Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sequential Tests of the Arbitrage Pricing Theory: A Comparison of Principal Components and Maximum Likelihood Factors

The authors examine the cross-sectional pricing equation of the arbitrage pricing theory using the elements of eigenvectors and the maximum likelihood factor loadings of the covariance matrix of returns as measures of risk. The results indicate that, for data assumed stationary over twenty years, the first vector is a surprisingly good measure of risk when compared with either a one-factor or a five-factor model or a five-vector model. The authors conclude that principal components analysis may be preferred to factor analysis in some circumstances. Copyright 1990 by American Finance Association.
Parente2: a fast and accurate method for detecting identity by descent

Identity-by-descent (IBD) inference is the problem of establishing a genetic connection between two individuals through a genomic segment that is inherited by both individuals from a recent common ancestor. IBD inference is an important preceding step in a variety of population genomic studies, ranging from demographic studies to linking genomic variation with phenotype and disease. The problem of accurate IBD detection has become increasingly challenging with the availability of large collections of human genotypes and genomes: Given a cohort’s size, a quadratic number of pairwise genome comparisons must be performed. Therefore, computation time and the false discovery rate can also scale quadratically. To enable accurate and efficient large-scale IBD detection, we present Parente2, a novel method for detecting IBD segments. Parente2 is based on an embedded log-likelihood ratio and uses a model that accounts for linkage disequilibrium by explicitly modeling haplotype frequencies. Parente2 operates directly on genotype data without the need to phase data prior to IBD inference. We evaluate Parente2’s performance through extensive simulations using real data, and we show that it provides substantially higher accuracy compared to previous state-of-the-art methods while maintaining high computational efficiency.
Reaction Times and Performance Variability in Normal Aging, Mild Cognitive Impairment, and Alzheimer's Disease

This study evaluated whether reaction times (RT) and performance variability are potential markers for the early detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Cognitively healthy elderly (n = 218), persons with amnestic MCI (a-MCI) (n = 29) and patients with AD (n = 50) were examined with RT tasks with increasing complexity, subdividing RT into a decision and a movement component. Persons with cognitive deterioration demonstrated more intra-individual variability and more slowing than cognitively healthy elderly. The slowing in AD affects both the cognitive and the motor component, while performance variability mainly affects the cognitive component of the RT. Although in a-MCI not all differences reached statistical significance, primarily the cognitive component of the RT is affected in a-MCI. Intra-individual variability and RT of the complex tasks are the best predictors for a-MCI and AD status, respectively. We conclude that performance variability can be regarded as a useful preclinical marker for AD.
Urban and rural differences in primary school attendance: an empirical study for Tanzania

There is evidence of growing disparities in primary schooling rates between urban and rural areas in Tanzania. This paper presents empirical estimates for the determinants of primary school attendance in Tanzania for the early 1990s, and provides a comparison of attendance rates between the urban and rural areas for a number of different age groups. All the estimated models provide adequate fits to the data and many of the estimated coefficients are consistent with prior expectations. A statistically significant differential in primary school attendance rates between urban and rural areas is detected for the age groups examined. On the basis of our estimates, a large part of the differential is attributable to differences in observed characteristics with an important role exerted by urban-rural differences in the measure used to proxy household income.
How is Her-2/neu status established when Her-2/neu and chromosome 17 centromere are both amplified?

Human cancers have somatic mutations composed of genetic sequences that are moved within the genome, modified, lost, or amplified in copy number. Although many genetic alterations have no apparent impact on cancer progression, 1 other genetic changes play critical roles in the disease process. Gene amplification, the process of duplicating a particular genetic sequence within the genome, has been shown to play a functionally important role in the development and progression of several human cancers including breast cancer. The additional genetic sequences in gene amplification take the form of a tandem array containing many copies of a repeating unit. The tandem repeated segments of genomic DNA are either arranged as extrachromosomal units (double minute chromosomes), or the tandem repeated array is integrated into the genome as a component of a chromosome (homogenously staining region), thus facilitating transmission to daughter cells. Not every gene in such a repeating genomic array is expressed, but for those genes that are expressed the level of expression is increased with increasing gene amplification. 2
Forward performance measurement and management integrated frameworks

