Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Financial development, financialisation and economic growth

The paper reviews the theoretical arguments which have been advanced on the relationships between economic growth and growth of the financial sector. This is followed by a similar discussion on financial repression and financial liberalisation. Growth of the financial sector and de-regulation are considered as two important features of financialisation. The differences between bank-based and market based financial systems are briefly explored as is the question of whether the financial sector is now too large. The paper is completed by overviews of the empirical results on the relationship between growth of the financial sector and economic growth and on financial liberalisation.
Charm + + & MPI : Combining the Best of Both Worlds

MPI and Charm++ embody two distinct perspectives for writing parallel programs. While MPI provides a processor-centric, user-driven model for developing parallel codes, Charm++ supports work-centric, overdecompositionbased, system-driven parallel programming. One or the other can be the best or most natural fit for distinct modules that constitute a parallel application. In this paper, we present a framework that enables hybrid parallel programming with MPI and Charm++, and allows programmers to develop different modules of a parallel application in these two languages while facilitating smooth interoperation. We describe the challenges in enabling interoperation between MPI and Charm++, and present techniques for managing the control flow and resource sharing in such scenarios. Finally, we demonstrate the benefits of interoperation between MPI and Charm++ through several case studies that use production applications and libraries, including CHARM/Chombo, EpiSimdemics, NAMD, FFTW, MPI-IO and ParMETIS.
Identity and Underrepresentation: Interactions between Race and Gender

Economic outcomes vary significantly across socio-demographic groups. In a model of multi-dimensional identity, we show how economic underrepresentation can evolve through identity-specific norms and stereotypes. Whereas standard approaches treat identity dimensions as independent, our analysis reveals deep connections between inequality and underrepresentation based on race, gender and other characteristics. `Sterilized interventions' along a single identity dimension are impossible. Interventions that aim to reduce underrepresentation along one identity dimension can increase underrepresentation along another. Underrepresentation can be eliminated along every dimension through a system of (a) self-financing subsidies or (b) role models. Subsidies need to be intersectional, whereas role-model approaches are simpler but less efficient. We identify challenges in the design of such policies, including informational, political economy and efficiency concerns. This opens up new possibilities for theoretical and empirical work on the multi-dimensionality of identity.
Light and Shade in the School Paths of Students from Immigrant Families

This article analyses the perception of students from immigrant families of the favourable factors which helped them stay in school through the high-risk transition from compulsory secondary education to post-compulsory education. We specifically focus on identifying the individual, academic, family and contextual factors which promoted the persistence, retention and academic success of these young people, bearing in mind the risk factors stemming from their experiences of migration. Lastly, we shed some light on the ways migration has affected their progress in the school system.
Effects of Guideline-based Hypertension Management in Rural Areas of Guangdong Province

Background:Despite the improvement in the health care industry, the rates of undetected, untreated, and uncontrolled hypertension (HTN) are still very high, especially in rural areas of China. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and efficiency of a guideline-based HTN management (novel therapy) in population of rural areas of Guangdong Province. Methods:Totally, 3113 patients with essential HTN in a rural area of Guangdong Province were enrolled and assigned to two groups, named traditional (n = 372) and novel therapeutic (n = 2741) groups, respectively. Patients in the traditional group were treated routinely, and patients in the novel group were treated in a novel model characterized by regular educational programs for hypertensive populations, close monitoring of blood pressure in combination with finely tuned antihypertensive medications, strict implementation of lifestyle modification and improving medical knowledge and skill of local medical staff efficiently. After 2 years of follow-up, primary endpoints including magnitude of systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP and DBP) decrease, treated and controlled rates, as well as secondary endpoints, were evaluated in both groups. Results:Initially, the treated rate was significantly higher in traditional group than that of novel group (71.15% vs. 64.99%, P < 0.05), while the controlled rates were comparable and insignificant difference between baseline BP in both groups (31.07% vs. 26.88%, P > 0.05). Four variables were significantly different, namely smoking rate, daily vegetable consumption (VC), and serum levels of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and fasting blood glucose between these two groups. After 2 years of follow-up, decreases in SBP and DBP were more prominent in the novel group (P < 0.001). Treated and controlled rates in both groups were both increased. Nevertheless, in comparison to the traditional group, controlled rate increased more significantly in the novel group (64.31% vs. 37.85%, P < 0.001). Variables indicating lifestyle modification such as high sodium consumption, percentages of alcohol abuse, daily VC were profoundly improved in the novel group. Conclusions:The guideline-based HTN management implemented in the current study was beneficial for HTN control in rural areas of Guangdong Province.
Correlation between clinical symptoms and magnetic resonance imaging findings in patients with temporomandibular joint internal derangement

