Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Detecting multiple structural breaks on a Koyck distributed lag model: A Bayesian approach

Koyck Distributed Lag Model undergoing a possible multiple structural changes occurring at unknown positions in time is analyzed using Bayesian approach. The posterior distribution of the number of change points and the positions of the structural change points are derived using filtering recursions similar to forward-backward algorithms. The segments are assumed to be independent, and so are the priors. Normal and gamma priors are used for lag weights and variance, respectively. The priors used for number of change points and position of change points are binomial and uniform discrete distributions, respectively. Only the parameter β’s (lag weights) are allowed to change.
Assessment of Nutritional Status and Metabolic Syndrome in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients : A Pilot Study Periton

Aim:Nutritional deficiencies and metabolic syndrome (MS) is challenge in chronic kidney disease patients with peritoneal dialysis(PD). This study was planned in order to assess the nutritional status and metabolic syndrome in PD patients. Methods:This study was performed on clinically stable patients that were undergoing PD therapy. Energy and nutrient intakes were determined with consequently three days dietary record. The statement of MS was identified according to MS criteria adopted for PD patients. Results:The prevalence of MS was found 64.3%. The mean duration of PD in with-MS(35.4±25.23mo.) was lower than without-MS(44.3±30.99mo.) (p>0.05). Patients with MS had significantly greater systolic/diastolic blood pressure and lower high-density-lypoprotein cholesterol levels (HDL-C) (p<0.05). According to the body mass index (BMI), the 83.3% of patients’ with-MS and 30% without-MS were found overweight and body fat mass was significant higher in patients with-MS(p<0.05). The mean daily protein intakes per kilograms of body weight determined lower with-MS patients (0.8±0.25g/kg) than without-MS (0.9±0.29 g/kg). Conclusion: The prevalence of MS is remarkably high. The daily dietary energy and protein intakes were found under the recommended levels. Inadequate energy and protein intake increase loss of muscle mass and also excessive energy intake leads to obesity. Monitoring of nutritional status of PD patients is important both in prevention and progression of MS.
Employee Training & Development (T&D) in Small Medium Enterprises (SME’s) in Pakistan

Training and development in small medium enterprises is an emerging concept so the organizations should be objective driven to properly take control of their Training and Development (T&D) activities. Increasing competition and globalization means intense competition which requires skilled and trained staff which should be equally competitor of large scale firms. Managers have to work with experts to develop extensive T&D plans to drive the objectives of organization perfectly to save money and work effectively.
Collaborative Relationships in Practice: Possibilities and Challenges

The following three papers (by Diane Mara, Arapera Royal Tangaere, and Mini McKenzie) examine what collaboration is happening in New Zealand's early childhood education services currently, and provide exemplars of collaboration in three key areas: with parents and whanau; with Maori, iwi and marae; and with local Pacific and other ethnic communities. We emphasise some differences in needs and priorities for different service types, and challenges for each. Finally, we discuss the extent to which government and umbrella group systems and policies support early childhood education services to create collaborative relationships. These papers draw from the findings of four recent research projects: An Evaluation of the Initial Uses and Impact of Equity Funding; Quality in Parent/Whanau-led Services; phase 1 of a Locality-based Evaluation of Pathways to the Future - Nga Huarahi Arataki; and NZCER's national survey of early childhood education services carried out in late 2003 and early 2004.
Human Pabilloma Virus (HPV) and Cervical Cancer in Al-Najaf Governorate

Background: Human Papilloma virus causes benign and malignant tumours of squamous cells, many different types of HPV well known to infect a different portion of the body, also many HPV strains cause carcinoma of cervix.Objective To find the role of the virus in the cervical tumour and the extend of the effect of some tumour markers in the virus and its absence.Methods Seventy three cases of cervical cancer were obtained from Histopathological archival of central laboratory of AL-Sadder Hospital and out laboratory in Najaf AL-Ashraf Governorate. Clinical data were analysed from the medical records and formalin fixed, paraffin embedded tumour tissue were examined by Immunohistochemistry technique to the detection of the L1 protein of HPV in cervix tissue blocks. Results The expression of HPV in tissues ,women patients with cervical cancer in the present study was 69.86% (51out of 73), where strong correlation was found between expression of HPV and women patients with cervical cancer. Also found relationship between women state, residency and differential ratio between five years ago (2012-2016) in AL Najaf City. ConclusionBased on the results of the current study, Human Papilloma virus infection plays a major role in the pathogenesis of cervical cancer. Keywords: Cervical cancer, Human Papilloma virus, Human Papilloma virus L1 protein, Immunohistochemistry technique.
Economic activity in the South-Asian population in Britain: the impact of ethnicity, religion, and class

Abstract This paper expands the existing literature on ethnicity and economic activity in Britain by studying the impact of religion and class. It argues that while the class location of the different South-Asian groups is important in determining their labour market outcomes, it does not operate independently from ethnicity; rather it is highly influenced by ethnicity in the process of determining the labour market participation of these groups. We use data obtained from the 2001 UK Census on Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi men and women aged between twenty and twenty nine. Our findings confirm that class structure of the South-Asian groups is highly ethnicized, in that the ethno-religious background and class are interwoven to the extent that the separation between them is not easy, if not impossible.
Global priorities for conservation of threatened species, carbon storage, and freshwater services: scope for synergy?

