Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Trinidad and Tobago: Trade Performance and Policy Issues in an Era of Growing Liberalization

Trade can be a powerful engine of growth. In today¿s global economy, where investment moves quickly across borders and continents, and trade barriers are rapidly coming down, a competitive exporter has much to gain. In an ever-more liberalized world economy, however, competition is also that much harsher, and only the best will capture the benefits of new markets and business opportunities. Particularly in small, open economies like that of Trinidad and Tobago, weak export performance can impair a country¿s development prospects. Export income is needed to pay for imports, to pay off foreign debt, and to maintain a healthy balance in a country¿s external accounts, all of which is needed to achieve sustainable levels of economic growth. Successful international insertion, through trade facilitation and related measures, should therefore be a central aim of the IDB¿s support strategy for its borrowing member countries, and particularly for the small island economies of the Caribbean.
Inhibition of the AMPK/nNOS pathway for neuroprotection in stroke

Stroke ranks fourth among all causes of death and is the major cause of long-term disability in the United States. Furthermore, it is associated with significant morbidity/mortality and a direct/indirect cost of approximately $65 billion annually (Roger et al., 2012). Other than thrombolysis by tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), which offers only a short window of treatment (~3–4 hours), an effective neuroprotective or functional recovery therapy is not available mainly because of limited understanding of the signaling mechanisms of stroke disease (Moskowitz et al., 2010).
A Measure of Welfare Based on Permanent Income Hypothesis: An Application on Italian Households Budgets

The measurement of the actual household welfare is possibly the main problem in welfare analysis. Since welfare is not directly observable, researchers have to find a proxy to measure it. The aim of this work is to find a measure of welfare based on cross-sectional data. The measure proposed is a linear combination of observable indicators. Using data from the Bank of Italy SHIW, this paper provides some evidence that, under assumptions that are not very restrictive, this measure could properly depict the actual ranking of households in terms of their economic status.
Pourquoi la théorie internationale du commerce n'est pas une théorie du commerce international.

Les travaux critiques de Joan Robinson sur la theorie neoclassique du commerce international sont constitues de deux periodes. La premiere entre 1946 et 1950 est axee sur l'application de la theorie keynesienne au commerce international. La seconde – les annees 1970 – nourrie par ses travaux pionniers sur la deconstruction de la theorie du capital, est plus ancree a gauche. Influencee par la critique de la "nouvelle gauche" contre la theorie orthodoxe, elle prend fait et cause pour le Tiers monde et l'ecologie
The Power to Choose: Effective Choice and Housing Policy

ABSTRACT This paper considers the current importance of choice as a concept in English housing policy. A key aim in extending choice is to empower the users of public services. The paper concentrates on the policy of choice-based lettings. We show how this is linked both to a wider policy debate in England regarding choice and to initiatives in other European countries, in this case the Netherlands. We then discuss the policy of choice-based lettings as it has been and is being implemented in English social housing. The paper goes on to discuss choice as a concept, with particular relation to rational choice. The view we develop is that choice has to be related to the capability to act and this is done through the concept of effective choice, which connects choice with access to resources. The final part of the paper offers an evaluation of choice-based lettings and its purported ability to empower users of social housing.
A fast algorithm for the separation of dependent sources based on bounded component analysis

In order to separate the mixture of bounded signals faster and more accurately, this paper proposes a Bounded Component Analysis (BCA) algorithm based on the detection and removing of steady state learning curve oscillations (DRSSLCO-BCA). In this algorithm, the assumption of statistic independence is replaced by the source boundedness side information with a weaker assumption so that it can separate both independent and dependent sources up to permutation, scaling and phase ambiguities. The algorithm detects the oscillations of the steady state learning curve by the correlation extent at the steady state and uses the iteration of variable step to remove the oscillations of the steady state learning curve. This leads to a faster computation speed and better separation quality. Computer simulations show that the proposed DRSSLCO-BCA algorithm can separate both the dependent and independent sources efficiently with superior performance of computational cost and the separation quality in comparison with the existing BCA algorithms obviously in the noisy or noiseless case.
Modeling of Brushless DC Motor with Various Loading Conditions for Electric Vehicle Application

Abstract:Electric Vehicle has received more attention as an alternative option to traditional vehicles powered by internal combustion engines running on fossil fuels. Automobile industries are targeting sustainable transportation in future. Electric motor plays an important role in electric vehicle. AC motors, DC motors, Reluctance motors are mostly used in automotive application. But BLDC motor is most suitable because of high reliability, high power density, high efficiency, low cost, lower weight and low maintenance requirements due to absence of brushes. In-wheel technology is new concept in which each wheel of EV is driven by separate motor instead of using central drive system. This paper presents developed model of Brushless DC Motor by using MATLAB/Simulink and performance characteristics of motor are observed during various loading conditions. Simulation results obtained from developed model are discussed which gives correct performance of model however it makes brushless dc motor more effective in automotive applications.
PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS AND REVIEW OF ANT COLONY OPTIMIZATION BASED HYBRID ACTIVE POWER FILTER FOR THREE PHASE FOUR WIRE SYSTEM

