Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimal Monetary Policy in Developing Countries: The Role of Informality

In this paper, I analyze optimal monetary policy in developing countries whose labor markets are characterized by the presence of a large informal sector. I develop a closed economy model with nominal price and wage rigidities, search and matching frictions, and a dual labor market: a formal one characterized by matching frictions and nominal wage rigidities, and an informal one where wages are fully flexible. Under this framework, a trade-off between price and wage inflation emerges. I find that informality increases the response of price and wage inflation to aggregate productivity shocks. As a result, the presence of an informal sector increases the inefficient fluctuations of labor market variables, such as unemployment, labor market tightness, and formal hiring rate. I find that optimal policy with informality features significant deviations from price stability in response to aggregate productivity shocks. JEL classification: E26, E52, E12, E61.
Extending the T-design Concept

Let B be a family of k-subsets of a v-set V , with 1 less-than-or-equal-to k less-than-or-equal-to v/2. Given only the inner distribution of B i.e., the number of pairs of blocks that meet in j points (with j = 0, 1, . , k), we are able to completely describe the regularity with which B meets an arbitrary t-subset of V , for each order t (with 1 less-than-or-equal-to t less-than-or-equal-to v/2). This description makes use of a linear transform based on a system of dual Hahn polynomials with parameters v, k, t. The main regularity parameter is the dimension of a well-defined subspace of R(t+1), called the t-form space of B. (This subspace coincides with R(t+1) if and only if B is a t-design. ) We show that the t-form space has the structure of an ideal, and we explain how to compute its canonical generator.
Formulation, characterization, and optimization of aripiprazole-loaded lyotropic liquid crystalline nanoparticle for sustained release and better encapsulation efficiency against psychosis disorder

Lyotropic liquid crystalline nanoparticles (LLCNPs) have recently received much attention in the application of drug delivery systems, due to their ordered and versatile internal nanostructures that are considered as a key factor in improving loading efficiency of various poorly soluble therapeutic agents. To take advantage on their unique well-defined and flexible internal nanostructures, aripiprazole-loaded LLCNPs consisted of a binary mixture of soy phosphatidylcholine (SPC) and citric acid ester of monoglyceride (citrem) were developed in this study. Despite exhibiting low aqueous solubility which lead to difficulties in formulation, aripiprazole, a class of psychotropic drug called atypical anti-psychotics has been used in the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder with few side effects. The utmost interest in this study is to explore the potential of LLCNPs in improving the percentage of encapsulation efficiency (EE%) of aripiprazole, their effect on the internal nanostructure of LLCNPs mesophases as well as the drug release performance from LLCNPs. The particle size of drug-loaded LLCNPs produced was in the range of 161–186 nm, with polydispersity index (PDI) between 0.11–0.16, and negative zeta potential of -21.5 to -23.8 mV. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements indicated that the internal nanostructures of LLCNPs are of inverse hexagonal (H 2 ) with a negligible difference in the lattice parameter before and after drug loading. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe the morphology and overall size distribution of drug-free and drug-loaded nanodispersions, which supported both SAXS and particles size findings. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy demonstrated that aripiprazole interacted physically with binary mixture of citrem/SPC within the nanodispersions. Moreover, the results showed that aripiprazole was successfully encapsulated into LLCNPs nanoparticles, where the EE% was all above 92%. These LLCNPs were not only have a high EE% value, but also exhibited a sustained release performance of aripiprazole with the release capacity of around 97% up to 96 h. From the current study, the potential use of LLCNPs as a promising nanocarrier for aripiprazole delivery is anticipated to improve the pharmacokinetics of this drug whilst enduring the internal nanostructural stability of the LLCNPs upon exposure to physiological environment.
A high‐pulse‐repetition‐frequency CO2 Doppler lidar for atmospheric monitoring

A monostatic pulsed CO2 Doppler lidar operating in a short‐pulse (<1 μs), high‐pulse‐repetition‐frequency (≳1 kHz), low‐pulse energy (1–10 mJ) mode has been developed for Doppler and return‐power measurements within the planetary boundary layer. The system has achieved near‐quantum‐limited performance, demonstrating a Doppler measurement capability to approximately 5 km with pulse energies of 1–2 mJ.
Effects of Future Increases in Tidal Flooding on Salinity and Groundwater Dynamics in Coastal Aquifers

