Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Kalman Filter in the Event Study Methodology

We extend the event study methodology into a richer and more dynamic environment by including time-varying parameters. Under the Bayesian framework, useful to update relevant information in a sequential learning mechanism, we use the Kalman filter to consider time dependent parameters, and we choose the initial distribution by using an information theory framework. The proposed extension leads to a more robust set-up in appraising the impact of economic and financial events on the market value of firms.
The effect of Bacillus cereus var. toyoi and avilamycin on the faecal microflora of turkeys

The effect of Bacillus cereus var. toyoi spores and avilamycin as bacterial and antibiotic growth promoters, respectively, on faecal microflora of turkeys was determined. The experiment was carried out on 108 turkeys randomly allocated to 3 groups: control and avilamycinor Bacillus spore-treated. After 12 weeks of feed supplementation and a subsequent 4-week period following withdrawal, selected groups of faecal microflora were determined, and the results were compared with those in the control group. Neither avilamycin nor B. cereus var. toyoi spores affected Bifidobacterium or Lactobacillus counts, whereas both supplements significantly increased the counts of E. coli by 0.84 and 0.69 log cycle (P ≤ 0.05 for both). B. cereus var. toyoi caused a significant increase in counts of spores of both aerobic and anaerobic proteolytic bacteria by 0.98 (P ≤ 0.001) and 0.83 (P ≤ 0.01) log cycle, respectively. At the end of the period following withdrawal, in the avilamycin group, counts of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus significantly decreased by 1.14 (P ≤ 0.01) and 1.97 (P ≤ 0.001) log cycle, respectively, as did the counts of anaerobic proteolytic bacteria spores, which decreased by 1.18 (P ≤ 0.001). In the B. cereus var. toyoi group, however, increased counts of Lactobacillus, by 0.91 (P≤0.01), E. coli, by 0.71 (P ≤ 0.05), anaerobic proteolytic bacteria spores, by 1.37 (P ≤ 0.001), and of anaerobic saccharolytic bacteria spores, by 0.72 (P ≤ 0.05) log cycle were found. The tested growth promoters did not affect the groups of beneficial gut microflora, whereas they stimulated the growth of opportunistic bacteria. The performance parameters of turkeys, better in groups administered avilamycin and B. cereus var. toyoi, were comparable with the control at the end of period after withdrawal.
Intellectual Property Rights and the Welfare Effects of Agricultural R…D

We review intellectual property rights in agriculture and outline a modeling framework that accounts for relevant institutional features of agricultural R&D. The analysis emphasizes vertical market linkages whereby agricultural innovations adopted by farmers are produced upstream by input suppliers. It is argued that the conventional assumption of competitive pricing cannot hold when new technologies are produced by private firms because such innovations are typically protected by intellectual property rights (such as patents) that confer (limited) monopoly rights to discoverers. The implications of intellectual property rights for the welfare evaluation of agricultural R&D are derived, and it is shown that conventional methods usually overestimate the welfare gains from agricultural innovations. Copyright 1997, Oxford University Press.
Modeling and Fault Diagnosis of Automotive Lead-Acid Batteries

In a bid to perform model-based diagnostics on the electrical network of an automobile, experimental work and analysis was conducted to model an automotive lead-acid battery over the domain in which one is expected to operate. First, a thorough literature review discusses past attempts at modeling, as well as state and parameter estimation. Also, the literature on the aging and failure modes of batteries is presented. Next, the model selected is described, consisting of a locally linear time-invariant system approximation of a globally nonlinear time-variant battery. To obtain the parameters best enabling this approximation, a series of experiments were performed on a battery, the methodologies of which are detailed. Finally, the details of parameter extraction are also presented, along with their results.
SMAC: a simplified method for the atmospheric correction of satellite measurements in the solar spectrum

