Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Managerial Hedging, Equity Ownership and Firm Value

Suppose risk-averse managers can hedge the aggregate component of their exposure to firm's cash-flow risk by trading in financial markets but cannot hedge their firm-specific exposure. This gives them incentives to pass up firm-specific projects in favor of standard projects that contain greater aggregate risk. Such forms of moral hazard give rise to excessive aggregate risk in stock markets. In this context, optimal managerial contracts induce a relationship between managerial ownership and (i) aggregate risk in the firm's cash flows, as well as (ii) firm value. We show that this can help explain the shape of the empirically documented relationship between ownership and firm performance. Copyright (c) 2009, RAND.
Linear estimate-based look-ahead path metric for efficient soft-input soft-output tree detection

In this paper, we propose a new path metric, which improves performance of soft-input soft-output tree detection for iterative detection and decoding (IDD) systems. While the conventional path metric accounts for the contribution of symbols on a visited path due to the causal nature of tree search, the new path metric reflect the contribution of unvisited paths using an unconstrained soft estimate of undecided symbols. This path metric, referred to as a linear estimate-based look-ahead (LE-LA) path metric is applied to a soft-input soft-output M-algorithm that finds a list of promising symbol candidates and computes a posteriori probability of each entry of the symbol vector using the candidate list found. Through the analysis of a probability of correct path loss (CPL) and computer simulations, we show performance gain of the LE-LA path metric over the conventional path metric.
Software Design of Onboard DMI of Train Control System for High Speed Railways

In the process of controlling a high speed train, the driver is aware of the train operation status and the command information from the wayside equipment by observing the onboard DMI (driver-machine interface), and inputs the relevant parameters and commands according to the requirements, so as to realize the safe operation of train under the supervision and protection of the train control system. This paper analyzes the functional requirements and the design principles of onboard DMI and introduces the layout of onboard DMI, the software design of onboard DMI and some key technologies.
Sparse Matrix-Vector Multiplication on a Small Linear Array

A data-driven algorithm to compute a matrix-vector product on a linear array of processing elements is presented. This algorithm is based on an eecient construction that covers the nonzero entries of the matrix with staircases. The number of processing elements required equals the size of a minimal staircase cover of the matrix. The algorithm is shown to be superior to the algorithm of Melhem in terms of hardware requirements, while using exactly the same number of time steps. A question posed by Melhem is answered through a precise characterization of the number of time steps required for a particular matrix. Many problems from numerical linear algebra are eeciently solved on systolic, or data-driven, networks. EEcient systolic algorithms have been developed for a wide range of applications and VLSI implementations of such algorithms are of considerable importance in signal processing, relational query processing, and other real-time applications.
The LH/hCG Axis in Endometrial Cancer: A New Target in the Treatment of Recurrent or Metastatic Disease

Endometrial cancer (EC) is a hormone-dependent cancer that currently represents the most frequent malignancy of the female reproductive tract. The involvement of steroid hormones in EC etiology and progression has been reported. More recently, gonadotropins, and, in particular LH/hCG, are emerging as novel regulators of tumor progression. In the present review, we discuss the role of the LH/hCG axis (i.e. LH/hCG and its receptors, LH/hCG-R) in both gonadal and nongonadal tissues, in physiological and neoplastic conditions. In cancer cells, LH/hCG mainly controls cell proliferation and apoptosis. In particular, in EC LH/hCG improves cell invasiveness, through a mechanism which involves the LH/hCG-R, which in turn activate protein kinase A and modulate integrin adhesion receptors. Indeed, the LH/hCG-R mRNA is expressed in primary ECs and this expression correlates with LH/hCG-induced cell invasiveness in vitro. These results lead to hypothesize that recurrent and metastatic ECs, which express LH/hCG-R, could benefit from therapies aimed at decreasing LH levels, through Gn-RH analogues. Hence, the LH/hCG axis could represent a prognostic factor and a new therapeutic target in EC.
Exploring Boundary Concavities in Active Contours and Surfaces

Active contours and surfaces are deformable models used for 2D and 3D image segmentation. These models generally lack of convergence into boundary concavities, when segmenting highly concave objects. In this paper, we propose a method for exploring concavities, applicable on discrete active contours and surfaces deformed thanks to the greedy algorithm, which minimizes the energy functional. As a basis of this method, we introduce the gradient line energy (GLE), which goal is to make discrete parts of the surface coincide with boundaries, and the exploration force, computed from this energy, driving the surface into the object concavities. Our method lies on a general framework, enabling application on discrete 2D contours and 3D meshes with easy adaptation between both models.
Kahler moduli inflation