Objectives The purpose of this study was to clarify which findings in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are good predicators of pain and mouth opening limitation in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) internal derangement (ID). Materials and Methods Clinical examinations for pain and mouth opening limitation were conducted for suspected TMJ ID. MRI scans were taken within a week of clinical examinations. On the oblique-sagittal plane image, readings were obtained in terms of the functional aspect of disc position, degree of displacement, disc deformity, joint effusion, and osteoarthrosis. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the predictors of pain and mouth opening limitation. Results A total of 48 patients (96 TMJs) were studied, including 39 female patients and 9 male patients whose ages ranged from 10 to 65 years. The resultant data showed significant correlations between pain and the MR imaging of the degree of disc displacement (P<0.05). The probability of there being pain in moderate to significant cases was 9.69 times higher than in normal cases. No significant correlation was found between mouth opening limitation and MRI findings. Conclusion We identified a significant correlation between clinical symptoms and MRI findings of ID. The degree of anterior disc displacement may be useful for predicting pain in patients with TMJ ID.
Efficiently Mining Maximal 1-complete Regions from Dense Datasets

We propose a new search algorithm for maximal 1-complete regions in high dimensional dense binary datasets. A maximal 1-complete region indicates a potential functional cluster, and it is mathematically equivalent to a formal concept and also a closed itemset. Our algorithm is designed for dense datasets, where the percentage of 1's in the dataset is higher than 10%, and the total number of maximal 1-complete regions is much larger than the number of objects in the dataset. Our algorithm is memory efficient and unlike other closed set mining algorithms, it does not require all patterns mined so far to be kept in the memory. We show that our algorithm has solid theoretical foundations, and it is also very time efficient compared with other existing algorithms
The NICT/ATR speech synthesis system for the Blizzard Challenge 2008

This paper describes the development of the NICT/ATR speech synthesizer for the Blizzard Challenge 2008 and discuss the official results. The submitted system is based on the hidden Markov model speech synthesis technology and utilizes an improved excitation approach based on residual modeling, in order to remove artifacts related to the parametric way in which speech is synthesized. Although development time was limited, the results show that the system in question achieves good performance in terms of naturalness and intelligibility. Index Terms: speech synthesis, statistical parametric speech synthesis, Blizzard Challenge.
People Skills: Leading Virtual Teams - A Change Management Perspective

This is another in a series of articles about some of the most effective models, methods, and processes of organization development (OD), also known as change management, a discipline that offers much to professionals intent on solving real-world problems. Because it is based on a systemic view of organizations, OD includes the whole universe of fuzzy people issues that increasingly determine the success or failure of efforts to implement otherwise flawless technical solutions. This article examines the growing phenomenon of geographically distributed teams that interact primarily by using technology. The primary focus is on how modern leadership and change management principles and practices can enhance a leader's ability to overcome the challenges that such virtual teams present.
Neuroprotection against iron-induced cell death by perineuronal nets - an in vivo analysis of oxidative stress.

Perineuronal nets (PNs) are a specialized form of extracellular matrix, surrounding different types of neurons and mainly consist of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans connected to hyaluronan, stabilized by link protein and cross-linked via tenascin-R. Due to their polyanionic character, caused by the highly charged chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycan and hyaluronan components, PNs might be involved in local ion homeostasis. They are able to scavenge and bind redox-active ions and thus reduce the local oxidative potential. We investigated whether netenwrapped neurons are less vulnerable against iron-induced oxidative processes. Oxidative stress is a key factor in the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Iron is believed to contribute to oxidative stress in Alzheimer brains by catalyzing the generation of free radicals. For examining potential neuroprotective effects of PNs, mice were microinjected with 0. 2μl of a 20mM solution of FeCl3 into the barrel field while the control group received an equal volume of 0.9% NaCl. Brains were analyzed after time intervals of 24h and 72h. Neuronal degeneration was visualized using Fluoro-Jade B staining. The presence of PNs was assessed by Wisteria floribunda agglutinin histochemistry or aggrecan immunocytochemistry. The analysis showed a significant lower degeneration rate of net-ensheathed neurons in comparison to neurons without PNs. The results suggest a neuroprotective mechanism associated with the presence of PNs against iron-induced cell death.
Plasma membrane H+-ATPase regulation is required for auxin gradient formation preceding phototropic growth

