Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exchange Rate Movements and Consumer Prices: Some Perspectives

Economic developments in the rest of the world affect New Zealand consumer prices. This article traces the channels through which the consumers price index (CPI) is affected by the exchange rate. Changes in the exchange rate that result from changes in the prices of commodities New Zealand exports appear to have had materially different inflationary implications than other changes in the exchange rate.
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness among the Japanese General Population

BACKGROUND: Excessive daytime sleepiness is one of the principal symptoms of sleep disturbances, and is often associated with serious consequences including traffic and industrial accidents, decreased productivity, and interpersonal problems. However, there are few epidemiologic studies on excessive daytime sleepiness in a large scale sample targeting Japanese general population. METHODS: The survey was performed using a self-administered questionnaire in June 2000, targeting a population randomly selected from among 300 communities throughout Japan. This questionnaire included information about sleep habits and sleep problems. Excessive daytime sleepiness measured according to a question “Do you fall asleep when you must not sleep (for example when you are driving a car)? ” RESULTS: A total of 28,714 subjects completed the questionnaire. The prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness was 2.5% (male=2.8% and female=2.2%). Backward elimination analysis showed that the following were associated with excessive daytime sleepiness: male sex, young age, short sleep duration, subjective insufficient sleep, loss of deep sleep, disagreeable sensations in the legs, interruption of sleep by snoring or dyspnea, and feeling psychological stress. Interruption of sleep by snoring or dyspnea was the strongest associated factor (adjusted odds ratio=2.46, 95% confidence interval=1.76-3.43) of excessive daytime sleepiness. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that excessive daytime sleepiness in Japanese is associated with several sleep problems. These findings may be useful in attempts to prevent excessive daytime sleepiness in the general population of Japan.
Basin Scale Variation on the Composition and Diversity of Archaea in the Pacific Ocean

The Archaea are a widely distributed group of prokaryotes that inhabit and thrive in many different environments. In the sea, they play key roles in various global biogeochemical processes. Here, in order to investigate the vertical profiles of archaeal community across a large geographic distance, the compositions of archaeal communities in seven seawater columns in the Pacific Ocean were investigated using high throughput 454 pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. The surface archaeal communities showed lower diversity and greater variability than those in the deeper layers. Two of the major archaeal phyla that displayed different depth preferences were Thaumarchaeota and Euryarchaeota. The majority of Thaumarchaeota belonged to Marine Group I (MGI), which had high relative abundance in deep water. In contrast, Euryarchaeota, which mainly consisted of Marine Group II (MGII) and III (MGIII), were dominant in the surface layer. Compared with MGI and MGII, MGIII were less abundant in seawater and generally absent from the surface water of the subarctic Pacific. In addition, niche separation in the MGI, MGII, and MGIII subgroups was also observed. For example, MGI.C and MGII.A (the major subgroups of MGI and MGII, respectively) displayed a strong negative correlation with each other. The highest level of archaeal diversity was found in the core of an oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) located off Costa Rica, which resulted from the co-occurrence of both anaerobic and aerobic archaea. For example, methanotrophic archaea ANME-2, methanogenic archaea and several sediment origin archaea, such as Marine Benthic Group A (MBGA) and Bathyarchaeota, were all detected at relatively high abundance in the OMZ. Together, our findings indicate that vertical heterogeneities along water columns and latitudinal differentiation in the surface waters are ubiquitous features of archaeal communities in the Pacific Ocean, and the OMZ off Costa Rica is an archaeal biodiversity hot-spot.
Generic quality of life predicts all-cause mortality in the short term: evidence from British Household Panel Survey

Background Whether the quality of life (QOL) impacts longevity is an interesting research question that has been investigated only in the context of disease and health-related QOL. This paper aims to examine prospectively whether Control, Autonomy, Self-realisation, and Pleasure (CASP) scores, a measure of generic QOL, can predict mortality in the British Household Panel Survey sample during 2001–2006. Methods The authors used data from the British Household Panel Survey wave 11 (2001–2002) when CASP was first presented to the participants in the survey. The authors selected all those who were interviewed directly and face to face and who were 40 years or older (N=10 291). The authors followed them for the next five waves (waves 12–16) and in this study primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Other covariates used were age, sex, socioeconomic position, household income, self-rated health, limiting long-standing illness and medical conditions. Results Compared with a mortality of 12/1000 person-years in those having average QOL (CASP score 29.4–45.8), those with below-average QOL had more than twice (27/1000 person-years) and those above average had a third less (8/1000 person-years) mortality. This gradient was retained for the most part when age and sex strata were examined separately. Regression models adjusted for covariates confirmed the protective effect of QOL on mortality. Domain-specific analysis showed that only control and self-realisation had this effect. Conclusion CASP predicted 5-year all-cause mortality significantly. Improvement in the QOL reduced the probability of death.
Exploring the role of network effects in IT implementation: The case of knowledge repositories