Future increases in the frequency of tidal flooding due to sea level rise (SLR) are likely to affect pore water salinities in coastal aquifers. In this study, we investigate the impact of increased tidal flooding frequency on salinity and flow dynamics in coastal aquifers using numerical variable‐density variably‐saturated groundwater flow and salt transport models. Short (sub‐daily) and long (decadal) period tides are combined with SLR projections to drive continuous 80‐year models of flow and salt transport. Results show that encroaching intertidal zones lead to both periodic and long‐term vertical salinization of the upper aquifer. Salinization of the upper aquifer due to tidal flooding forces the lower interface seaward, even under SLR. System dynamics are controlled by the interplay between SLR and long period tidal forcing associated with perigean spring tides and the 18.6‐year lunar nodal cycle. Periodic tidal flooding substantially enhances intertidal saltwater‐freshwater mixing, resulting in a 6‐ to 10‐fold expansion of the intertidal saltwater‐freshwater mixing area across SLR scenarios. The onset of the expansion coincides with extreme high water levels resulting from lunar nodal cycling of tidal constituent amplitudes. The findings are the first to demonstrate the combined effects of gradual SLR and short and long period tides on aquifer salinity distributions, and reveal competing influences of SLR on saltwater intrusion. The results are likely to have important implications for coastal ocean chemical fluxes and groundwater resources as tidal flooding intensifies worldwide.
Destination loyalty and pandemic risks: Revisiting the study of tourist loyalty during the covid-19 pandemic

This paper examines how tourist behaviour is conditioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, developing a theoretical framework that considers not only traditional variables such as image, satisfaction, and variety seeking, but also the risks perceived during a pandemic to better explain loyalty towards a tourist destination. Moreover, the paper explores whether the effects of these variables differ in loyalty formation if people who consider visiting a destination in their country again are compared to people who contemplate travelling again to an international destination. Empirical evidence from a survey sample comprising more than 1000 Spanish tourists shows that pandemic-related risks differently influence the tourist loyalty dimensions intention to revisit and recommend both a national destination (441 respondents) and an international destination (600 respondents). Finally, affective image and satisfaction are the main drivers of loyalty in both subsamples.
The Artistic Vanguards and the Bridges: Innovation and Transversality of Engineering and Other Arts

This article critically reviews the development of painting art and the engineering of bridges in the first half of the 20th century. It shows that the expression of thought is directed towards innovation at a certain historical moment and non-imitation as a professional ethos. The vision is articulated through a multilevel perspective, including the social shaping of technology. The different milestones are chronologically compared following the Artistic Vanguards. It is shown that there was an accumulation of radical, disruptive innovation in the period between the World Wars. New tools to develop creativity were sought, and new figurative solutions and materials, such as concrete for bridge construction, began to be employed. The impressionist Monet and Eiffel and the cubist Picasso and Ribera deeply comprehended the previous techniques and dared to challenge them. The transversality of art and engineering is key to the innovation process.
Forces required to operate controls on agricultural all-terrain vehicles: implications for youth

Abstract All-terrain vehicle (ATV) crashes are among the leading causes of injury and death among youth in the agriculture industry. It is hypothesised that youth are involved in ATV-related incidents because they cannot effectively activate the vehicle’s controls. This study evaluated potential discrepancies between the required activation forces of the controls of fifty-four utility ATVs and the strength of male-and-female youth of varying ages (6–20 years old) and strength percentiles (5th, 50th, and 95th). The activation forces of the ATVs’ controls were measured experimentally, while the youth’s corresponding strength was retrieved from the literature. The results of this study demonstrated a physical mismatch between the forces required to operate ATV controls and youth’s strength. Turning the handlebar, pressing the footbrake, and pushing the ATV off are the most difficult tasks for ATV operation. These discrepancies compromise the youth’s ability to ride ATVs, increasing their risk of crashes. Practitioner summary: Previous studies indicate that some youth engage in ATV incidents because they cannot activate the vehicle’s controls. We measured the forces required to operate eight ATV controls and compared them with the youth’s corresponding strength. Our results demonstrated physical mismatches between the forces required to operate ATV controls and the youth’s strength.
A DISTRIBUTION FUNCTION APPLICABLE TO OFFICE NOISE STUDY