Abstract This paper describes a computationally fast and accurate technique for the atmospheric correction of satellite measurements in the solar spectrum. The main advantage of the method is that it is several hundred times faster than more detailed radiative transfer models like 5S and that it does not require precalculated look-up tables. The method is especially useful for correcting the huge amounts of data acquired by large-field-of-view high-repetitivity sensors, like the ones on board polar orbiting and geostationary meteorological satellites. The technique is based on a set of equations with coefficients which depend on the spectral band of the sensor. Semi-empirical formulations are used to describe the different interactions (absorption, scattering, etc.) of solar radiation with atmospheric constituents during its traverse through the atmosphere. Sensor specific coefficients of each equation are determined using a best fit technique against the computations of the 5S code (Simulation of Satelli.
Reversal theory: clinical implications

Thispaper briefly reviews some of the basic ideas of Reversal Theory, and explains how it can provide a general conceptual framework for the eclectic therapist, allowing him or her to make systematic decisions about psychotherapeutic strategies and tactics. At the heart of the framework is the notion that there are five basic types ofpsychopathology, two of them falling under the heading ttstructural disturbancess and three under the heading tclnappropriate strategiesn A number of issues related to these ideas are discussed.
THE EFFECTS OF STATIC STRETCHING AFTER STRENUOUS TRAINING ON ULTRASTRUCTURE AND FLEXIBILITY OF RATS' GASTROCNEMIUS

The purpose of the present study was to investigate effects of static stretching after strenuous training on the ultrastructure and flexibility of rats' gastrocnemius. 24 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: normal control (NC), training control(TC) and stretching group(ST). The results were as follows: 1) The myofilaments became supercontracted and Z discs were obscure in TC. On the contrary, the myofilaments arranged orderly and the Z lines were clear and the mitochondrial cristas were manifolded in ST. 2) Compared with NC, the ultimate tensile strength of gastrocnemius was increased in TC, while the Max. deformation of gastorcnemius was decreased. However, the Max. deformation in ST was increased than that of NC. The conclusion was that the ultrastructure of muscle was resumed and the ability of distortion and flexibility was improved by static stretching, which decreased the risk of injury.
Effectual entrepreneuring: sensemaking in a family-based start-up

Abstract In this paper we examine the microprocesses associated with a successful business established by two young brothers (16 and 18). The study is informed by recent processual approaches to entrepreneurship associated with effectuation theory and sensemaking. We also draw on literature related to personal dispositions, which are the basis of habitual behaviours. The empirical data are drawn from a longitudinal study of an unconventional family business which was created by the two brothers while still at school. Opportunities were created, rather than discovered, by optimizing limited familial resources during the early stages of start-up. We expand effectuation theory by demonstrating the role of sensemaking (enactment, selection and retention), familial influences on dispositions (habits, heuristics and routines) and experiential learning during the first three years of operation.
Tryptophan and Serotonin Metabolism During Pregnancy Related to Season and Seasonality Status of Women

We investigated seasonal differences in plasma tryptophan, large neutral amino acids (LNAAs), and kynurenine between 15 and 18 weeks of pregnancy in 20 “highly seasonal” women and 35 non-seasonal controls. Placentae from a subset of the 55 women (15 non-seasonal and 7 highly seasonal) giving birth in the fall-winter period were also collected to measure rate-limiting enzymes of the indoleamine pathway. Results indicated a significant seasonality group by season interaction for plasma tryptophan and LNAAs, and a significant main effect of season for plasma kynurenine. In highly seasonal women only, tryptophan levels were significantly lower in fall compared with winter or spring, and significantly higher in winter compared with summer. No pairwise group differences in LNAAs were observed. Levels of kynurenine were significantly lower in the summer compared with winter. Fall-winter term placental MAOA protein was significantly higher in highly seasonal women compared with non-seasonal women. Other mRNA and protein levels of key indoleaminergic enzymes were not significantly different between seasonality groups. These findings suggest that both season and seasonality status of pregnant women influence plasma tryptophan, LNAAs, and kynurenine levels and placental MAOA protein expression during pregnancy.
Updated studies on development of HIV therapeutic vaccine.