This paper seeks to analyze the role of network effects in relation to the adoption and use of systems for knowledge sharing in organizations and draws on recent developments within network economics to outline a theoretical perspective on the implementation of knowledge repositories in organizations. Findings from a longitudinal field study are presented to explore the concept of network effects in more detail. Commonly associated with economics, the concept of network effects can also be used in an organizational context to study adoption dynamics and use patterns when new information and communication technologies are introduced. The analysis of the field study data shows that knowledge repositories exhibit strong network effects, which can complicate the implementation process in multiple ways. The research is based on a single, in‐depth case study. Future research should study the role of network effects in relation to other technologies and organizational contexts. It underscores the need to be aware of – and try to manage – network effects when implementing knowledge repositories and other “networked” technologies. By and large, IS researchers have overlooked the role of network effects in relation to information and communication technologies in organizations. This paper begins to address this gap by focusing on the role of network effects in the adoption and use of knowledge repositories. It is suggested that the concept of network effects provides a useful theoretical lens in a number of other cases.
Shrub abundance contributes to shifts in dissolved organic carbon concentration and chemistry in a continental bog exposed to drainage and warming

Northern peatlands are globally significant soil carbon sinks but contribute a significant amount of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) to streams. Climate change driven warming and drying will likely alter peatland DOC dynamics; however, few field studies have quantified the individual and interactive effects of temperature and moisture changes. Using a full factorial water table (control, drained 2 years [experimental], drained 12 years [drained]) × warming (ambient, open‐top chamber warming) × microform (hummock, hollow) study design, we monitored DOC concentration and spectrophotometric properties (specific ultraviolet absorbance [SUVA], E2/E3, E4/E6) in a wooded boreal bog in Alberta, Canada. Ecohydrological conditions including water table (WT), soil temperature, plant cover, biomass, and productivity were also measured at each plot. We observed a significant interaction between WT treatment, warming and microform for explaining variation in DOC concentrations, with the highest values at drained, warmed hummocks. Overall, drainage resulted in higher DOC concentration. DOC concentration and E2/E3 increased, whereas SUVA decreased, in response to greater plant productivity (i.e., more negative values of gross ecosystem photosynthesis). For DOC concentration and SUVA, this correlation was largely driven by drained, warmed hummocks where shrub growth increased. Moreover, redundancy analysis indicated that shrub and lichen cover, along with WT and soil temperature, were important for explaining variation in DOC concentration and quality. The results indicate that, although DOC concentrations in peatlands are likely to increase under climate change, much of this increase may be from recent carbon fixation, suggesting more rapid carbon cycling as opposed to destabilization of existing carbon stocks.
Preliminary Studies With Augmented Reality Tool To Help In Psycho-pedagogical Tasks With Children Belonging To Autism Spectrum Disorder

The paper aims to show current efforts done towards the development of a tool for helping children affected with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We introduce the use of Augmented Reality-based tools, basically the Google Cardboard head-mounted display, in psycho-pedagogical tasks and tests performed with these children. We analysed the relationships about the possible increasing in executive functions when they have their facial processing cushioned by using the Google cardboard and looking into the real world just like a cartoon. This initial study provides evidences towards verifying that these children have a particular interest when real faces are covered with cartoon faces. The achieved results suggest that the proposed environment helps to increasing the performance of children in psycho-pedagogical tasks and that it can be a useful tool for helping professional educators in their tasks of giving a better support to these children in the development of their executive functions
Salivary markers of work stress in an emergency team of urban police (1 degree step).