Noise measurements were performed in 27 air-conditioned landscaped offices in the present investigation. From the measured equivalent sound pressure levels, percentile levels and noise level cumulative distributions, it is found that linear relationships exist between percentile levels and the equivalent sound pressure level. A new distribution function is proposed in the present study to describe the cumulative distribution as well as the probability density function of noise in air-conditioned landscaped offices. Higher order moments of the noise statistics can then be found. Results also enable the estimation of the above noise statistics from equivalent sound pressure levels and will be beneficial to the evaluation of existing offices and the setup of specifications for new commercial offices.
Semiparametric score test for varying copula parameter in Markov time series

This article examines a semiparametric test for checking the constancy of serial dependence via copula models for Markov time series. A semiparametric score test is proposed for testing the constancy of the copula parameter against stochastically varying copula parameter. The asymptotic null distribution of the test is established. A semiparametric bootstrap procedure is employed for the estimation of the variance of the proposed score test. Illustrations are given based on simulated series and historic interest rate data.
Products of indecomposable, aperiodic, stochastic matrices

exists and all the rows of Q are the same. SIA matrices are defined differently in books on probability theory; see, for example, [1] or [2]. The latter definition is more intuitive, takes longer to state, is easier to verify, and explains why the probabilist is interested in SIA matrices. A theorem in probability theory or matrix theory then says that the customary definition is equivalent to the one we have given. The latter is brief and emphasizes the property which will interest us in this note. We define S(P) by
Tissue sealing versus suture ligation in open canine ovariectomy: Surgical times, intraoperative nociceptive response and frequency of complications

Abstract Background In this study, we compared two different techniques currently used for open canine ovariectomy: traditional method utilising absorbable suture and vessel sealing device (ENSEAL® Ethicon Endo‐Surgery, Cincinnati, OH). Objectives The aim of this study was to compare the surgical times, intraoperative nociceptive response and the frequency of intraoperative complications in the canine ovariectomy procedure using these two techniques. Methods Forty bitches were randomly divided into two groups. The Control Group (C) will use a classic open surgery approach using ligatures with absorbable suture and ovarian resection with a scalpel blade. In the Group E, resection of ovarian structures was performed with ENSEAL® tissue sealer device. For each dog the surgical times, the intraoperative nociceptive response (measuring heart rate, respiratory rate and non‐invasive blood pressure) and the intraoperative complications were measured to compare the effectiveness of the two techniques. Results The results of this study showed that the procedures performed using ENSEAL® were faster than the traditional techniques using surgical suture. Instead, the results regarding the nociception and the safety of the two procedures are similar. Conclusions The present study shows that the use of ENSEAL® significantly shortened the surgical time. Meanwhile, its use was found to be similarly safe and efficient in terms of intra‐operative nociception, as the classical techniques with absorbable suture. Canine ovariectomy using ENSEAL® device is more practical and faster than the traditional technique; the routine use of this device is considered a useful alternative for the canine neutering.
Active Electric Distribution Network: Applications, Challenges, and Opportunities

Traditional electrical power grids are transitioning from centralised operation with unidirectional energy and information flows (from the generation domain to customers) to smart grids with decentralised mode of operation and bidirectional flows. This reversal of traditional power flow direction is due to the connections of active loads such as distributed energy resources (DERs) and renewable energy sources close to the distribution network. Through advanced and sophisticated information and communication technologies (ICTs), efficient DER management and various applications for reliable and secure power delivery are enabled. However, before the adoption of any ICT solution in the grid, several challenges remain, which include interoperability, security and privacy concerns, and the ever-increasing demands to support various services and applications. Although the information within the grid is becoming more visible because of bidirectional communication flow, this only applies to transmission networks and not active distribution networks, which house numerous smart grid applications. There is also little research that supports the automatic operation of active distribution networks. Hence, this article explores and reviews active distribution network communication technologies, as well as the applications and communication standards. This review paper also highlights issues and challenges with active distribution networks and opportunities and research trends in the distribution domain from an ICT perspective.
NON-LINEAR VIBRATION OF A MULTILAYER SANDWICH BEAM WITH VISCOELASTIC LAYERS