BACKGROUND Among various types of pharmaceuticals, vaccines have a special place. However, in the case of HIV nearly after 40 years of its discovery an effective vaccine still is not available. The reason lies in several facts mainly the variability and smartness of HIV as well as complexity of the interaction between HIV and immune responses. A robust, effective and long-term immunity is undoubtedly what a successful preventive vaccine should induce in order to prevent the infection of HIV. Failure of human trials to this end, has led to the idea of developing therapeutic vaccines with the purpose of curing already infected patients by boosting their immune responses against the virus. Nevertheless, the exceptional ability of the virus to escape the immune system based on genetically diverse envelope and variable protein products have made it difficult to achieve an efficient therapeutic vaccine, either. OBJECTIVE We aimed at studying and comparing different approaches of HIV therapeutic vaccines. METHODS In this review, we summarized the human trials undergoing on HIV therapeutic vaccination which have been registered in the U.S. clinical trial database (clinicaltrials.gov). These attempts are divided to different tables, according to the type of formulation and implication in order to classify and compare their results. RESULT/CONCLUSION Among several methods applying in studied clinical trials which are mainly divided to DNA, Protein, Peptide, Viral vectors and Dendritic cell based vaccines, protein vaccine strategy which is based on Tat protein induced anti-Tat Abs in 79% HIV patients. However, the studies need to be continued to achieve a durable efficient immune response against HIV-1.
A comparative syntactic review of null-subject parameter in English and Ịzọn languages

The theory of universal grammar relies predominantly on the biolinguistic concept of natural endowment and innate knowledge of the general principles of language. It postulates that all humans are naturally endowed with the general rules and configurations of language and to this extent, all natural languages have similar structural features. The theory of universal grammar as hypothesized by Chomsky and propagated by other linguists not only recognizes the universality of the general principles of language but also the existence of language-specific idiosyncratic features that constitute parametric variations among languages. These are the parameters of universal grammar. The most prominent parameters that create distinctions between languages are head directionality, pro-drop or null-subject and wh- parameters. This paper reviews the null-subject parameter in English and juxtaposes its occurrence or non-occurrence in the Ịzọn language. The aim of the paper is to characterize the parametric choices by English and Ịzọn languages in the derivation of grammatically convergent sentences with null-subject constituents. The study is competence-based and used data from tokens of sentences in conversation among competent native speakers of Ịzọn language. Data from each language were translated into the other via a gloss and comparatively analysed. The study reveals that null-subject constituent is not a characteristic feature of English syntax but a feature of Ịzọn syntax. The study is significant because it contributes fresh linguistic data for the principles and parameter theory. Key words: Universal grammar, principles and parameters, parametric variations, null-subject, English, Ịzọn, syntactic.
Service Innovation: A Review of the Literature

Services are fast overtaking manufacturing to form a dominant proportion of the world economy. Service innovation is increasingly seen as a vector of sustainable growth and competitive advantage at the firm-, industryand economylevel. Innovation started evolving as a key discipline of research over the twentieth century. Initially, innovation research was predominantly focused on science and technology and the new product development approach for commercializing ideas and inventions mainly in the manufacturing industry. With the increasing growth of services in today’s organizations and economy, the importance of understanding service innovation concepts and practices has been on the rise. Over the last two decades, researchers have hence been directing attention to innovation in the context of services. Today, service innovation has evolved into a vast field encompassing the study of intangible processes and dynamic interactions among technological and human systems that lead to managerial and organizational change in services. The literature on service innovation is expanding into a diverse and cross-disciplinary body of knowledge scattered across economics, marketing, organizational science, and management perspectives. The purpose of this chapter is to cut through this complexity and diversity in the streams of extant service innovation literature, and provide a holistic overview of the literature in this rapidly growing field. Organized across three broad themes: Overview of Service Innovation, The Dynamic and Systemic Process of Service Innovation, and Management of Service Innovation; this chapter presents a consolidated guide to the service innovation concepts and practices.
POSIBLES INTERACCIONES ENTRE LA CREATIVIDAD Y EL PENSAMIENTO POST-FORMAL EN EL ENVEJECIMIENTO

