Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Potential Pitfalls for the Purchasing-Power-Parity Puzzle? Sampling and Specification Biases in Mean-Reversion Tests of the Law of One Price

The PPP puzzle is based on empirical evidence that international price differences for individual goods (LOOP) or baskets of goods (PPP) appear highly persistent or even non-stationary. The present consensus is these price differences have a half-life that is of the order of five years at best, and infinity at worst. This seems unreasonable in a world where transportation and transaction costs appear so low as to encourage arbitrage and the convergence of price gaps over much shorter horizons, typically days or weeks. However, current empirics rely on a particular choice of methodology, involving (i) relatively low-frequency monthly, quarterly, or annual data, and (ii) a linear model specification. In fact, these methodological choices are not innocent, and they can be shown to bias analysis to-wards findings of slow convergence and a random walk. Intuitively, if we suspect that the actual adjustment horizon is of the order of days then monthly and annual data cannot be expected to reveal it. If we suspect arbitrage costs are high enough to produce a substantial band of inaction' then a linear model will fail to support convergence if the process spends considerable time random-walking in that band. Thus, when testing for PPP or LOOP, model specification and data sampling should not proceed without consideration of the actual institutional context and logistical framework of markets.
Preparation and Characterization of TiO2-Hybrid SiO2 Porous Film

Porous silicon films are currently under intense investigation for optical, photoelectric, thermal and electronic applications. In this work, the silica films have been prepared by a sol-gel process using a CTAB template. As an improvement, TiO2 was doped in silica sol to produce the TiO2-hybrid SiO2 Porous Film, and the hydrophobic activation of the film was carried out. The chemical and physical changes during sol-gel process were analyzed using DSC-TGA and FTIR. The structure and morphology of films were characterized by XRD and AFM. The experimental results show that the fabricated films have a nano-porous structure. The porous silica film (mean pore size 50 nm) is about 500 nm thick. The mechanical reliability of the film is well, and the contact angle of film is above 90 ° after hydrophobic activation. Key words-thin films; nano-porous; sol-gel growth; hybrid
A decision-theoretic approach to database selection in networked IR

In networked IR, a client submits a query to a broker, which is in contact with a large number of databases. In order to yield a maximum number of documents at minimum cost, the broker has to make estimates about the retrieval cost of each database, and then decide for each database whether or not to use it for the current query, and if, how many documents to retrieve from it. For this purpose, we develop a general decision-theoretic model and discuss different cost structures. Besides cost for retrieving relevant versus nonrelevant documents, we consider the following parameters for each database: expected retrieval quality, expected number of relevant documents in the database and cost factors for query processing and document delivery. For computing the overall optimum, a divide-and-conquer algorithm is given. If there are several brokers knowing different databases, a preselection of brokers can only be performed heuristically, but the computation of the optimum can be done similarily to the single-broker case. In addition, we derive a formula which estimates the number of relevant documents in a database based on dictionary information.
Capacity & coverage enhancement of wireless communication using smart antenna system

Regularly increasing number of the subscribers in a specific area has compelled the network providers to search for different ideas to vigorously optimise the sector for increase of coverage & capacity with the quality of service in consideration. The researches on smart antenna systems have shown that they are sufficient for providing vigorous network performance. Network providers are required to calculate the gain representing the performance that can be find out by using this smart antenna system and a detailed estimation of its propagation results is a most priority factor of consideration for the dynamic improvement of network performance. Here, in this paper we represents a detailed performance analysis of wireless network performance with the use of this smart antenna system.
Evaluation of potential infectivity of Alzheimer and Parkinson disease proteins in recipients of cadaver-derived human growth hormone.