The potential of global biodiversity conservation efforts to also deliver critical benefits, such as carbon storage and freshwater services, is still unclear. Using spatially explicit data on 3,500 range‐restricted threatened species, carbon storage, and freshwater provision to people, we conducted tradeoff analyses, explicitly addressing both biodiversity and ecosystem services in selection of priority areas, to explore the potential for aligning these objectives. These analyses revealed a promising scope for aligning objectives, in particular for biodiversity and freshwater, which is not evident from previous studies that merely analyzed overlap of biodiversity and ecosystem services derived for each objective independently. However, this alignment is not complete. By revealing important synergies and tradeoffs among services, these analyzes suggest particular regions and service combinations for which spatial planning and appropriate conservation mechanisms (e.g., payments for ecosystem services) can be used to realize synergies and mitigate tradeoffs.
Voting Rules for the FASB

Committees are one of the most common decision-making mechanisms used in our society—ranging from the Supreme Court to a company's board of directors to teams in organizations. An understanding of the effects of various governance rules for committees is therefore of great importance. Considerable research on committee decision making has been conducted, using both theoretical and empirical methods (Amershi, Demski, and Wolfson [1982]; Mueller [1989]). Ordeshook (1991), however, argues that to be useful in a complex setting, the theory will have to be able to incorporate vast amounts of information, much of it hardly amenable to mathematical analysis. Given the impossibility of such a task, Ordeshook suggests three courses of action. The first is to incrementally explore alternative models that are driven by the development of new analytic technologies; the second is to construct wholly integrated models that add as many features of reality as possible. Ordeshook notes that we have learned a great deal about committee decisions from both of these methods. However, the first approach provides limited answers to the "real-world" questions, whereas the second, even if possible, requires vast assumptions, and even then, would not yield generalizable or clear-cut results. Therefore, to advance this area of research, Ordeshook (1991, pp. 20-21) recommends a third alternative: "the construction of models informed by theory . [and explored using] . computer simulation. " It is this third approach that we employ in this research. In particular, we focus on one particular committee, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), a seven-member board responsible for promulgating accounting rules. We focus on this committee because the FASB has undergone a recent change in its voting rules (see Appendix A for a discussion). Effective January 1, 1991, the FASB was required by its oversight committee (the Financial Accounting Foundation [FAF]) to use the super majority voting rule (five or more of the seven members assenting) rather than the simple majority rule previously used (four or more members assenting). At the time of the change, an active debate emerged in the business and accounting press regarding the effects of this institutional change, usually by way of voicing support or opposition to the change. Unfortunately, for the purpose of reasoned debate, the positions ofthe authors were
Gravity-Off-loading System for Large-Displacement Ground Testing of Spacecraft Mechanisms

Gravity offloading of deployable spacecraft mechanisms during ground testing is a long-standing problem. Deployable structures which are usually too weak to support their own weight under gravity require a means of gravity offloading as they unfurl. Conventional solutions to this problem have been helium-filled balloons or mechanical pulley/counterweight systems. These approaches, however, suffer from the deleterious effects of added inertia or friction forces. The changing form factor of the deployable structure itself and the need to track the trajectory of the center of gravity also pose a challenge to these conventional technologies. This paper presents a novel testing apparatus for high-fidelity zero-gravity simulation for special application to deployable space structures such as solar arrays, magnetometer booms, and robotic arms in class 100,000 clean room environments.
EGARCH and Stochastic Volatility: Modeling Jumps and Heavy-tails for Stock Returns

This paper proposes the EGARCH model with jumps and heavy- tailed errors, and studies the empirical performance of different models including the stochastic volatility models with leverage, jumps and heavy-tailed errors for daily stock returns. In the framework of a Bayesian inference, the Markov chain Monte Carlo estimation methods for these models are illustrated with a simulation study. The model comparison based on the marginal likelihood estimation is provided with data on the U.S. stock index.
Distributional E ffects of Tari ff Reforms in India