Este trabajo, de caracter descriptivo y exploratorio, indaga acerca de las posibles relaciones entre el hacer creativo en la vida cotidiana y el pensamiento post formal. Asimismo, analiza si existen particularidades en esta etapa del ciclo vital en relacion a las soluciones de problemas cotidianos. Del mismo modo, estudia si existen implicaciones a nivel emocional que puedan influir sobre el hacer creativo, y cuales serian sus efectos. Por ultimo, se pretende hacer un relevamiento de las concepciones acerca de que se entiende por creatividad, si la misma esta presente en la vida cotidiana y cuales son los sentidos que se le atribuyen. Esta investigacion, actualmente en curso, se encuadra dentro del enfoque cualitativo y su metodologia consta de entrevistas semi-dirigidas y grupos de discusion focal. Los sujetos de la muestra (procedentes de Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aires) se recortan mediante la tecnica bola de nieve. Los entrevistados se dividen en dos grupos etarios (65-75 anos y de 76 anos en adelante) compuestos por cuatro sujetos con igual proporcion de sexo. Palabras clave Pensamiento Postformal Envejecimiento Creatividad ABSTRACT POSSIBLE INTERACTIONS BETWEEN CREATIVITYAND POST FORMAL THOUGHT IN THE AGING PROCESS This is a descriptive and exploratory piece of research, deals with possible relationships between the creative-doing in everyday life and post formal thought. Furthermore, it analises whether particularities exist in this stage of life span related to possible solutions for everyday problems. Moreover, it studies whether emotional implications exist that could influence the creative doing and which are the effects of it. Finally, it aims to explore conceptions about creativity. Whether it is present in everyday life and which are the senses atributed to it. This piece of research, which is still in process, is a cualitative investigation. The metodology consists of semi-structured interviews and focal-discussion groups. The subjects of the sample all come from Ciudad Autonoma of Buenos Aires. They are chosen by the snow-ball technique. They are divided into two groups (65-75 years old and 76-onwards) composed of four subjects, 2 men and 2 woman per group. Key words Postformal thought Aging Creativity
Incorporating Grain Size Effects in Taylor Crystal Plasticity

A method to incorporate grain size effects into crystal plasticity is presented. The classical Hall-Petch equation inaccurately predicts the macroscopic yield strength for materials with non-equiaxed grains or materials that contain unequal grain size distributions. These deficiencies can be overcome by incorporating both grain size and orientation characteristics into crystal plasticity theory. Homogenization relationships based on a viscoplastic Taylor-like approach are introduced along with a new function, the grain size and orientation distribution function (GSODF). Estimates of the GSODF for high purity α -titanium are recovered through orientation imaging microscopy coupled with the chord length distribution. A comparison between the new method and the traditional viscoplastic Taylor approach is made by evaluating yield surface plots.
Control of InGaAs facets using metal modulation epitaxy (MME)

Control of faceting during epitaxy is critical for nanoscale devices. This work identifies the origins of gaps and different facets during regrowth of InGaAs adjacent to patterned features. Molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) near SiO2 or SiNx led to gaps, roughness, or polycrystalline growth, but metal modulated epitaxy (MME) produced smooth and gap-free "rising tide" (001) growth filling up to the mask. The resulting self-aligned FETs were dominated by FET channel resistance rather than source-drain access resistance. Higher As fluxes led first to conformal growth, then pronounced {111} facets sloping up away from the mask.
Extracting the K-most Critical Paths in Multi-corner Multi-mode for Fast Static Timing Analysis

Detecting a set of longest paths is one of the crucial steps in static timing analysis and optimization. Recently, the process variation during manufacturing affects performance of the circuit design due to nanometer feature size. Measuring the performance of a circuit prior to its fabrication requires a considerable amount of computation time because it requires multi-corner and multi-mode analysis with process variations. An efficient algorithm of detecting the K-most critical paths in multi-corner multi-mode static timing analysis (MCMM STA) is proposed in this paper. The ISCAS’85 benchmark suite using a 32 nm technology is applied to verify the proposed method. The proposed K-most critical paths detection method reduces about 25% of computation time on average.
An Additive Relationship Matrix for the Sex Chromosomes