IMPORTANCE Growing evidence of cell-to-cell transmission of neurodegenerative disease (ND)-associated proteins (NDAPs) (ie, tau, Aβ, and α-synuclein) suggests possible similarities to the infectious prion protein (PrPsc) in spongiform encephalopathies. There are limited data on the potential human-to-human transmission of NDAPs associated with Alzheimer disease (AD) and other non-PrPsc ND. OBJECTIVE To examine evidence for human-to-human transmission of AD, Parkinson disease (PD), and related NDAPs in cadaveric human growth hormone (c-hGH) recipients. DESIGN We conducted a detailed immunohistochemical analysis of pathological NDAPs other than PrPsc in human pituitary glands. We also searched for ND in recipients of pituitary-derived c-hGH by reviewing the National Hormone and Pituitary Program (NHPP) cohort database and medical literature. SETTING University-based academic center and agencies of the US Department of Health and Human Services. PARTICIPANTS Thirty-four routine autopsy subjects (10 non-ND controls and 24 patients with ND) and a US cohort of c-hGH recipients in the NHPP. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Detectable NDAPs in human pituitary sections and death certificate reports of non-PrPsc ND in the NHPP database. RESULTS We found mild amounts of pathological tau, Aβ, and α-synuclein deposits in the adeno/neurohypophysis of patients with ND and control patients. No cases of AD or PD were identified, and 3 deaths attributed to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) were found among US NHPP c-hGH recipients, including 2 of the 796 decedents in the originally confirmed NHPP c-hGH cohort database. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Despite the likely frequent exposure of c-hGH recipients to NDAPs, and their markedly elevated risk of PrPsc-related disease, this population of NHPP c-hGH recipients does not appear to be at increased risk of AD or PD. We discovered 3 ALS cases of unclear significance among US c-hGH recipients despite the absence of pathological deposits of ALS-associated proteins (TDP-43, FUS, and ubiquilin) in human pituitary glands. In this unique in vivo model of human-to-human transmission, we found no evidence to support concerns that NDAPs underlying AD and PD transmit disease in humans despite evidence of their cell-to-cell transmission in model systems of these disorders. Further monitoring is required to confirm these conclusions.
Left atrial volume: predictor of atrial fibrillation in patients with degenerative mitral regurgitation.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY In patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) due to degenerative mitral valve prolapse (MVP), preoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) has been identified as an independent predictor of survival after surgery for MR. Thus, the determinants of preoperative AF may have critical implications to evaluate the timing of mitral valve repair. The study aim was to investigate the role of left atrial (LA) volume in predicting preoperative AF in patients with severe MR due to degenerative MVP. METHODS Sixty-six patients with severe degenerative MR (regurgitant volume > or =60 ml, regurgitant fraction > or =50%, effective regurgitant orifice area > or =0.4 cm(2)) in sinus rhythm (SR) at diagnosis and conservatively managed were eligible for the study. Complete two-dimensional (2-D) echocardiographic and Doppler measurements, including the measurement of maximum LA volume, were performed in all patients. RESULTS During follow up under conservative management (18.1+/-4.8 months), eight patients (12%) experienced conversion to AF, and 58 remained in SR. The mean LA dimension was 4.0+/-0.5 cm in patients with SR, and 5.1+/-0.8 cm in those who developed AF (p <0.0001). The mean LA volume and LA volume index (indexed to body surface area) were 95 +/-23 ml and 60+/-14 ml/m(2) respectively in patients with SR, and 166+/-66 ml and 104+/-42 ml/m(2) respectively in those who developed AF (both p <0.0001). The optimal cut-off value for LA volume to predict AF conversion was 117.5 ml (sensitivity 88%, specificity 83%), and for LA volume index was 75 ml/m(2) (sensitivity 88%, specificity 88%). CONCLUSION LA volume measurement should be considered in patients with degenerative severe MR diagnosed in SR. A LA volume index > or =75 ml/m(2) reflects the risk of subsequent AF, and patients should be closely monitored.
Subgroup Discovery on Big Data: Exhaustive Methodologies Using Map-Reduce

Subgroup Discovery is a flexible supervised local pattern mining method whose aim is to discover interesting subgroups with respect to one property of interest. Although many efficient algorithms have been developed in this field, the growing interest in data storage has provoked that the datasets are larger and larger hampering their performance. In this paper, two new algorithms to discover subgroups on Big Data have been proposed. In this regard, the MapReduce paradigm has been considered and in concrete Apache Spark was used to face up the Big Data requirements. The experimental study considers more than 40 high dimensional datasets and a set of efficient algorithms on the subgroup discovery field. Search spaces bigger than 3.3 10^13 available subgroups are used. The experimental analysis demonstrates that the proposed algorithms obtain excellent results in efficiency, demonstrating the usefulness of using Apache Spark in the field.
Latent variables and the network perspective

Abstract We discuss the latent variables construct, particularly in regard to the following: that latent variables are considered as the sole explanatory factor of a disorder; that pragmatic concerns are ignored; and that the relationship of these variables to biological markers is not addressed. Further, we comment on the relationship between bridge symptoms and causality, and discuss the proposal in relationship to other constructs (endophenotypes, connectionist-inspired networks).
Neural system prediction and identification challenge

Can we infer the function of a biological neural network (BNN) if we know the connectivity and activity of all its constituent neurons? This question is at the core of neuroscience and, accordingly, various methods have been developed to record the activity and connectivity of as many neurons as possible. Surprisingly, there is no theoretical or computational demonstration that neuronal activity and connectivity are indeed sufficient to infer the function of a BNN. Therefore, we pose the Neural Systems Identification and Prediction Challenge (nuSPIC). We provide the connectivity and activity of all neurons and invite participants (1) to infer the functions implemented (hard-wired) in spiking neural networks (SNNs) by stimulating and recording the activity of neurons and, (2) to implement predefined mathematical/biological functions using SNNs. The nuSPICs can be accessed via a web-interface to the NEST simulator and the user is not required to know any specific programming language. Furthermore, the nuSPICs can be used as a teaching tool. Finally, nuSPICs use the crowd-sourcing model to address scientific issues. With this computational approach we aim to identify which functions can be inferred by systematic recordings of neuronal activity and connectivity. In addition, nuSPICs will help the design and application of new experimental paradigms based on the structure of the SNN and the presumed function which is to be discovered.
Wearable Sensor Systems for Infants

