed twice, an average of 16 and 25 months after hospitalization. Baseline and follow-up measures included treatments (eg, physician visits, diagnostic testing, revascularization, and cardiac medications), physical health status (physical component summary [PCS] score derived from the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36), reinfarction, and mortality. RESULTS Of the 820 patients who completed the initial survey, 31 died during the follow-up period, and 734 completed the follow-up survey. Data were complete for the primary outcome (PCS score) and all relevant covariates for the 677 patients who were included in this study Women constituted 34% of this cohort. Although women had more physician visits during follow-up, they were less likely to have undergone treadmill testing or angiography (odds ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.46-0.99). Women were equally likely to report taking beta-adrenergic blocking agents, but were less likely than men to report the use of aspirin (odds ratio, 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.48-0.98). After adjusting for baseline differences in PCS scores, age, income, social supports, and the levels of angina and dyspnea, the PCS score for women declined by 1.4 points, while the score for men improved by 0.2 points (P = .03). During the follow-up period, reinfarction and mortality rates were low overall, but were not different in men and women. CONCLUSIONS In this cohort of patients with known coronary artery disease, we found less aggressive treatment of coronary artery disease and less use of aspirin among women than among men during 1 year of observation. After controlling for baseline differences, women with coronary artery disease experienced a more rapid decline in physical health status than did men during 1 year of follow-up.
Graduation from the European Union’s Generalized System of Preferences

The European Union’s Generalized System of tariff Preferences currently provides preferential access to 176 countries. In 2007 the total value of the preferential imports was €57 billion. The objective of the European Union’s Generalized System of Preferences is to promote development through preferential trade. Thus the countries benefit from various tariff reductions and exceptions depending on their status as a developing country. However when the export from the countries grow they face the risk of being graduated, either in a specific export sector or the country as a whole. The graduation will force the countries to pay the higher normal tariff on goods exported to the European Union. Throughout the years countries has thus lost the preferential access once they managed to compete successfully with domestic production. According to the EU today a product group will be graduated once it has reached a level of competitiveness which is likely to ensure further growth without the preferential tariff reduction, this will ensure that the benefits of the preferential access target those in most need. The purpose of the essay has been to examine how the graduation process has worked and to analyze how trade volumes have been affected by the sector graduation. This has been done by studying how the graduation process has changed throughout the years and by carrying out an empirical analysis on the graduations the recent years. The graduation process has been simplified throughout the years and today the graduation process is more predictable and the GSP more stable compared to before. However according to the empirical analysis most countries whom had sectors graduated the recent years have seen a relative decrease in exports, hence it seems as graduated product groups haven’t managed to stay competitive. If the European Union´s thought behind the graduation is that graduation only shall occur to competitive products they might have to review and change the graduation mechanism.
Threonine peptidases as drug targets against malaria

Introduction: Malaria is caused by the intracellular parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Although numerous therapies are available to fight the disease, the number of pharmacophores is small, and constant development of novel therapies, especially with new targets, is desirable to fight developing resistance against presently prescribed drugs. Areas covered: This review discusses research on plasmodial threonine peptidases along with recent advances in proteasome inhibitor development. Expert opinion: While PfHslV is an attractive drug target in malaria, more investigation is required to clarify its functional role in the parasite. More efforts should also be invested in assessing the plasmodial proteasome as a drug target. The few papers investigating the effect of proteasome inhibitors on different stages of the life cycle point towards important roles not only during asexual, but also in hepatic and sexual stages, in humans and the mosquito. If this holds true, this is a key argument to further develop proteasome inhibitors for use against malaria.
Childhood autism: translation and validation of the Childhood Autism Rating Scale for use in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE To translate the Childhood Autism Rating Scale into Brazilian Portuguese and to determine the initial psychometric properties of the resulting version (CARS-BR). METHODS The methodology used to produce an adequate version included translation, backtranslation and evaluation of semantic equivalence. In order to determine its psychometric properties (internal consistency, validity and reliability), the CARS-BR was administered to 60 consecutive patients with autism, aged between 3 and 17 years and seen at a university hospital. RESULTS Internal consistency was high, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.82. Convergent validity, in comparison with the Autistic Traits Assessment Scale, exhibited a Pearson's correlation coefficient of r = 0.89. When correlated with the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale in order to evaluate discriminant validity, the CARS-BR exhibited a Pearson's coefficient of r = -0.75. Test-retest reliability exhibited a kappa coefficient of 0.90. CONCLUSION These results suggest that the CARS-BR is a valid and reliable instrument for evaluating autism severity in Brazil.
Implementation of the CELL Broadband Engine in a 65nm SOI Technology Featuring Dual-Supply SRAM Arrays Supporting 6GHz at 1.3V

The 65nm CELL Broadband Enginetrade design features a dual power supply, which enhances SRAM stability and performance using an elevated array-specific power supply, while reducing the logic power consumption. Hardware measurements demonstrate low-voltage operation and reduced scatter of the minimum operating voltage. The chip operates at 6GHz at 1.3V and is fabricated in a 65nm CMOS SOI technology.
Segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis

Purpose of reviewThe bioelectrical impedance analysis method is a non-invasive, rapid accurate and practical method for assessing body composition. During last decade evidence has been gathered that supports the use of this method to monitor hydration status. This review critically examines different approaches and applications of segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis in the healthy and clinical situations. Recent findingsSegmental bioelectrical impedance analysis may be useful to assess appendicular lean body mass, to estimate muscle volume and to investigate possible relationships between muscle size and strength in a limited segment of the limb. The method may become a tool for the bedside detection of fluid accumulation in critical care. SummaryThis is a review of segmental bioelectrical impedance. The preponderance of the published applications of bioelectrical impedance analysis focused on applications in a healthy population and in the field indicate the validity of the methods. A short description of the set-up of the segmental method is also given. This review discusses the application of segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis in children in different ethnic populations, in clinical situations. We also examine the application of the method to assessing body composition, and monitoring rapid changes in internal fluid balance in the field of haemodialysis and during surgery.
PRACTICE PAPER: Investment valuation Developments from the Mallinson Report

Following the publication of the Mallinson Report in March 1994, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors undertook a survey of Valuation Practice in the UK in accordance with Recommendation 25 of the report. In January 1995 questionnaires were sent out to a cross‐section of practitioners in the market. The responses represented a wide range of experience, geographical location and type of work. The majority of respondents spent more than 50 per cent of their time undertaking valuations. The questionnaire distinguished between valuations undertaken for pricing (asset valuations, sale/purchase advice, CPO, etc.) and calculations of worth, where the role of the valuer was to analyse the investment for a specific purpose for a specific client. Respondents were asked to indicate whether they tended to adopt a “traditional” model or a “DCF” model for the valuation of a number of different types of investment. These were rack‐rented freeholds, reversionary freeholds, over‐rented property, short leaseholds and long leaseholds. In the replies there was a consensus opinion that, when undertaking calculations of worth, the DCF method should be used as the principal method but tempered with the use of traditional techniques alongside. Conversely, when pricing property the traditional method was considered to be the appropriate tool, although many respondents said that they would also use DCF techniques on the more “unusual” interests such as over‐rented. With regard to the actual method adopted, most valuers using traditional methods favoured the use of an all‐risk/equivalent yield approach using layered income flows. Those using DCF preferred the short‐cut approach with a reversion to a sale price after the first change of income. Clearly suggests that there is a greater understanding of explicit techniques than anecdotal evidence had previously suggested.