Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Monetary Policy under Habit Persistence: A Two-Country Analysis

We generalize a new open economy macroeconomics model by allowing for habit formation in consumption decisions and show that habit formation plays an important role in determining consumption changes to monetary shocks. The main findings of our analysis are that i) an increase in the importance of habit formation weakens the response of relative consumption to monetary policy shocks, and ii) the impact of an increase in the importance of habit formation on the equilibrium exchange rate change is ambiguous.
Experiencing Native Mobile Health Applications Development

Among the important benefits of mobile applications are portability and accessibility. Integrating a native mobile application with a Web portal increases the value and quality of the final system. A developer perspective is presented in this paper discussing about the main motivational factors and decision criteria in the selection of the most appropriate mobile ecosystem. Also the main software design decisions associated to the required functionality are analyzed and taken into consideration for the implementation and validation of a mobile application in the mHealth domain.
Indirect dc-link voltage control of two-stage single-phase PV inverter

This paper presents a novel indirect dc-link voltage control scheme for the application of grid-tied two-stage single-phase photovoltaic conversion system. Unlike the traditional control method for grid-tied inverters where the dc-link voltage is always directly sensed to regulate the output current, the proposed scheme eliminates the dc-link voltage sensing unit but does not downgrade the inverter overall performance. The proposed scheme can be easily extended to control the multi-string configuration without any extra control complexity needed. Simulation verifications prove the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Simulation of sliding mode controller to deliver maximum power from PV system using M-file

This paper presents a comparative study between P&O and sliding mode (SM) algorithm to track the maximum power of a PV panel using M-file of Matlab. To prove the efficiency of the proposed controller, these two MPPT in the global algorithm, one classical and the other one is intelligent. The different steps of these controllers design are presented together with their simulation. In one hand the use of M-file has been carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of SM controller to draw much energy and to present a fast response against change in operation conditions. In the other hand the proper modeling of any system permits to create an algorithm which is applied in any programming software in our case M-file of MATLAB. We show that the use of M-file presents many advantages like a short time of simulation.
Single Trial Classification for Mobile BCI - A Multiway Kernel Approach

Subspace methods have been applied in various application fields to obtain robust results. Using multilinear algebra, they can also be applied on structured tensorial data. This work combines this principle with the power of non-linear kernels to investigate its merits in single trial classification for a mobile BCI ERP classification task. The accuracy difference with regard to more conventional vector kernels is evaluated for sitting and walking condition, increasing training data set and averaging over multiple trials. The study concludes that in general, the tensorial approach does not yield any advantage, though it might for specific subjects.
Absolute vs. Relative Gromov-Witten Invariants

In light of recent attempts to extend the Cieliebak-Mohnke approach for constructing Gromov-Witten invariants to positive genera, we compare the absolute and relative Gromov-Witten invariants of compact symplectic manifolds when the symplectic hypersurface contains no relevant holomorphic curves. We show that these invariants are then the same, except in a narrow range of dimensions of the target and genera of the domains, and provide examples when they fail to be the same.
State of the Art Review: Techniques to Avoid Pin Loosening and Infection in External Fixation

Summary The purpose of this manuscript is to review techniques of optimizing the interface between the bone and pin in external fixation to minimize pin loosening and infection. Conclusions Among the different techniques to improve the bone-pin interface in external fixation, coating the pins with hydroxyapatite proved to be the most effective. In a highly loaded animal study, three pin types were compared. Type A remained uncoated, type B was coated with hydroxyapatite, and Type C was coated with titanium. Radiographic rarefaction of the bone pin tract was lower in type B pins. Extraction torque was thirteen times higher in type B pins compared to type A and two times higher compared to type C pins. Extraction torque was significantly lower compared to the corresponding insertion torque in both types A and C. In contrast, in the hydroxyapatite coated pins there was no difference between extraction and insertion torque. At sixty times magnification, bone pin contact of type B and C pins was significantly higher than type A. At 10,000 times magnification direct bone pin contact was found only in type B pins. In a clinical study the pin insertion and extraction torque forces were measured in a study of seventy-six external fixation pins in nineteen patients treated with hemicallotasis for osteoarthritis of the medial side of the knee. The patients were randomized to be treated with either standard tapered pins or tapered pins coated with hydroxyapatite. Extraction torque of the hydroxyapatite coated pins was higher than the standard ones in both cancellous and cortical bone. These studies show that in hydroxyapatite coated pins there is no deterioration of the bone-pin interface strength and there is optimal bone-pin contact. Among the various pin types coated with hydroxyapatite, the best results were obtained with the tapered pins.
Diagnostic by imaging: 3D GPR investigation of brick masonry and post-tensioned concrete

In this laboratory study, the comparison of 4 different antenna frequencies (from 1.0 to 2.6 GHz) and radar systems on the same masonry and post-tensioned concrete specimens has served to investigate the precision achievable in imaging cross sections of masonry walls with different brick layouts and of concrete slabs with metal post-tensioning ducts at varying depths. Through high-density 3D data collection and multi-phase post-processing, the work aimed at 2D and 3D data imaging for eased and enhanced diagnosis of structural elements.
Glomerular polycystic kidney disease in a dog (blue merle collie).