Phototropism is a growth response allowing plants to align their photosynthetic organs toward incoming light and thereby to optimize photosynthetic activity. Formation of a lateral gradient of the phytohormone auxin is a key step to trigger asymmetric growth of the shoot leading to phototropic reorientation. To identify important regulators of auxin gradient formation, we developed an auxin flux model that enabled us to test in silico the impact of different morphological and biophysical parameters on gradient formation, including the contribution of the extracellular space (cell wall) or apoplast. Our model indicates that cell size, cell distributions, and apoplast thickness are all important factors affecting gradient formation. Among all tested variables, regulation of apoplastic pH was the most important to enable the formation of a lateral auxin gradient. To test this prediction, we interfered with the activity of plasma membrane H+‐ATPases that are required to control apoplastic pH. Our results show that H+‐ATPases are indeed important for the establishment of a lateral auxin gradient and phototropism. Moreover, we show that during phototropism, H+‐ATPase activity is regulated by the phototropin photoreceptors, providing a mechanism by which light influences apoplastic pH.
Topology of Energy Surfaces and Singularities of Curves

The differential topology of energy surfaces of integrable systems determines much of the behavior of the solutions of the corresponding nearintegrable systems. To study this topology, one constructs the ‘bifurcation set’ in the energy-momentum diagram. In the 2 degrees of freedom case, the bifurcation set is composed of curves and isolated points in R. It is proved that under natural non-degeneracy conditions, changes in the differential topology of energy surfaces of smooth 2 degrees of freedom integrable Hamiltonian systems imply that the bifurcation set must have singularities at the corresponding energy levels. The notion of the critical set, as the set of singularities of the bifurcation set, is introduced, and this set is divided to essential and non-essential parts. It is proved that generically, essential critical points appear if and only if the differential topology of the isoenergy manifolds changes at the corresponding energy levels. The proof of these two main theorems incorporates a concise description of the isoenergy surfaces near the bifurcation set and near the critical set using Fomenko graphs; thus, the structure of the energy surfaces near isolated fixed points, near circles of fixed points (normally hyperbolic or normally elliptic), near parabolic circles and near global bifurcations of separatrices of normally hyperbolic circles is completely classified and listed using Fomenko graphs. This may be viewed as completing Smale program for relating the energy surfaces structure to singularities of the energy-momentum mappings for generic integrable two degrees of freedom systems.
Variables motivacionales y cognitivas predictivas del rendimiento en estudiantes universitarios de Ciencias de la Salud

Introduccion: La motivacion, el aprendizaje y la ejecucion, presentan una relacion reciproca segun las ultimas investigaciones en aprendizaje autorregulado. La motivacion influye en el aprendizaje, los estudiantes organizan y elaboran mejor los materiales, se esfuerzan mas, piden ayuda con mas frecuencia y en definitiva estan mas comprometidos con la tarea academica. Por otro lado, la ejecucion y lo que los estudiantes aprenden y realizan, puede a su vez aumentar o disminuir la motivacion, a traves de variables como la autoeficacia. Objetivo: Establecer que variables motivacionales y cognitivas predicen el rendimiento academico y como lo hacen. Metodos: Se realizo un estudio descriptivo e inferencial con una muestra de 508 estudiantes de Ciencias de la Salud pertenecientes a dos universidades privadas espanolas, a la que se evalua a traves del MSLQ (Motivated Strategies For Learning Questionnaire adaptado), la utilizacion de estrategias cognitivas, metacognitivas, de gestion de recursos y motivacionales; despues, se realizo un modelo de regresion, tomando estas estrategias como variables independientes y el rendimiento medido a traves de las notas de los estudiantes como variable dependiente. Resultados: La autoeficacia para el rendimiento fue la variable que mejor predijo el rendimiento academico en los estudiantes universitarios de la muestra. Otras variables que tambien se relacionaron con el rendimiento fueron la gestion del tiempo y el lugar, la busqueda de ayuda y la meta de autoensalzamiento. Conclusiones: Los resultados academicos dependen de los metodos de evaluacion, del uso de estrategias cognitivas, metacognitivas, y motivacionales adecuadas al contexto instruccional, y de una mejor gestion de los recursos de aprendizaje. Estos hallazgos nos orientan a los docentes a proponer intervenciones educativas dirigidas a aumentar el uso de estrategias motivacionales y de aprendizaje en estudiantes universitarios.
Code Reviews Enhance Software Quality

This paper discusses a procedure for reviewing code changes that are made to a software product as it moves through its life cycle. In this procedure the technical manager reviews each change made to the code. The procedure succeeded in improving in product quality by 40% at a cost of 1-2% of the project effort.
JANE-The Java Ad Hoc Network Development Environment