Abstract A finite element formulation combined with a new material model has been developed for the traditional multilayer beam incorporating viscoelastic material having non-linear behavior. The viscoelastic material was confined between the stiff layers and worked as a damping layer. A non-linear dynamic analysis in the time domain was carried out for the multilayer beam subjected to dynamic loadings. In the analysis the boundary conditions for the beam are either simple or clamped and the exerted loadings include transient impulse loading, harmonic excitation and a random type process. The non-linear responses in the time domain for the multilayer sandwich beam containing the viscoelastic material were compared to one without the viscoelastic material. The time domain dynamic behavior for the multilayer beam with the variant boundary conditions, dimensions and loading types is also discussed.
The Meridional Variation of the Eddy Heat Fluxes by Baroclinic Waves and Their Parameterization

Abstract The meridional and vertical eddy fluxes of sensible heat produced by small-amplitude growing baroclinic waves are calculated using solutions to the two-level model with horizontal shear in the mean flow. The results show that the fluxes are primarily dependent on the local baroclinicity, i.e., the local value of the isentropic slopes in the mean state. Where the slope exceeds the critical value, the transports are poleward and upward; where the slope is less than the critical value, the transports are equatorward and downward. These results are used to improve an earlier parameterization of the tropospheric eddy fluxes of sensible heat based on Eady's model. Comparisons with observations show that the improved parameterization reproduces the observed magnitude and sign of the eddy fluxes and their vertical variations and seasonal changes, but the maximum in the poleward flux is too near the equator. The corresponding parameterizations for the eddy coefficients describing the transport of any cons.
Algorithmes et architectures pour ordinateurs quantiques supraconducteurs

Depuis sa formulation, la theorie de l'information a ete basee, implicitement, sur les lois de la physique classique. Une telle formulation est toutefois incomplete puisqu'elle ne tient pas compte de la realite quantique. Au cours des vingt dernieres annees, l'expansion de la theorie de l'information, de facon a englober les effets purement quantiques, a connu un interet grandissant. La realisation d'un systeme de traitement de l'information quantique, un ordinateur quantique, presente toutefois de nombreux defis. Dans cet ouvrage, on s'interesse a differents aspects concernant ces defis. On commence par presenter des concepts algorithmiques comme l'optimisation de calculs quantiques et le calcul quantique geometrique. Par la suite, on s'interesse a differents designs et aspects de l'utilisation de qubits bases sur les jonctions Josephson. On presente entre autres une approche originale pour l'interaction entre qubits. Cette approche est tres generale puisqu'elle peut etre appliquee a differents designs de qubits. Finalement, on s'interesse a la lecture des qubits supraconducteurs de flux. Le detecteur suggere ici a l'avantage de pouvoir etre decouple du qubit lorsqu'il n'y a pas de mesure en cours.
Integer-based, post-compression rate-distortion optimization computation in JPEG2000 compression

An integer-based, post-compression rate-distortion optimization (PCRD-Opt) algorithm for JPEG2000 rate control is presented. The distortion estimation, described in the JPEG2000 standard, requires noninteger processing, and the overwhelming computational burden on JPEG2000 is the distortion calculation, which is calculated for every bit of the uncompressed image. An integer-based approach for distortion calculation is proposed. The proposed method reduces the computational requirements for PCRD-Opt within the Tier I encoder, as well as provides a more straightforward algorithm for embedded processing, requiring no distortion lookup tables (LUTs) for proper distortion computation. The proposed integer-based method improves upon the PCRD-Opt method described in the standard. Specifically, the proposed method reduces the Tier I processing time from a direct implementation of PCRD-Opt by approximately 39% on average and reduces the overall JPEG2000 processing by 34%. The proposed method reduces the Tier I processing time from an offline implementation of PDRD-Opt utilizing LUTs by approximately 21% on average, and reduces the overall JPEG2000 processing by 19%. The proposed integer-based distortion estimation provides a rate-distortion curve equivalent to both the direct and offline PCRD methods described in the standard.
Associations between serum electrolyte and short-term outcomes in patients with acute decompensated heart failure