Continuous health status monitoring of infants is achieved with the development and fusion of wearable sensing technologies, wireless communication techniques and a low energy-consumption microprocessor with high performance data processing algorithms. As a clinical tool applied in the constant monitoring of physiological parameters of infants, wearable sensor systems for infants are able to transmit the information obtained inside an infant's body to clinicians or parents. Moreover, such systems with integrated sensors can perceive external threats such as falling or drowning and warn parents immediately. Firstly, the paper reviews some available wearable sensor systems for infants; secondly, we introduce the different modules of the framework in the sensor systems; lastly, the methods and techniques applied in the wearable sensor systems are summarized and discussed. The latest research and achievements have been highlighted in this paper and the meaningful applications in healthcare and behavior analysis are also presented. Moreover, we give a lucid perspective of the development of wearable sensor systems for infants in the future.
Dynamic lookahead mechanism for conserving power in multi-player mobile games

As the current generation of mobile smartphones become more powerful, they are being used to perform more resource intensive tasks making battery lifetime a major bottle-neck. In this paper, we present a technique called dynamic AoV lookahead for reducing wireless interface power consumption upto 50% while playing a popular, yet resource intensive, mobile multiplayer games.
Design of charging system based on three level structure for ultracapacitor light rail vehicles

Ultracapacitor has been utilized as main power in light rail vehicles due to its characteristic of high energy-efficiency and fast response. In real application, ultracapacitor needs to be charged rapidly by charging systems when the vehicle parks at platform. However, it is typically challenging to design a rapid high power charging system with good dynamic performance. In this paper, a novel topology for ultracapacitor charging system is proposed to replace traditional buck charging system. Firstly, a three-level buck circuit for ultracapacitor charging system is designed, which halves the voltage stress on IGBT, as well as reduces the value of inductor. And the topology is modified in a way that it has a faster dynamic response. Secondly, the charge control design is reformulated as a model predictive control problem considering current peak constraints. To solve such optimization problem, an extended interior point method is used to simplify the iteration process. Simulation and experiment results are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed design.
Force‐Velocity Analysis of Strength‐Training Techniques and Load: Implications for Training Strategy and Research

The purpose of this study was to investigate the force-velocity response of the neuromuscular system to a variety of concentric only, stretch-shorten cycle, and ballistic bench press movements. Twenty-seven men of an athletic background (21.9 ± 3.1 years, 89.0 ± 12.5 kg, 86.3 ± 13.6 kg 1 repetition maximum [1RM]) performed 4 types of bench presses, concentric only, concentric throw, rebound, and rebound throw, across loads of 30–80% 1RM. Average force output was unaffected by the technique used across all loads. Greater force output was recorded using higher loading intensities. The use of rebound was found to produce greater average velocities (12.3% higher mean across loads) and peak forces (14.1% higher mean across loads). Throw or ballistic training generated greater velocities across all loads (4.4% higher average velocity and 6.7% higher peak velocity), and acceleration-deceleration profiles provided greater movement pattern specificity. However, the movement velocities (0.69–1.68 m·s-1) associated with the loads used in this study did not approach actual movement velocities associated with functional performance. Suggestions were made as to how these findings may be applied to improve strength, power, and functional performance.
Electrical Pacing of the Paralyzed Human Larynx

This study represents the first attempt to electrically pace the paralyzed human larynx. The goal was to determine if electrical stimulation of the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle could produce functional abduction of the vocal fold in pace with inspiration. An external apparatus was used to sense inspiration and reanimate the unilaterally paralyzed larynx of a thyroplasty patient. Stimuli were delivered through a needle electrode to locate and pace the abductor muscle. The magnitude of electrically induced abduction was comparable to spontaneous movement on the normal side. The abduction was appropriately timed with inspiration; this finding demonstrated that this simple pacing system could effectively modulate stimulation with patient respiration.
Major Vascular Events after Transient Ischaemic Attack and Minor Ischaemic Stroke: Post Hoc Modelling of Incidence Dynamics