I evaluate the distributional impact of tariff reforms in India using household survey data. The main objective of this paper is to examine whether increasing inequality in recent years could be attributed to trade openness. Tariff reforms trigger several general equilibrium effects which eventually affect household consumption and wage income. I estimate all these effects separately and find that all income groups have significant welfare gains. In addition, it appears that tariff reforms have pro-poor distributional effect in rural areas and pro-rich distributional effect in urban areas.
ADDITIVE PRINTING PROCESSES FOR CONDUCTIVE STRUCTURES BASED ON LOW PRESSURE ARGON PLASMA TREATMENT OF SILVER NITRATE-BASED INKS by

by CHRISTOPHER JERED MILLER This thesis reports the development of an additive ink-jet printing process based on low pressure Ar plasma exposure of printed silver salt based ink structures. The ink is a solution of silver nitrate (AgNO3), ethanol, ethylene glycol, and water. The electrically insulating patterns created from the ink are converted to conducting structures upon exposure to low pressure and temperature Ar plasma. The resulting patterns exhibit a minimum resistivity of 0. 0004Ω∙cm. This process capitalizes on the fact that the ink is not comprised of nanoparticle suspensions like conventional inks, but relies on plasma-induced electrochemical reduction of ions in solution to form conductive structures. The resistivity of lines printed in this process can be controlled by changing plasma exposure times and power. The efficacy of the process was demonstrated by the successful fabrication of RCbased filters and large scale micro-strip patch antennas.
Phytochemistry and Toxicity Studies on Aqueous Extracts of Leaf and Stem of Mistletoe ( Viscum album ) in Albino Rats

Phytochemistry and acute toxicity studies on the aqueous extracts of leaves and stem of mistletoe ( Viscum album ) in albino rats was carried out. Phytochemical screening of leaves and stem of Viscum album from Azadirachta indica, Acacia albida and Psidium guajava trees revealed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, saponins, glycosides, flavonoids, phenols, combined anthraquinones, reducing sugars and combined sugars. Saponins had the highest scores (+++) in all the extracts followed by phenols and carbohydrates with moderate scores (++), while lower concentrations (+) was observed for reducing and combined sugars. The calculated median lethal dose (LD 50 ) values following the intraperitoneal administration of graded doses of these extracts in albino rats were 1440mg/kg/bw and 600mg/kg/bw for A. albida leaf and stem; 2400mg/kg/bw each for A. albida leaf and stem, and 2400mg/kg/bw and 2880mg/kg/bw for P. guajava leaf and stem aqueous extracts respectively. The clinical signs associated with acute toxicity testing using graded doses of Viscum album aqueous extracts administered to albino rats were arched back, bulging eyes, weakness, depression, unsteady movement, lack of apetite, dizziness, dyspnoea, sleep, coma and death.
Construction of the UK DESPEC Array for Fast-Timing Measurements

UK NuSTAR is the largest Nuclear Physics project, presently funded by the UK Science and Technology Facilities Council. The project aims at con- struction and delivery of equipment for the R 3 B, HISPEC, and DESPEC experi- ments at FAIR. In this contribution, the status of the UK DESPEC work package and related activities will be presented.
Bicycle injuries - The effects on Health-Related Quality of Life and Sickness Absence

3 SWEDISH SUMMARY . 5 PREFACE . 7 CONTENT . 8 LIST OF PAPERS . 10 ABBREVIATIONS. 11 BACKGROUND. 13 Introduction . 13 Traffic injuries in a larger context . 15 Vision Zero . 17 The concepts of health and disability . 18 Conceptual framework . 20 Current approaches to assessing road traffic injuries . 22 Health-Related Quality of Life and Sickness Absence . 25 Overview of bicyclists’ injuries . 29 Exemplifying the terminology . 31 Summary of introduction . 32 AIM . 34 MATERIALS AND METHODS . 35 Study I . 36 Analysis . 36 Study II . 37 Analysis . 37 Further analysis of results from Study I and II . 38 Ethical considerations . 38 RESULTS . 39 Study I . 39 Study II . 41
The Examination of Pre-Menopause Women's Bone Mineral Density and Its Related Factors by Using the Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptionmetry

Abstract The purpose of this study is to examine factors that affect the bone mineral density of pre-menopause women by using the dual energy x-ray absorptionmetry, ultimatel y contributing to preventing women's osteoporosis that tends to be aggravated since menopause. Out of the subjects, 20.2% were suffering osteopenia. Age was f ound most important in estimating the level of bone mineral density. Meanwhile, the older women were, the s ignificantly lower their bone mineral density was. It was found that taking exercise has a more positive effe ct on boss mineral density than not taking. Exercising in a suitable amount was helping women keep their bo ne mineral density better. Preferring meat to vegetarian diets were significantly affecting women's bone mine ral density. Meanwhile, it was found that the shorter menstrual cycle is, the significantly lower bone minera l density is. A multi=regression analysis of bone mineral density and its related factors showed that the older w omen were, the significantly lower their bone
Postelection Bargaining and Voter Behavior: Towards a General Spatial Theory of Voting