This work describes a Java based development platform which is intended to support ad hoc network researchers in application and protocol design. Software development within this environment is expected to follow a bottom up approach. Basic functionality is implemented in elementary components which can be combined to more complex ones by using well defined interfaces. With dynamically changing network links being rather the common case than a failure situation, asynchronous communication has been selected as the main communication paradigm within this platform. Reusability of components in different execution contexts by providing an appropriate machine abstraction is a further important design decision which drove the platform development. Code written once can be executed in a pure simulation mode, in a hybrid setting with real devices being attached to a running simulation and, finally, in a setting using real devices only. Software development following this three-tier development process paired with the platform's rich visualization features emerged to significantly ease the burden of debugging and parameterizing in such highly dynamic and inherently distributed environments. In conjunction with a core middleware platform a rich set of generic services has been implemented with the most important ones being described in this work. Several application programs have already been implemented on top of these services. These applications which are described in this work as well serve as a proof of concept for both the platform itself and the utilized set of generic services
Economic impact assessment of sustainable management options of the elephant population in the Kruger Trans-frontier Park

The elephant population in the Kruger Trans-frontier Park is currently seen by many nature conservationists as beyond sustainable levels. Wild-life supporters are of the view that the elephant population should be sustained. Ecologists warn that over-population of the elephant population is putting too much stress on the environment, which may make it impossible to sustain other plant and wild life forms in the long run. The paper has as its main aim to evaluate Environmental (Ecological), Cultural, Economic and Social dimensions of sustainability using Economic Impact Analysis to appraise different options of managing the elephant population in the Kruger Trans-frontier Park. The authors believe that this research would contribute greatly to the debate in other parts of the world. If not managed properly, an overpopulation of elephants often leads to environmental degradation. Such degradation could lead to a loss in ecosystem function (indirect use value), which not only implies a loss in ecosystem productivity and resilience, but also the need for ecosystem restoration. The sometimes irreversible damage, such as the extinction of other animal and plant species caused as a result of overpopulation of elephant, is a direct cost to the environment and society. This cost is not reflected in, for example, the value an international tourist derives from viewing elephants in the park or protected area where the damage-causing specie lives. Studies undertaken thus far, are mainly based on an economic valuation of the elephant in relation to economic variables that are quantifiable, and also mainly under very limited assumptions. These are but some of the important issues considered in this paper in order to derive Best-Practice appraisal methodology. Although the authors suggest a cost-benefit analysis, it only offers very limited appraisal and the authors therefore argue in favor of a much more rigorous partial equilibrium analysis.
A New Video Codec Based on Compressed Sensing

In this paper, we propose a new video codec which combines a new compressed sensing theory and some critical ideas of traditional video codecs. Samples needed in the new codec are fewer than in traditional codecs, and the number of samples can be changed according to the encoding mode. The encoder works as a projector, which projects a high dimensional signal to a low dimensional domain, while the decoder works for the solution of underdetermined equations. The decoder is more complex than the encoder, and the process of decoding is no longer the inverse process of encoding. Compared with traditional codecs, the new codec is simpler, but high compression ratio and good quality of reconstructed video are obtained.
Review of Adult Learning and Literacy, Volume 5

This volume is the fourth in a series established by the National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy (NCSALL) to present and analyse the research literature and best practice on key issues in the field of adult learning and literacy in the US. The series is intended to inform those concerned with improving the quality of adult basic education (ABE), adult English for speakers of other languages (ESOL), and adult secondary education (ASE) programs. The volume begins with a review of significant developments in the field during the year. The papers included are both theoretical and practical and cover a wide range of topics essential to the success of adult education and literacy services in the US. The papers are as follows: The year 2002 in review / Thomas G. Sticht (p. 1-15); Adult literacy policy, scientifically based research, and evidence-based practice / Larry Mikulecky (p. 17-43); The General Educational Development (GED) credential: history, current research, and directions for policy and practice / John H. Tyler (p. 45-84); Massachusetts: a case study of improvement and growth of adult education services / John Comings and Lisa Soricone (p. 85-123); Volunteers in adult literacy education / Jennifer A. Sandlin and Ralf St. Clair (p. 125-154); Adult literacy in New Zealand / Alice Johnson Cain and John Benseman (p. 155-185); Metacognition, cognitive strategy instruction, and reading in adult literacy / Jennifer G. Cromley (p. 187-204); Resources on metacognition, cognitive strategy instruction, and reading in adult literacy / Jennifer G. Cromley (p. 205-220). Includes author and subject indexes.