We show that under general conditions there is at least one natural inflationary direction for the Kahler moduli of type-IIB flux compactifications. This requires a Calabi-Yau which has h^{1,1}>2$>h2,1>h1,1>2 and for which the structure of the scalar potential is as in the recently found exponentially large volume compactifications. We also need - although these conditions may be relaxed - at least one Kahler modulus whose only non-vanishing triple-intersection is with itself and which appears by itself in the non-perturbative superpotential. Slow-roll inflation then occurs without a fine tuning of parameters, evading the η problem of F-term inflation. In order to obtain COBE-normalised density perturbations, the stabilised volume of the Calabi-Yau must be (105−107) in string units, and the inflationary scale Minfl ~ 1013 GeV. We find a robust model independent prediction for the spectral index of 1−2/Ne = 0.960→0.967, depending on the number of efoldings.
KNOWLEDGE INTENSIVE DESIGN SYSTEM – AN ATTEMPT FOR BETTER ENGINEERING ENVIRONMENT

Knowledge Management (KM) is an important issue in engineering. Enterprises engaged in knowledge-intensive work are facing challenges concerning to which extent the emerging collaboratively produced knowledge and tacit knowledge is identified, externalized, explicated, and productively utilized. Knowledge can be classified into explicit and tacit knowledge but also considered as social and cultural activity supported by technological facilities. An engineer surpasses his capabilities using both physical artifacts and support of social network. Knowledge building cannot be separated from social and technological infrastructures it is created / used in. Our approach makes a distinction between idea of KM and Information Management, which deals with the problemacy of capture-codify-store-use of information. Reasoning and problem solving in engineering can be divided into three types: deduction, induction and abduction. Knowledge intensive design system – should support especially abductive reasoning, i.e., decision making based on indefinite and controversive data and hints. In this research we studied how knowledge is built up in social engineering environment and reflected to the product development systems. There were three knowledge work situations: unofficial co-located discussions, product development meetings and independent engineering. In this paper we present an insight of knowledge capturing in those situations.
The Features of an Economy Model in the Crossborder Area – 3 H Model

As long as the countries transformed their economies, the demand for crossborder cooperation increased. The development of market economies especially in East European countries was joined by the increase of private companies and their expansion in these countries. The subsequent effect was the increase of disparities between the levels of economic development especially in the border areas (Hudak, 1996). Having in view the specific aspects, each country confronts certain social, geopolitical, economical, ecological or other kind of problems. The solution for these can be found and practiced by decisions for efficient economic policies. The economic policies from two or more related countries are not always compatible, which may lead to conflicts. The specificity of the crossborder areas can be embodied in certain models. Using as study case the Romania-Ukraine-Republic of Moldova crossborder area, we propose an intuitive model, 3H, that combines three layers – the one of center-periphery approach, the one of complex systems and the last of the hysteresis effect, further having a scenario analysis for the research geographic area. The 3H model can be explored at different complexity levels as far as concerns the research area of the proposed paper and it can be translated and approached similarly for any other geographic area of interest.
Atmospheric dynamics and the mass loss process in red supergiant stars

Context. Red supergiant stars represent a key phase in the evolution of massive stars. Recent radiative hydrodynamic simulations suggest that their atmospheres may be the location of large-scale convective motions. Aims. As supergiant convection is expected to generate supersonic motions and shocks, we seek constraints on these atmospheric motions and their possible relation with mass-loss rates. Methods. We present high-resolution, visible spectroscopy of a sample of red supergiants (spectral type M I) and analyse them with a tomographic technique. Results. We observe steep velocity gradients, characterising both upward and downward supersonic motions, which are time variable on time scales of a few hundred days. Conclusions. These convective motions will generate turbulent pressure, which will strongly decrease the effective gravity. We suggest that this decrease, combined with radiative pressure on molecular lines, initiate the mass loss in red supergiant stars.
Evaluation apprehension, and its effect on responses to counterattitudinal information /

3. When a map, drawing or chart, etc., was part of the material being photographed the photographer followed a definite method in "sectioning" the material. It is customary to begin photoing at the upper left hand corner of a large sheet and to continue photoing from left to right in equal sections with a small overlap. If necessary, sectioning is continued again — beginning below the first row and continuing on until complete.
Ovine Fetal Thymus Response to Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Chorioamnionitis and Antenatal Corticosteroids