This paper derives a general spatial theory of voting based on Down’s concept of a pure policy-oriented rational voter. Applying a modified Baron-Ferejohn model we include voter’s perception of postelection bargaining in voter’s evaluation of a party to derive a unified model of voting. Main results are: (i) our theory includes the original proximity model of Downs, the directional model of Rabinowitz as well as Kedar’s compensational and Grofman’s discounting model as special cases. However, especially Kedar’s compensational model corresponds to rather unrealistic assumptions regarding voters’ perception of postelection bargaining. (ii) The relative weight of the proximity component varies significantly across majoritarian and power sharing systems, and (iii) is additionally determined by party characteristics, i.e. party size, discipline and extremism, as well as voter characteristics, i.e. the organization of voters in social groups or networks. (iv) according to our theory party leaders have less incentives to take extreme party platforms due to the negative impact of extreme platforms on voters’ perception of party’s performance in postelection bargaining contradicting partly conclusions drawn by Kedar. (vi) existing empirical analyzes support our theory.
ROCK FRACTURES

Ground water flow in crystalline rock masses is governed by the conductivity of the fractures in the rock. The void geometry has a major influence on the hydromechanical properties of fractures, and this thesis concerns the properties of the fracture void geometry of single rock fractures. It is suggested that the parameter aperture be used to describe the fracture void geometry and a definition of the aperture is proposed. The relation between void geometry and other fracture properties such as roughness, conductivity, stiffness and channelling are discussed. The spatial correlation of the aperture distribution over a fracture surface influences both the mechanical and the hydraulic properties of the fracture. Therefore, a parameter defining the spatial correlation should be included in the description of the aperture distribution. It is proposed that the geostatistical parameters range and sill be used for this purpose. Aperture measurement methods may be divided into three groups depending on the basic principle of the method: surface topography measurements, grout or resin injection and casting techniques. Different experimental techniques have been developed within the thesis work. The methods are applicable to fractures of different nature and size. A compilation of measurement results indicates that the spatial correlation (range) of fracture apertures increases with increasing mean aperture and that the range is correlated with the coefficient of variation. The existing data from aperture measurements and fracture flow experiments are still very scarce, in particular for fractures with large apertures. For future research, additional aperture measurements from fractures of different types is recommended. A further development of aperture measurement techniques suitable for field investigations is also suggested.
The Remedy Gap: Institutional Design, Retaliation, and Trade Law Enforcement

One of the major innovations of the World Trade Organization’s (“WTO”) Dispute Settlement Understanding (“DSU”) is the regulation of sanctions in response to violations of trade law. The DSU requires governments to receive multilateral approval before suspending trade concessions and limits the extent of retaliation to prospective damages. In addition, the DSU permits governments to impose only conditional sanctions: sanctions for violations that continue after the dispute resolution process is complete. This enforcement regime creates a remedy gap: governments cannot respond, even to obvious breaches, until the end of the dispute resolution process (and then only to the extent of prospective damages). This gap might not be particularly important if the dispute resolution process were short. In practice, however, the WTO dispute resolution process has proven increasingly time consuming. This Article explores the growth of delays in the WTO dispute resolution process and the increasing significance of the remedy gap. It highlights how the DSU system essentially provides respondent states with an option to violate trade rules for several years without facing trade retaliation. The remedy gap also has counterproductive effects on settlement negotiations: the system gives respondent states few reasons to settle before the end of dispute resolution unless the states are compensated for doing so. Finally, this system may lead frustrated complaining states to subvert the DSU regime by acting outside of the legal framework. This Article discusses several solutions to the remedy gap, most notably creating a procedure where WTO panels can issue preliminary injunctions.
Opting out and opting in: understanding the complexities of women's career transitions

Purpose – This study aims to explore the reasons why women are leaving the workplace. Are they opting out of the workforce to stay at home with their children as current media reports suggest, or are the reasons more complex as the Kaleidoscope Career Model (KCM) suggests? A second objective is to examine whether or not women's primary career motives change over time as predicted by the KCM. Lastly, the potential barriers or boundaries faced by women pursuing boundaryless careers will be identified.Design/methodology/approach – A survey was sent to 2,000 randomly selected women graduates of an international business school located in the USA. The response rate was 25 percent, or 497 women.Findings – The results revealed that 47 percent of the women surveyed had stopped working at some point in their career. Numerous reasons were cited for leaving. Only 35 percent of the women who stopped working cited rearing children as their sole reason for opting out. Sixty‐two percent of the women reported that their .