The derivation of additive relationships among animals for the sex chromosomes is presented, as well as a shortcut method for inverting the same matrix. A fast computational strategy is outlined for the calculation of inbreeding coecients for this relationship matrix. The pedigree based methods of calculating inbreeding coecients were correlated with inbreeding coecients from genomic relationship matrices using SNP markers based on dierent numbers of chromosomes and for the X chromosome only via a simulation study. A relationship matrix for the X chromosome would be useful when the sex chromosome is to be analyzed separately, or for analyzing data on honey bees whose genetic inheritance is similar to the inheritance of the sex chromosomes.
STUDYING THE ROLE OF SOCIAL CAPITAL IN FACILITATING KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

In the knowledge-based era knowledge management (KM) is considered as the primary task of organizations that seeks to utilize their intellectual capitals effectively. Hence it is vital to understand carefully the appropriate contexts and enablers of knowledge management. Humansocial factors are among most influential factors that their effects are as important as structural and technological enablers. In spite of these vital effects, their role has not been studied sufficiently. This study tries to explore the effects of the social capital on the effectiveness of knowledge management measures. It investigates the way in which various aspects of social capital can implement attitudes and behaviors required for implementing KM effectively. The population of the research consists of 950 persons of managers and senior experts of the NIOPDC. A sample of 274 subjects was selected randomly. Findings suggest that all dimensions of social capital have a considerable effect on the effectiveness of KM. These findings support the necessity of adopting a more humanistic approach for implementing knowledge management more effectively.
Soil compaction and conifer growth after tractor yarding at three coastal Washington locations

We measured soil density and tree growth after wet-season, ground-based yarding on fine-textured soils at three clear-cut sites. Four treatment conditions were sampled on or near four skid trails (replicates): nontilled and tilled primary skid trails, and adjacent slash-treated areas; the fourth treatment was secondary skid trails at two locations and a logged-only control at the third location. The 16 treatment plots were split into 4 subplots, each randomly assigned to a species–stock type and planted with 30 seedlings. Tree data through year 8 after planting were analyzed as a randomized block, split-plot design. Compared with nontrail areas, bulk density in the 0- to 8-cm depth on primary skid trails after logging averaged 41–52% greater. Eight years later, bulk density in the 0- to 30-cm depth of primary skid trails still exceeded that outside trails by about 20%, yet tree survival was similar except for western hemlock (Tsugaheterophylla (Raf.) Sarg. ) having poorer survival on nontilled trails at on.
Imaging-guided Percutaneous Biopsy of Nodules ≤1 cm

Objective: Percutaneous biopsy of lung nodules is established as a safe procedure with high diagnostic yield and accuracy. Its role in the diagnosis of subcentimeter nodules is, however, less clear. The goal of this study was to evaluate diagnostic yield, accuracy, and safety of computed tomography (CT)-guided needle biopsy in the diagnosis of subcentimeter lung nodules. Material and Methods: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database over a 12-year period identified 133 eligible CT-guided needle biopsies of lesions ≤1 cm. Diagnostic yield and accuracy for the diagnosis of malignancy were calculated. Lesion features and procedure characteristics were assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify risk factors associated with biopsy failure and complications. Results: Biopsy specimens were adequate for diagnosis in 116/133(87%) cases; the diagnostic yield for malignant and benign lesions was 93% and 65%, respectively. Final benign diagnosis was the strongest independent risk factor for biopsy failure. In multivariate logistic regression, fine-needle aspiration was an independent risk factor for diagnostic failure. Core needle biopsy was an independent risk factor for pneumothorax, and core needle biopsy, number of passes, and age were independent risk factors for pneumothorax requiring tube drainage. Conclusions: CT-guided percutaneous needle biopsy had high diagnostic yield for the diagnosis of subcentimeter lung nodules with a similar complication rate to biopsy of larger lesions. Fine-needle aspiration may be an independent factor for diagnostic failure even for malignant lesions.