Background: Only few follow-up studies have compared the long-term risk of such major vascular events (MVE) as myocardial infarction (MI) and/or stroke following transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or minor ischaemic stroke (MIS). Estimates of relative risk and cumulative long-term occurrence of MVE may provide better information and contribute to the optimization of treatment decisions. Methods: In the current post hoc modelling study with unique data from Bulgaria, we analysed 183 consecutive patients with TIA (n = 89) or MIS (n = 94), aged >40 years, who were prospectively followed over 36 months for non-fatal or fatal MVE. The cumulative survival, hazard and risks (with 95% confidence intervals) for MVE (combined or by stratification) were calculated by Kaplan-Meier analysis and adjusted (age, sex) by multivariate Cox proportional hazard models. A set of regression models was then applied to MVE incidence (per 100 patients; 4-month intervals). Results: Median follow-up was 36 months (interquartile range 30.8–36.0); no differences by age or sex were found (p > 0.05). The risk of non-fatal or fatal MVE was approximately 28% (stroke 19.7%, MI 8.2%). The adjusted cumulative risk of stroke was 0.21 versus 0.10 for MI. The odds ratio of TIA versus MIS was 0.75 (95% CI 0.43–1.32), i.e. lower for stroke (0.63, 0.31–1.25) than for MI (1.12, 0.40–3.14). The risk of non-fatal MVE was higher in MIS than in TIA (pBreslow = 0.0497), especially for non-fatal stroke (p = 0.0325). Time series regression models provided best estimates of the different outcome dynamics in TIA versus MIS (R2TIA = 0.969 with bpower = 1.04 vs. R2MIS = 0.989 with blinear = 0.84; p1-tailed = 0.04) over the study period. Conclusions: The age- and sex-adjusted cumulative 36-month hazard of MVE is higher after MIS than after TIA, but MVE fatality was higher after TIA than after MIS. Although stroke incidence was higher (up to 3 times that of MI), with the highest difference between months 8 and 18, MI fatality was always higher in absolute, relative or adjusted terms. The above alarming patterns and increasing, diverging tendencies for MVE indicate a higher long-term cumulative risk after MIS compared with TIA. These results confirm our hypothesis of a differential risk of TIA versus MIS and, at least, point toward equal importance of therapies aimed at preventing MVE in both types of preceding conditions (TIA or MIS) and the increased fatality after MI, in particular in patients with TIA.
Context-dependent Semantic Processing in the Human Brain: Evidence from Idiom Comprehension

Language comprehension involves activating word meanings and integrating them with the sentence context. This study examined whether these routines are carried out even when they are theoretically unnecessary, namely, in the case of opaque idiomatic expressions, for which the literal word meanings are unrelated to the overall meaning of the expression. Predictable words in sentences were replaced by a semantically related or unrelated word. In literal sentences, this yielded previously established behavioral and electrophysiological signatures of semantic processing: semantic facilitation in lexical decision, a reduced N400 for semantically related relative to unrelated words, and a power increase in the gamma frequency band that was disrupted by semantic violations. However, the same manipulations in idioms yielded none of these effects. Instead, semantic violations elicited a late positivity in idioms. Moreover, gamma band power was lower in correct idioms than in correct literal sentences. It is argued that the brain's semantic expectancy and literal word meaning integration operations can, to some extent, be “switched off” when the context renders them unnecessary. Furthermore, the results lend support to models of idiom comprehension that involve unitary idiom representations.
Temporal Filtering Enhances the Skewness of Sea Surface Winds

The component of the sea surface wind in the along-mean wind direction is known to display pronounced skewness at many locations over the ocean. A recent study by Proistosescu et al. found that the skewness of daily 850-hPa air temperature measured by radiosondes is typically reduced by bandpass filtering. This behavior was also shown to be characteristic of correlated additive–multiplicative (CAM) noise, which has been proposed as a generic model for non-Gaussian variability in the atmosphere and ocean. The present study shows that if the cutoff frequency is not too low, the skewness of the along-mean wind component is enhanced by low-pass filtering, particularly in the equatorial band and in the midlatitude storm tracks. The filter time scale beyond which skewness is systematically reduced by filtering is of the daily to synoptic scale, except in a narrow equatorial band where it is of subseasonal to seasonal time scales. This behavior is reproduced in an idealized stochastic model of the near-surface winds, in which key parameters are the characteristic time scales of the nonlinear dynamics and of the noise. These results point toward more general approaches for assessing the relative importance of multiplicative noise or dynamical nonlinearities in producing non-Gaussian structure in atmospheric and oceanic fields.
Arrows in Comprehending and Producing Mechanical Diagrams

Mechanical systems have structural organizations-parts, and their relations-and functional organizations-temporal, dynamic, and causal processes-which can be explained using text or diagrams. Two experiments illustrate the role of arrows in diagrams of mechanical systems. In Experiment 1, people described diagrams with or without arrows, interpreting diagrams without arrows as conveying structural information and diagrams with arrows as conveying functional information. In Experiment 2, people produced sketches of mechanical systems from structural or functional descriptions. People spontaneously used arrows to indicate functional processes in diagrams. Arrows can play a powerful role in augmenting structural diagrams to convey dynamic, causal, or functional information.