Rationale Chorioamnionitis is associated with preterm delivery and involution of the fetal thymus. Women at risk of preterm delivery receive antenatal corticosteroids which accelerate fetal lung maturation and improve neonatal outcome. However, the effects of antenatal corticosteroids on the fetal thymus in the settings of chorioamnionitis are largely unknown. We hypothesized that intra-amniotic exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) causes involution of the fetal thymus resulting in persistent effects on thymic structure and cell populations. We also hypothesized that antenatal corticosteroids may modulate the effects of LPS on thymic development. Methods Time-mated ewes with singleton fetuses received an intra-amniotic injection of LPS 7 or 14 days before preterm delivery at 120 days gestational age (term = 150 days). LPS and corticosteroid treatment groups received intra-amniotic LPS either preceding or following maternal intra-muscular betamethasone. Gestation matched controls received intra-amniotic and maternal intra-muscular saline. The fetal intra-thoracic thymus was evaluated. Results Intra-amniotic LPS decreased the cortico-medullary (C/M) ratio of the thymus and increased Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 mRNA and CD3 expression indicating involution and activation of the fetal thymus. Increased TLR4 and CD3 expression persisted for 14 days but Foxp3 expression decreased suggesting a change in regulatory T-cells. Sonic hedgehog and bone morphogenetic protein 4 mRNA, which are negative regulators of T-cell development, decreased in response to intra-amniotic LPS. Betamethasone treatment before LPS exposure attenuated some of the LPS-induced thymic responses but increased cleaved caspase-3 expression and decreased the C/M ratio. Betamethasone treatment after LPS exposure did not prevent the LPS-induced thymic changes. Conclusion Intra-amniotic exposure to LPS activated the fetal thymus which was accompanied by structural changes. Treatment with antenatal corticosteroids before LPS partially attenuated the LPS-induced effects but increased apoptosis in the fetal thymus. Corticosteroid administration after the inflammatory stimulus did not inhibit the LPS effects on the fetal thymus.
Molecular Targeting of Carbonic Anhydrase IX in Mice with Hypoxic HT29 Colorectal Tumor Xenografts

Background Carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) is a membrane spanning protein involved in the enzymatic regulation of tumor acid-base balance. CAIX has been shown to be elevated in a number of hypoxic tumor types. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficiency of intact and IgG fragments of cG250 to target CAIX in vivo in a hypoxic tumor model. Methodology/Principal Findings Conventional biodistribution studies were performed with 111In-DO3A-cG250, 111In-DO3A-F(ab')2-cG250 and 111In-DO3A-Fab-cG250. Additional ex vivo analysis of the tumor was performed with markers for tumor hypoxia, blood perfusion and endogenous CAIX expression. All four data sets were digitally correlated to determine the optimal agent for determining hypoxia in a HT29 colon cancer xenograft. The HT29 human colorectal tumor xenografts show strong CAIX expression in hypoxic areas of poor blood perfusion. The intact IgG had an initial high focal uptake at the periphery of these hypoxic regions and penetration into the areas of highest CAIX expression over the 7-day study period. The lower molecular weight antibody fragments had a faster uptake into areas of high CAIX expression, but had a much lower absolute uptake at the optimal imaging times. Conclusions/Significance For the clinical detection of hypoxia induced CAIX using cG250 antibody based agents, imaging with the intact IgG at 7 days post injection would allow for the most sensitive and accurate detection of CAIX.
Back to the roots: When diversity evokes increased group-based conventionalism

Previous research has demonstrated that emphasizing diversity within superordinate groups can either improve or impair subgroup relations. The present research investigated whether this can depend on the way in which diversity is activated. We activated diversity by presenting central or peripheral subgroups. We tested the effects on group-based conventionalism and subgroup attitudes within the superordinate group of “metal music fans”. Participants were members of the (majority) subgroup of death metal fans. When the superordinate group’s diversity was activated with peripheral subgroups, death metal fans showed higher group-based conventionalism than in the condition in which central subgroups were presented. Group-based conventionalism mediated the relation between diversity activation and subgroup attitudes. Higher group-based conventionalism led to less positive subgroup attitudes (Experiments 1 and 2). However, this detrimental “back to the roots”-process did only occur for majority members who perceived a high overlap of their subgroup and the superordinate group (Experiment 2). Underlying factors of this process and practical implications for multicultural contexts are discussed.
Synthesis of a Waveguide Linear Array Antenna

Admittance characteristics of a rectangular radiating slot in the broad wall of a rectangular waveguide are evaluated by the method of moments, using a conventional approach for free space. The computed result shows excellent agreement with measured results. CST Microwave studio is used for the simulation and is totally based on FIT techniques. The approach considers the Taylor distribution with specific SLL for desired linear aperture array antenna. The formulation uses transmission matrix approach.
A phone recognizer helps to recognize words better

For most speech recognition systems dynamic features are the only way to incorporate temporal context into the output distributions of the HMM. In this paper we propose an efficient method to utilize a large context in the recognition process. State scores of a phone recognizer which runs in parallel to the word recognizer are computed. Integrating these scores in the HMM of the word recognizer makes their output densities context-dependent. The approach is evaluated on a set of spontaneous utterances which have been recorded with our spoken dialogue system. A significant reduction of the word error rate has been achieved.
Visualization Contest 2005 - All you need is ... - Particles!