Purpose - In recent years, performance measurement and management (PMM) has received much attention from researchers and practitioners. Despite the growing use of PMM systems, companies experience difficulty in implementing such systems, with consequent risk of partial benefits or total goal failure. The literature on PMM is quite vast, but only few of the models address the problem in its entirety, while many other works focus on specific issues related to PMM. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the state of the art of PMM models and propose an integrated framework as a base for performance measurement and management design. Design/methodology/approach - The evolution of the literature on PMM models and frameworks is highlighted starting from the development of the last twenty years. Further, the characteristics raised in the literature are merged so as to identify the milestones of an integrated performance measurement and management system. Based on it, an integrated framework is proposed as a base for a cohesive PMM design. Findings - The framework integrates five systems: a performance system, a cost system, a capability evaluation system, a benchmarking system and a planning system. Research limitations/implications - Though the proposed framework is a starting point for performance measurement and management design, it provides important guidelines for successful implementations of PMM initiatives inside companies. Practical implications - The paper elaborates on the findings in the literature through a review and explores how the framework proposed might be implemented and improved. Originality/value - The framework is based on the belief that PMM study requires an intensive and deep comprehension of the business in focus, which begins with a complete analysis of all the key activities in the company and their related drivers. Accordingly, the framework proposed starts with a defining “which” information should be analyzed, “how” they should be processed and “how” they should be integrated for generating valuable information to facilitate managers' decision-making processes.
Towards forecasting flu dynamics using a regionalized state space model

The emergence of H1N1 in 2009 and a subsequent pandemic onset illustrated the importance of developing effective models with useful predictive capabilities for infectious diseases. The early identification of epidemic peaks can help the authorities to strategize effective anti-epidemic plans. In this regard, we propose a particle filter approach using the Susceptible-Exposed-Infected and Recovered (SEIR) epidemic model. The epidemic model was integrated with an observation model characterizing real-time influenza-like illnesses (ILI) data originating from general practice / family doctors (GPFDs) located in Singapore. The systematic resampling algorithm used in our approach resulted in better parameter estimates and the approach was able to predict the ILI peak registered around Day 40. However, the current approach suffers a serious limitation in its sensitivity towards the initial prior distribution assumed. The shortcomings of the current approach can be overcome by using a regionalized approach. Future efforts will be dedicated towards initializing the prior based on region-specific socio-demographic variables. Such regionalized models can provide good insight concerning the execution of efficient region-specific anti-epidemic plans for preventing future pandemics.
The prevalence and incidence of lower extremity amputation in a diabetic population.

OBJECTIVE To describe the incidence of lower extremity amputations and sores or ulcers and investigate risk factors for these complications. DESIGN Cohort. SETTING Primary care. PARTICIPANTS Population-based sample (N = 1210) of younger-onset diabetic persons (diagnosed before age 30 years and taking insulin) and a stratified random sample (N = 1780) of older-onset diabetic persons (diagnosed after age 30 years). Baseline and 4-year follow-up examinations were completed by 996 and 891 younger-onset persons, respectively, and by 1370 and 987 older-onset persons, respectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Amputations and sores or ulcers of the lower extremities. RESULTS Four-year incidence of amputations was 2.2% in both groups. Incidence of sores or ulcers was 9.5% in younger-onset and 10.5% in older-onset persons. In younger-onset persons, significant risk factors for amputation with odds ratios (and 95% confidence intervals) include age, 2.0 for 10 years (1.2 to 3.1), history of sores or ulcers, 10.5 (3.7 to 29.8), diastolic blood pressure, 2.1 for 10 mm Hg (1.3 to 3.5), and pack-years smoked, 1.3 for 10 years (1.0 to 1.6). Risk factors for sores or ulcers include glycosylated hemoglobin, 1.6 for 2% (1.3 to 2.0), retinopathy, 1.3 for two steps (1.1 to 1.6), and current smoking, 2.3 (1.0 to 5.6). In older-onset persons, risk factors for amputation are history of sores or ulcers, 4.6 (1.7 to 12.2), proteinuria, 4.3 (1.6 to 11.5), glycosylated hemoglobin, 1.5 for 2% (1.0 to 2.2), sex, 2.8 for males (1.0 to 7.5), and duration of diabetes, 1.8 for 10 years (1.0 to 3.2). For sores or ulcers, risk factors are glycosylated hemoglobin, 1.6 for 2% (1.3 to 2.0), duration, 1.5 for 10 years (1.0 to 2.1), proteinuria, 2.2 (1.1 to 4.3), and diastolic blood pressure, 0.8 for 10 mm Hg (0.6 to 1.0). CONCLUSIONS Several factors offer potential for modification for the prevention of amputations but require further study. These include blood pressure, glycosylated hemoglobin, and smoking.
The impact of welfare reform for families with children: Evidence from New York: A report of the New York city social indicators center, Columbia university school of social work