This paper explains the dynamic behaviour of ant colony optimization based Hybrid Active Power Filter (HAPF) accomplished for harmonic compensation under varying source/load conditions. ACO based controller is employed to extract fundamental component of current from non-sinusoidal currents of the considered supply system. Ant colony optimization (ACO) is a novel searching technique used in optimization problems. This paper describes ACO approach for optimization of coefficients of digital filters. In a design example, the order of a low pass filter and the parameters of its coefficients have been optimized in a discrete search space. AC analysis of the optimized filter has been conducted. Hybrid filter utilizing the merits of both shunt passive filter and shunt active filter for better compensation performance is applied in this work. Simulation and analysis of three phase four wire hybrid active power filter under distorted source conditions have been incorporated using MATLAB/ SIMULINK. The detailed simulation level results have been presented to validate the proposed methodology. The results show that filters obtained by ACO have simpler structures and better performance. KEYWORD: Hybrid active power filter, THD, Ant Colony Optimization, PI controller.
A New Approach to Estimate Hansen Solubility Parameters Using Maple Software

This paper represents the use of Maple software capabilities in the analyses of the polymer- solvent interactions. It illustrates the advantages of using Maple to estimate Hansen solubility parameters and to predict the polymer-solvent miscibility. The study focuses on the polymers and solvents that are employed in the polymer gel electrolytes. The acquired data showed high consistency and flexibility in calculations and estimations processes, especially in regarding with Hansen sphere plotting and relative energy distance calculations.
Metabolism of Sugars in the Endosperm of Developing Seeds of Oilseed Rape1

The sugars in the endosperm of a developing seed have many potential roles, including the supply of carbon to the developing embryo and controlling gene expression in it. Our understanding of their metabolism is, however, fragmentary and is confined to a very few species (especially Vicia spp.). To develop a quantitative understanding of the regulation of sugars in seeds of oilseed rape (Brassica napus), we measured relevant enzyme activities, the sizes of the pools of sugars in the liquid endosperm, and the flux of sugars from the endosperm into the embryo. The concentrations of hexose sugars in the liquid endosperm decreased, and sucrose (Suc) increased through development. The overall osmotic potential also fell. The timing of the changes was not precise enough to determine whether they signaled the onset of rapid accumulation of storage products. Changes in endosperm invertase activity were complex and quantitatively do not explain the changes in sugars. The embryo can metabolize hexose sugars in addition to Suc, and possibly at higher rates. Therefore, in addition to invertase, the growing embryo itself has a potential to influence the balance of sugars in the endosperm. The activity of Suc synthase in the embryo was greater than that of invertase during development. This observation and a higher activity of fructokinase than glucokinase in the embryo are both consistent with the embryo using Suc as a carbon source.
The evolution of environmental management as a profession in Australia and New Zealand

Environmental management is a relatively new profession, having evolved since the rapid worldwide rise in environmental consciousness in the 1960s. This article, by past presidents of the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand, the inaugural editor of the Australasian Journal of Environmental Management, and collaborators, reflects on the establishment and development of environmental management as a profession, and the parallel development of the Institute as the focus for the profession. It concludes by considering future directions for the profession and Institute.
Reassessing Software Quality Performance: The Role of Knowledge Management

Software quality has always been described as a poorly developed construct. Several reports and much evidence show clear problems related to software quality. This research empirically tests if ineffective implementation of knowledge management activities would be a reason behind possible existence of defective quality performance in the software industry. The main finding shows that knowledge management would directly affect quality performance in the Egyptian software industry. Statistical correlation is significant between the two constructs; knowledge management and quality performance.
Foreign-Currency Positioning by U.S. Firms: Some New Evidence

S ince the breakdown of the par-value system there has been a dramatic increase in the variability of exchange rates. Often the question is raised whether this variation is "rational" or whether it is the outcome of "disorderly" markets which are bereft of stabilizing speculation or-even worse-are dominated by destabilizing speculation. The considerable research stimulated by this issue has yet to yield conclusive results, and whether the foreign-exchange market is "rational" or "efficient" is still an open question. ' Of course, the market is not an abstraction but is comprised of flesh-and-blood participants whose behavior may show varying degrees of "rationality. " This paper utilizes a new body of data to undertake a preliminary investigation into the market behavior of one major group of participants: U.S. firms whose foreign-currency positions are regularly reported to the U.S. Government.
An Investigation of Alternative Report Formats for Communicating Moderate Levels of Assurance