The New Orleans data set visualized by means of particle tracing. The particle source is located at Poydras Street Wharf, Riverwalk Marketplace. With 735 x 125 x 50ft it has about the same size as the freighter Bright Field, though it is rectangular. Particles are emitted in a single burst to simulate the impact, and are then advected with the wind field. Note that while some particles are transported away rather quickly, others are captured in vortices and stay for a long time in the same region (most prominent in the foreground). This visualization was done using 64K semi-transparent, depth-sorted, and textured splats and runs at 25 fps. Without depth sorting, we achieve approximately 171 fps.
Functionalized Fullerene Increases NF-κB Activity and Blocks Genotoxic Effect of Oxidative Stress in Serum-Starving Human Embryo Lung Diploid Fibroblasts

The influence of a water-soluble [60] fullerene derivative containing five residues of 3-phenylpropionic acid and a chlorine addend appended to the carbon cage (F-828) on serum-starving human embryo lung diploid fibroblasts (HELFs) was studied. Serum deprivation evokes oxidative stress in HELFs. Cultivation of serum-starving HELFs in the presence of 0.1–1 µM F-828 significantly decreases the level of free radicals, inhibits autophagy, and represses expression of NOX4 and NRF2 proteins. The activity of NF-κB substantially grows up in contrast to the suppressed NRF2 activity. In the presence of 0.2–0.25 µM F-828, the DSB rate and apoptosis level dramatically decrease. The maximum increase of proliferative activity of the HELFs and maximum activity of NF-κB are observed at these concentration values. Conclusion. Under the conditions of oxidative stress evoked by serum deprivation the water-soluble fullerene derivative F-828 used in concentrations of 0.1 to 1 µM strongly stimulates the NF-κB activity and represses the NRF2 activity in HELFs.
Quality over quantity: Positive interactions during family meals in food-insecure households compensate for the negative impacts of household chaos on child emotional well-being, but not diet quality

Regularity of family meals is lower in households experiencing food insecurity, possibly due to higher amounts of chaos. This is a concern because regular family meals foster healthy physical and social development of children. Relationships between chaos and regularity and quality of family meal interactions are not well understood, particularly in food-insecure households. We studied family meal experiences of caregivers and children living in food-insecure households to better understand relationships between chaos and the regularity and quality of mealtime interactions using a qualitative study with 20 ethnically diverse caregiver-child (9-15 y) dyads living in food-insecure households in South Carolina. Caregivers and children participated separately in in-depth interviews about their daily activities, with an emphasis on their family mealtime experiences using 1 Rosemond, T.N. , Shapiro, C.J., Burke, M.P., Frongillo, E.A. , Blake, C.E. To be submitted to Appetite
Collaboration in ePortfolios with Web 2.0 tools in initial teacher training / La colaboración en eportafolios con herramientas de la Web 2.0 en la formación docente inicial

Abstract Collaboration is a specific process in the construction of portfolios. In the case of electronic portfolios, Web 2.0 tools make collaboration a key process. The process known as networking refers to the online connection and collaboration with others, which the social web contributes to the literature of electronic portfolios. This research describes and analyses the pilot implementation of an ePortfolio in the Early Childhood degree programme at the Ibiza Campus of the University of the Balearic Islands. The paper presents a qualitative research study which aims to understand collaborative students’ activity from multiple points of view. In view of this, the data collection techniques used are diverse: analysis of work done by students, Likert scale and group discussion. Atlas.ti software has been used to obtain a qualitative analysis of the students’ discourse. In general, the results show positive attitudes, with a gradual increase noticed in the students’ use of the tools and, finally, with collaboration being expressed in peer work, especially in relation to technology. The analysis carried out enables us to observe tensions between open tools, collaboration and assessment. The research has important implications for practice as it allows us to deduce how to improve the collaboration process in ePortfolios thanks to the introduction of Web 2.0 tools.