INTRODUCTION Stress is usually defined as the experience of negative events or the perceptions of distress and negative affect that are associated with the inability to cope with them. The parameter most suitable for large-scale field studies is the determination of endocrine activity by measurement of salivary cortisol. The aim of the present study is to identify the presence of sources of stress in an emergency team of urban police and to objective such stress using the PSS (Professional Stress Scale) test and bioumoral markers as salivary cortisol and interleukin 1 /f (IL-IB). MATERIALS AND METHODS We studied 30 policemen who belonged to an emergency team. Salivary samples were collected at the start and at the end of the work-shift. As control we used the same subjects during the holiday. T test was performed to evaluate the differences between the means, the Chi Square's Test was performed to determine the statistically significant association between PSS subscales and salivary cortisol and ILl-B concentrations. RESULTS Thirty policeman were evaluated, their mean age was 44,5 years, their mean work experience was 17,1 years. The PSS test indicated high scores in three subscales, they were work load, organizational structure and processes and lack of resources. SALIVARY CORTISOL: The mean concentration at the start of work-shift was higher than at the end of shift-work (p<0,05). T test indicated a statistically significant difference between mean cortisol concentrations at the same hour during the work (start and end) and during the holiday (P<0,05). A statistically significant negative association was noted between the PERC1 and PSS subscale called "work load" (p<0,05). SALIVARY IL-1B: the mean concentration of ILl-B at the start of the work-shift resulted higher than at the end, such reduction was statistically significant (P<0.05). We verified a positive association between the subclass of PSS Test called "conflict with other professionals" and salivary IL-1B concentration at the start of shift-work (p<0,05). DISCUSSION. Several precedent studies agree with our results. Our study has suggested a work related stress in urban police employed in an emergency team. We might conclude that salivary IL-1B and cortisol are useful markers of stress. We think that our findings, surely preliminary, have be corroborated by the study of vegetative parameters (heart rate, heart rate variability) that is still current. It might be useful to evaluate again the cortisol and IL-1B variations after some structure organizational modifications and after training that will teach the workers coping strategies. We might conclude that the stress discovered in this study is not hazardous for the health, if the workers have adequate holidays.
Constrained interval-valued linear regression model

In current interval-valued linear regression models, meaningless predictions may be generated because the lower bounds of the predicted intervals may be greater than their upper bounds. To avoid this problem, we propose a constrained interval-valued linear regression model based on random set theory. However, due to the introduction of constraints in this model, the expectation of the errors is no longer zero, and estimation provided by traditional least square may produce systematic bias. To address this issue, we introduce a two-step procedure: in the first step, a dummy variable is defined and plugged into the regression model to ensure that the expectation of errors is zero; least square estimation is then used in the second step. To show the validity of proposed method, experiments on simulated and real data are presented.
The cerebellum as a computer: patterns in space and time.

and CFD of B to D have same scales, as also do the CFDs of F to H. I illustrates diagrammatically the essential features of the pathways to a fastigial neurone by cutaneous mechanoreceptors as modified in the light of the present investigation. Pc, Pa, Purkyne cell and axon; be, basket cell; grc, granule cells; pf
Signals for Lorentz violation in electrodynamics

An investigation is performed of the Lorentz-violating electrodynamics extracted from the renormalizable sector of the general Lorentz- and CPT-violating standard-model extension. Among the unconventional properties of radiation arising from Lorentz violation is birefringence of the vacuum. Limits on the dispersion of light produced by galactic and extragalactic objects provide bounds of 3 x 10^{-16} on certain coefficients for Lorentz violation in the photon sector. The comparative spectral polarimetry of light from cosmologically distant sources yields stringent constraints of 2 x 10^{-32}. All remaining coefficients in the photon sector are measurable in high-sensitivity tests involving cavity-stabilized oscillators. Experimental configurations in Earth- and space-based laboratories are considered that involve optical or microwave cavities and that could be implemented using existing technology.
Ensuring Harmonisation of Contract Law at Regional and Global Level : the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods and the Role of UNCITRAL

Commercial patterns have substantially influenced African history and, in particular, the interaction of Africans with foreigners. The development of trade relations highlighted the need for an adequate regulatory framework to ensure their predictability and stability. It seems possible to trace uniform elements in African international trade law through the centuries. In the early days, contracts were concluded and performed instantly and therefore requested minimal regulation.1 Common traits in customary contract and guarantee law were already present throughout the continent.2 In particular, formal elements in the formation of the contracts and its proof seem to have been widespread and to have lasting
Evidence on Forecasting Inflation Under Asymmetric Loss

This study extends previous work on the asymmetric information hypothesis by comparing the Federal Reserve and private inflation forecasts in terms of directional accuracy for 1983–2002. In support of this hypothesis, the Federal Reserve forecasts show superiority in terms of both predictive content and directional accuracy. However, both sets of forecasts are far more accurate in predicting upward moves than they are in predicting downward moves. In an environment where maintaining price stability is a top priority, we interpret such evidence as preference for over-prediction under asymmetric loss and argue that the bias in the inflation forecasts is rational.
Explanatory and Diagnostic Labels and Perceived Prognosis in Chronic Low Back Pain