A recent development in the assurance services profession is the emergence of engagements on a broad range of subject matter that are designed to provide a moderate level of assurance. A significant issue for the profession is how to convey to users the limited extent of the assurance provided by such engagements. This study identifies four main categories of moderate assurance reporting forms (opinion on procedures, negative assurance, positive assurance, positive assurance with a limitations paragraph) being used in practice worldwide for providing assurance on environmental and sustainability reports. It examines whether these four reporting forms convey a lower level of assurance than that provided by a traditional high assurance report, and whether these reporting formats lead to significantly different levels of assurance perceived by a group of 792 shareholders. The findings indicate that users perceive that these moderate assurance reporting formats generally provide a lower level of assurance tha.
Peripheral Area Tourism: A European Perspective

At any one time the European Union has a tourism programme containing a series of actionable measures which it sees as improving the quality and competitiveness of tourism services amongst Member States. But, it appears to be generally accepted that the most important impact of the Union on tourism arises not from specific tourism-related policies, but rather from mainstream policies and measures targeted at business in general. The focus of this paper is on tourism in peripheral areas, with the emphasis on the contribution made by the Community's regional policy. In so doing, it builds on earlier work in this Journal by Lowyck and Wanhill in 1992. Recent debates and trends in policy are reported , together with the economic underpinnings and evaluation methodologies. There is considerable discussion on the position of small tourism businesses (SMEs), which dominate the operational aspects of the industry in peripheral areas and should be significant co-partners in the implementation of any development strategy. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neo-adjuvant therapy with dose-dense docetaxel plus short-term filgrastim rescue for locally advanced breast cancer

Neo-adjuvant, dose-dense docetaxel, 100 mg/m2 every 2 weeks ×4 cycles, was administered to 12 patients with locally advance breast cancer (LABC) (10 stage IIIa and three stage IIIb). Eligibility requirements included a PS 0–2, normal hepatic and renal function, and radiologic absence of metastatic disease. Filgrastim [granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF)] was started 1 day after chemotherapy and was given for 6 days. Complete blood counts were determined weekly. Surgery was planned upon recovery from the last dose of docetaxel and followed by 4 cycles of adjuvant doxorubicin plus cyclophosphamide (AC) and radiotherapy. Patients with ER+ status received tamoxifen. The median age was 45 (range 34–73) and pre-treatment pathology revealed poorly differentiated infiltrating duct carcinoma in 11 and infiltrating lobular cancer in one, with positive ER/PR status in five. Twelve patients were treated, and all are evaluable for response and toxicity. Nine patients had a major clinical tumor response with five PR and four pathologic complete responses (pCR rate of 33%). Three patients (of whom two with stage IIIb) had progressive disease and went on to receive neo-adjuvant therapy with AC. There was one instance of grade 3 hematologic toxicity (neutropenic fever in one G-CSF non-compliant patient). There were two instances of grade 3 extra-hematologic toxicity: one patient had severe pain and one had treatment-related fatigue. After a median follow-up of 20 months (range 7–49 months) all patients are alive and eight of nine responders remain progression-free. Despite the small size of our study, we believe that dose-dense neo-adjuvant docetaxel is well tolerated and its activity warrants confirmation in a larger number of patients.
Fentanyl Pharmacokinetics and Hemodynamic Effects in Preterm Infants during Ligation of Patent Ductus Arteriosus

A bolus of 30 μg·kg−1 fentanyl was given to nine preterm infants (gestational age 31.8 ± 4.7 weeks, weight 1100 ± 309 g) for induction of anesthesia for ligation of a patent ductus arteriosus. Thirty minutes after the injection, fentanyl plasma concentrations were between 7.7 and 13.6 ng·ml−1. Elimination half-life was 6–32 In (mean ± SD, 17.7 ± 9.3). Systolic blood pressure remained stable throughout surgery. There was a gradual increase in heart rate from 159 ± 12 min−1 at the time of skin incision to 173 ± 15 min−1 at the time of skin closure (P < 0.05). Fentanyl plasma concentrations remained virtually unchanged between 30 min (10.6 ± 1.9 ng·ml−1) and 120 min (9.6 ± 1.6 ng·ml1): whereas at the end of surgery most infants moved and breathed spontaneously. This phenomenon can be explained by redistribution of fentanyl from brain into pharmacodynamically inert tissues.
Prognostic Value of the Change in Heart Rate From the Supine to the Upright Position in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure

Background The prognostic value of the change in heart rate from the supine to upright position (∆HR) in patients with chronic heart failure (HF) is unknown. Methods and Results ∆HR was measured in patients enrolled in the Trial of Intensified Medical Therapy in Elderly Patients with Congestive Heart Failure (TIME‐CHF) who were in sinus rhythm and had no pacemaker throughout the trial (n=321). The impact of ∆HR on 18‐month outcome (HF hospitalization‐free survival) was assessed. In addition, the prognostic effect of changes in ∆HR between baseline and month 6 on outcomes in the following 12 months was determined. A lower ∆HR was associated with a higher risk of death or HF hospitalization (hazard ratio 1.79 [95% confidence interval {95% CI} 1.19‐2.75] if ∆HR ≤3 beats/min [bpm], P=0.004). In the multivariate analysis, lower ∆HR remained an independent predictor of death or HF hospitalization (hazard ratio 1.75 [95% CI, 1.18‐2.61] if ∆HR ≤3 bpm, P=0.004) along with ischemic HF etiology, lower estimated glomerular filtration rate, presence and extent of rales, and no baseline β‐blocker use. In patients without event during the first 6 months, the change in ∆HR from baseline to month 6 predicted death or HF hospitalization during the following 12 months (hazard ratio=2.13 [95% CI 1.12–5.00] if rise in ∆HR <2 bpm; P=0.027). Conclusions ∆HR as a simple bedside test is an independent prognostic predictor in patients with chronic HF. ∆HR is modifiable, and changes in ∆HR also provide prognostic information, which raises the possibility that ∆HR may help to guide treatment. Clinical Trial Registration Information URL: www.isrctn. org. Unique identifier: ISRCTN43596477.
Changes over Time in College Student Credit Card Attitudes and Debt: Evidence from One Campus

type="main" xml:id="joca12043-abs-0001"> Over the past 10 years, both public awareness of, and research about, college student credit card debt have increased. This study examined changes in college students' debt and possession of credit cards, as well as attitudes toward debt and credit cards over that time at one American college campus. Results indicate that the number of credit cards held and the amount of credit card debt both decreased in the time following the 2009 Credit CARD Act. Attitudes toward debt gradually became more negative over the past 10 years, whereas perceived personal financial well-being increased. Although debt is decreasing, some students continue to report high levels of debt and correlates of higher levels of debt continue to include year in school, decreased ability to delay gratification, and lower levels of perceived financial well-being. Overall, it appears that students' relationship with credit cards is changing, but many still have difficulty managing credit.
PLACE AND ROLE OF NEW MEMBRANES IN MULTIPLE ORGAN FAILURE: AN ADVANCE OR RUMORS

Acute renal failure is a clinical syndrome characterized by high mortality. There have been numerous attempts to improve survival in this condition, such as the use of drugs, vasoactive medication, biocompatible membranes, high flux, etc. Nevertheless, mortality remains high (1–4). Some promising preliminary results in this field have already been published by our team (5,6). ARF is on the one side mostly a part of MOF and rare independent clinical event. As has been previously documented, the greater the number of organ systems involved in MOF the higher the mortality rate. In a randomized prospective study we tried to answer whether biocompatibility, or high flux, or both, have any effect on survival of dialysis dependent patients with multiple organ failure.
An analysis of self-employment subsidies with duration models

The determinants of continuity of subsidized self-employment activities are studied by means of duration models in Asturias (Spain). Variables related to socio-economic characteristics of the self-employed and to subsidized businesses are included in the models. Moreover, to consider the economic situation, the regional unemployment rate has been taken into account. A general survival analysis is complemented with a competing risk model that considers two types of exits from self-employment (failure versus other reasons). The significant variables that explain survival are age, industry, whether the business is the main source of family income or not and the unemployment rate.
Capital Flows and Macroeconomic Management: Tequila Lessons

This paper examines the recent financial debacle in Mexico and its effects on other emerging markets (the Tequila effect). I argue that financial and liquidity considerations--as opposed to current account sustainability or real exchange rate considerations--appear to have played a prominent role. Special attention is given to financial factors in Latin America. On this basis it is concluded that Mexico and Argentina were particularly vulnerable to speculative attacks. For contrast, the experience of Austria is examined and compared with that of Mexico. The analysis suggests that the remarkable stability of Austria--which pegged its currency to the Deutsche Mark for more than 15 years--may be due to the low volatility of its monetary aggregates. I also argue that financial factors could account for multiple self-fulfilling equilibria, helping to explain the sudden and deep reversals in Mexico and Argentina. It concludes with a discussion on policy implications. I suggest that, aside from the usual fiscal prudence advice, countries should pay special attention to the banking system and the maturity of public debt. Furthermore, the appropriateness of an exchange rate regime should take into account the characteristics of the financial sector. Copyright @ 1996 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. All rights reserved.