Abstract This paper uses data from the Current Population Survey and administrative data from New York to simulate the poverty impact of the recent federal and state welfare reforms. We find that the federal welfare reforms would in the absence of additional state or local aid raise the poverty rate of families with children and the poverty gap (the amount needed to raise poor families’ incomes up to the poverty line). Although New York state and local welfare programs will offset much of this impact, we find that even with state and local aid, 16,000 families with children will move into poverty and 63,000 families with children, most of them already poor, will move into severe poverty, while the aggregate poverty gap will increase by nearly 25%.
Computer Aids to Mental Health Care

Computer systems are being used increasingly to aid the assessment and self-treatment of mental health problems in adults. Systems vary hugely in the extent to which they meet all patients ' assessment and therapy needs and save clinicians ' time. Hardly any single system 1) performs every task required from initial screening to the end of follow-up, 2) works 100% independently of contact with a clinician or technician, and 3) is widely available and supported. Most systems use desk- or laptop computers. Some now use palmtop (hand-held) computers. A few employ computerized phone interviews (interactive voice response), usually from home. Virtual reality as a tool is embryonic. Computer aids save time in screening and outcome-tracking in a wide variety of problems. Computer aids to treatment have had promising outcomes in phobic, anxiety, panic, and obsessive-compulsive disorders, nonsuicidal depression, obesity, and smoking cessation. Some systems are installed in a few places as part of everyday clinical care. A growing number should soon be robust enough to ease the lives of many patients, practitioners, and researchers if use of the systems is carefully integrated into normal clinical practice.
On testing the face validity of planning/problem-solving tasks in a normal population

Clinically, tests of executive functions tend to be chosen on face validity. If such tests are to be used to evaluate a clinical population, their ability to measure executive functions should be reliably demonstrated in a normal population. In order to investigate the reliability of such tests, a sample of 130 normal adults (74 women, 56 men) ages 17 to 55 years were administered 4 tests purporting to measure planning/problem-solving: the Tower of London Test, the Six Element Test, the Twenty Questions Test, and the Rey Complex Figure Test. A structural equation modeling approach provided by the LISREL 8 program was used to evaluate three models hypothesized to explain the relationship among the test variables and the latent construct of planning/problem-solving. An adequate model was unable to be estimated, thus raising questions about the meaning of the latent construct planning/problem-solving and the psychometric structure of the Tower of London Test. (JINS, 1997, 3, 108–119.)
Competition vs. Cooperation. An Experimental Inquiry

It is argued that the propensity to cooperate may be negatively affected by competition. Experimental evidence support this hypothesis. In a set of three experiments in which different degrees of competition characterize the markets, participants reduce their contributions to a public project as the degree of competition increases, from the benchmark case (no competition on the private market) up to the perfect competition case.
Beneficial Effect of Rituximab in Combination with Oral Cyclophosphamide in Primary Chronic Cold Agglutinin Disease

Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is an uncommon autoimmune hemolytic anemia characterized by B-cell proliferation. Conventional therapies for primary CAD such as corticosteroids, oral alkylating agents, splenectomy, interferon a, and plasma exchange are often ineffective at controlling the disease. The anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab (MabThera) depletes B-lymphocytes and thereby interferes with the production of cold agglutinin. We describe an elderly patient with primary (idiopathic) chronic CAD refractory to steroids who was successfully treated with 4 weekly infusions (375 mg/m2) of rituximab and 6 months of oral cyclophosphamide at a dosage of 60 mg/m2 per day. The increase in hemoglobin level and the decline in the plasma cold agglutinin titer were rapid (from the second rituximab infusion). The hematologic remission persisted for at least 8 months after treatment start, with no adverse effects. Rituximab and cyclophosphamide may be supplementary therapeutic modalities whose combination warrants further clinical investigation.
Women Entrepreneurship for Economic Growth and Development: A Framework