Study Design. Content analysis of patient interviews, clinic letters, and radiology reports for patients with chronic low back pain of greater than 12 months duration. Objective. To explore the language used by patients and healthcare professionals to describe low back pain and any potential effect on patient perceived prognosis. Summary of Background Data. Diagnostic explanations by healthcare professionals may influence patient coping and uptake of therapy by patients with chronic low back pain. Although the correlation between radiologic changes and chronic low back pain is weak, these investigations are often used by clinicians as an explanation of the underlying cause for the pain. Methods. Patients were asked about their understanding of the mechanisms underlying their pain, flares, and future outcome. Notes from these interviews were transcribed, along with correspondence from primary care physicians, orthopedic surgeons and pain physicians, and lumbar spine radiology reports for these patients. Content analysis was performed to identify and group key terms. Results. Two major categories representing the predominant themes emerging from the content analysis were “Degeneration” and “Mechanical. ” Degenerative terms such as “wear and tear” and “disc space loss” indicated a progressive loss of structural integrity. Examples of phrases used by patients included “deterioration […] spine is crumbling” and “collapsing […] discs wearing out. ” The use of degenerative terms by patients was associated with a poor perceived prognosis (P < 0.01). Degenerative and mechanical terms were more commonly used by patients when they were documented in correspondence from secondary care specialists (P = 0.03 and 0.01, respectively). Conclusion. A common language is shared between professionals and patients that may encourage unhelpful beliefs. The use of degenerative terms such as wear and tear by patients is associated with a poor perceived prognosis. The explanation of radiological findings to patients presents an opportunity to challenge unhelpful beliefs, thus facilitating uptake of active treatment strategies.
Extensile Decompression of the Proximal and Distal Tarsal Tunnel Combined With Partial Plantar Fascia Release in the Treatment of Chronic Plantar Heel Pain

Background. Chronic heel pain that is recalcitrant to nonoperative measures is a rare but disabling condition. There are no reports in the literature of extensile proximal and distal tarsal tunnel release combined with partial plantar fasciotomy in the treatment of chronic heel pain. We present our results. Methods. A retrospective chart review was conducted, and charts were assessed for details of their presenting complaints, physical exam, diagnostic studies, medical history, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores for pain, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scores, and complications. Results. The mean AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score was 86 ± 12.9 (range = 69-100). Of 15 heels, 10 (67%) had an excellent or good rating at the time of the last follow-up visit. One of 15 (7%) reported a poor outcome. The mean VAS pain score changed from 6.3 ± 3.1 to 1.4 ± 1.8 (P = .001). There were no wound complications or infections. Conclusion. This technique offers another operative option for chronic heel pain that is associated with satisfactory outcomes and rest pain relief. Despite reducing pain at rest in all patients, the majority of patients may be left with mild to moderate residual symptoms with activity that is similar to the outcomes of previously reported procedures. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV, Retrospective case series
Systematics of the genus Zinaida Evans, 1937 (Hesperiidae: Hesperiinae: Baorini)

Traditionally, species of the genus Zinaida were assigned to the genus Polytremis, until molecular evidence revealed that the former is a distinct genus. Nine species in Polytremis sensu Evans have since been removed and assigned to Zinaida; however, there is still uncertainty as to the taxonomic status of an additional seven Polytremis species. Moreover, the interspecific relationships within Zinaida have remained unresolved. To further investigate the taxonomic statuses and interspecific relationships within Zinaida, a molecular phylogeny of most species of Zinaida and its allies was inferred based on regions of the mitochondrial COI-COII and 16S and nuclear EF-1α genes (3006 bp). The results revealed that Zinaida is monophyletic and consists of four intra-generic clades that correspond to morphological characteristics. Clade A (Z. suprema group) consists of P. kiraizana, Z. suprema, and P. gigantea, with the latter two as sister species. Clade B (Z. nascens group) consists of seven species, and is the sister group of Clade C (Z. pellucida group), which comprises sister species Z. pellucida and Z. zina. In Clade B, Z. caerulescens and Z. gotama, and Z. theca and Z. fukia are sister species, respectively. On the basis of our molecular evidence and morphological features, we have moved P. gigantea, P. kiraizana, P. jigongi, and P. micropunctata to the genus Zinaida as new combinations. We review morphological characteristics and discuss the distribution of each of these groups in the light of our phylogenetic hypothesis, and provide a comprehensive taxonomic checklist.