Abstract Introduction There is a dearth of comprehensive studies on the association between serum electrolyte and adverse short-term prognosis of Chinese patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Patients and methods A total of 5166 patients with ADHF were divided into four serum electrolyte-related study populations (potassium (n = 5145), sodium (n = 5135), chloride (n = 4966), serum total calcium (STC) (n = 4143)) under corresponding exclusions. Different logistic regression models were utilized to gauge the association between these electrolytes or the number of electrolyte abnormalities and the risk of a composite of all-cause mortality or 30-day heart failure (HF) readmission. Results In multivariable adjusted analysis, patients with potassium below 3.5 mmol/L (odds ratios (ORs) 1.45; 95% confidence interval (CI):1.07–1.95), 4.01–4.50 mmol/L (OR: 1.29, CI: 1.02–1.62), 4.51–5.00 mmol/L (OR: 1.43, CI: 1.08–1.90) and above 5.00 mmol/L (OR: 1.74, CI: 1.21–2.51) had an increased risk of outcome when compared with potassium at 3.50–4.00 mmol/L. Sodium levels were inversely related to the risk of a composite outcome (<130 mmol/L: OR: 2.73 (95% CI, 1.81–4.12); 130–134 mmol/L: OR, 1.97 (CI, 1.45–2.68); 135–140 mmol/L: OR, 1.45 (CI, 1.17–1.81); p for trend < 0.001) in comparison with sodium at 141–145 mmol/L. Chloride < 95 mmol/L corresponded to a higher risk of a composite outcome with an OR of 1.65 (95% CI, 1.16–2.37) in contrast to chloride levels at 101–105 mmol/L. In addition, the adjusted ORs (95% CI) for a composite outcome comparing the STC < 2.00 and 2.00–2.24 vs. 2.25–2.58 mmol/L were 0.98 (0.69–1.43) and 1.13 (0.89–1.44), respectively. Besides that, the number of electrolyte abnormalities was positively related to the risk of a composite outcome (N = 1, OR 1.40, 95% CI: 1.13–1.73; N = 2, OR 2.51, 95% CI: 1.85–3.42; N = 3, OR 2.47, 95% CI: 1.45–4.19; p for trend < 0.001) in comparison with N = 0. Conclusions A deviation of potassium levels from 3.50 to 4.00 mmol/L, lower sodium levels and hypochloremia were associated with poorer short-term prognosis of ADHF. Furthermore, the number of electrolyte abnormalities positively correlated with adverse short-term prognosis of patients with ADHF. Key Messages ADHF patients with baseline serum potassium at first half part of normal range (3.50–4.00 mmol/L) may herald the lowest risk of recent cardiovascular events. Serum sodium and chloride levels exhibit discrepancies in terms of risk of short-term adverse events of ADHF patients. The number of electrolyte abnormalities is a significant predictor of poor short-term prognosis in patients with ADHF. Clinical trial registration URL http://www.chictr. org.cn/showproj.aspx? proj=23139. Unique identifier: ChiCTR-POC-17014020.
Global output regulation for output feedback systems with an uncertain exosystem and its application

This paper presents the solvability conditions for the global robust output regulation problem for a class of output feedback systems with an uncertain exosystem by using output feedback control. An adaptive control technique is used to handle the unknown parameter vector in the exosystem. It is shown that this unknown parameter vector can be exactly estimated asymptotically if a controller containing a minimal internal model is employed. The effectiveness of our approach has been illustrated by an asymptotic tracking problem of a generalized fourth‐order Lorenz system. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.