The entrepreneurial development process for women in India is increasingly being recognized as an important untapped source of economic growth since women entrepreneurs create new jobs for themselves and others and by being different also provide society with different solutions to management, organization and business problems. Women entrepreneurs see the world through a different lens and, in turn, do things differently. Daniel Pink’s book A Whole New Mind makes a case that in the twenty-first century, the most important growth industries will be in the realms of beauty, empathy, harmony, and other aesthetic and quality of life values. He makes the case that Asia, Automation, and Abundance will dictate this transformation. The author refers to a future in which both the left brain — analytical — and the right brain — intuitive and holistic — will be more valued than they have been in the past, especially when used together. It seems likely that the future will favor women entrepreneurs to a greater and greater extent.Even though we recognize that the journey of a woman entrepreneur is laid with huge challenges, the major one of them is the availability of finance at different stages of the life cycle of the enterprise. We would like to study this problem from both the demand and the supply side. This paper endeavors to create an awareness about the contribution of women enterprises to the economic development and also the need for creation of a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem for women entrepreneurs. This study is primarily based on extensive secondary research and insights drawn from own experience.
New Low-Profile Applicators for Local Heating of Tissues

A new type of low-profile applicator is described giving efficient power transfer to tissue with low leakage. It consists of a resonant element spaced from a ground plane by low-loss material having high relative permittivity and some relative permeability. This combination is covered by similar material which can be placed in direct contact with the tissue to be heated, or separated from it by a water bolus as required. Laboratory measurements using phantom materials show that these applicators are well matched and produce well defined and relatively uniform heating profiles. Applicators having maximum dimensions of 3-15 cm covering the frequency range 1000-100 MHz, respectively, are described. Penetration depths of at least 4 cm at 100-200 MHz are achieved. Tests on anesthetised pigs and some clinical assessment have confirmed the usefulness of this compact low-frequency type of applicator and have shown that performance compares favorably with that of other recently reported types. The design can be optimized for treatment of specific sites, and suitable choice of dimensions and electrical characteristics of the layer material allow the low-profile concept to be extended over a wide range of operating frequencies.
The Impact of the Economic Crisis on Euro-Mediterranean Relations

The ongoing global financial and economic crisis, which initially emerged in North America and Europe, has increasingly spread to emerging and developing countries, including the Southern Mediterranean. The global economic crisis could pose, and is posing, a number of challenges to Euro-Mediterranean relations. On the political front, it has contributed to further undermining the political reform agenda included in the Barcelona Process and the European Neighbourhood Policy. On the economic front, the crisis is jeopardising trade integration in the Euro-Mediterranean area and could slow down the pace of economic reforms supported by the European Union in Southern Mediterranean countries.
Two β‐globin cluster‐linked polymorphic loci in thalassemia patients of variable levels of fetal hemoglobin

Abstract: Objective: To correlate different polymorphisms of the β‐globin cluster with fetal hemoglobin (HbF) level in β‐thalassemia and E‐β thalassemia patients. Methods: Fifteen thalassemia patients, seven with high HbF and not requiring transfusion, eight with lower HbF and requiring transfusion were studied for β‐globin mutation, concurrent inheritance of α‐thalassemia, RFLP haplotype, a C→T polymorphism at −158 of Gγ and configuration of an (AT)xTy motif at −540 of β‐globin gene. Results: Senegal 5′β‐haplotype and the polymorphism at −158 of G was (P = 0.063) was linked to the high‐HbF phenotype but the (AT)9T5 configuration of the (AT)xTy motif was not (P = 0.6). Study of 30 chromosomes revealed 7 different configurations of the (AT)xTy motif. Association of these motifs with specific β‐globin mutations of this region has also been determined. Conclusion: The senegal haplotype and the polymorphism at −158 of G was linked to the high‐HbF phenotype.
From BTI variability to product failure rate: A technology scaling perspective

This work provides elements to highlight the reliability challenges related to the technology scaling and the BTI variability. Through main milestones including device reliability scaling model (for both mean and spread), a discussion on the physical origin of BTI variability and a digital IP failure rate analytical model, the evolution of digital IP failure rates along the ITRS scaling roadmap is assessed. and an analysis of the ITRS roadmap on digital IP failure rates. This study offers new perspectives towards product hardening and qualification with respect to both fresh and BTI-related local variability, especially in context where Adaptive Voltage Scaling (AVS) is used to compensate for process centerings.