Glomerular polycystic kidney disease was diagnosed in an 11 month old, female, Blue Merle Collie. Clinical signs (polyuria, polydipsia, vomiting, diarrhea, partial anorexia) and laboratory work (blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, serum phosphorus, specific gravity, proteinuria, nonregenerative anemia) indicated chronic renal failure.However, after the study of a biopsy specimen, a definitive diagnosis was reached and the prognosis was determined. Necropsy findings and histopathological studies revealed: presence of glomerular cysts, atrophy of glomerular tufts and sclerosis of the interstitial tissue.
Injury questions on household surveys from around the world

Household surveys provide useful information on injury and associated risk factors Household surveys are used around the world to gather information on many health related topics including non-fatal injuries. Household surveys can produce population based estimates of injuries that may stand on their own or may supplement surveillance systems tied to medical care. They are not subject to the same biases as medical records reviews. For example, household surveys can obtain a wealth of detail on the circumstances of the injury, which are often not in the medical record, and they can capture injuries that were not medically treated. They are, however, subject to different types of bias such as non-response and recall bias. National estimates of non-fatal injuries can be derived based on the responses to specific questions about injuries. Estimates are often compared across countries despite the fact that the injury screening questions and inclusion criteria vary between countries. The estimate—whether it is of injured persons or injury episodes or injury related conditions—is often based on the response to a single screening question on injury; therefore, the way this question is asked is critical. Based on the screening question, the respondent needs to understand the definition of “injury”, remember if they had an injury during the specified recall period, and decide whether to accurately report the event. Since there is currently no standard or recommended set of injury related questions or inclusion criteria for questions to be asked in a household survey, the International Collaborative Effort on Injury Statistics (Injury ICE)1 set out to learn how some countries are asking questions to determine the burden of non-fatal injuries. This brief report presents an overview of the compiled information. The detailed results are available on the ICE on Injury Statistics website (http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/advice) along with the complete questions and …
EFFECT OF DRYING METHODS ON THE THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES OF BLACKBERRY PULP POWDER

Three different types of maltodextrin encapsulated dehydrated blackberry fruit powders were obtained using vibrofluidized bed drying (VF), spray drying (SD), vacuum drying (VD), and freeze drying (FD). Moisture equilibrium data of blackberry pulp powders with 18% maltodextrin were determined at 20, 30, 40, and 50°C using the static gravimetric method for the water activity range of 0.06–0.90. Experimental equilibrium moisture content data versus water activity were fit to the Guggenheim–Anderson–de Boer (GAB) model. Agreement was found between experimental and calculated values. The isosteric heat of sorption of water was determined using the Clausius–Clapeyron equation from the equilibrium data; isosteric heats of sorption were found to increase with increasing temperature and could be adjusted by an exponential relationship. For freeze dried, vibrofluidized, and vacuum dried pulp powder samples, the isosteric heats of sorption were lower (more negative) than those calculated for spray dried samples. The enthalpy-entropy compensation theory was applied to sorption isotherms and plots of ΔH versus ΔS provided the isokinetic temperatures, indicating an enthalpy-controlled sorption process.
Insu Jeon CT Reconstruction from a Limited Number of X-Ray Projections X

Most CT reconstruction system x-ray computed tomography (CT) is a well established visualization technique in medicine and nondestructive testing. However, since CT scanning requires sampling of radiographic projections from different viewing angles, common CT systems with mechanically moving parts are too slow for dynamic imaging, for instance of multiphase flows or live animals. A large number of X-ray projections are needed to reconstruct CT images, so the collection and calculation of the projection data consume too much time and harmful for patient. For the purpose of solving the problem, in this study, we proposed a method for tomographic reconstruction of a sample from a limited number of x-ray projections by using linear interpolation method. In simulation, we presented reconstruction from an experimental x-ray CT scan of a Aluminum phantom that follows to two steps: X-ray projections will be interpolated using linear interpolation method and using it for CT reconstruction based upon Ordered Subsets Expectation Maximization (OSEM) method. Keywords—CT reconstruction, X-ray projections, Interpolation technique, OSEM
Stem cells: comprehensive treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in conjunction with growth factor delivery

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by loss of both upper and lower motor neurons. ALS progression is complex and likely due to cellular dysfunction at multiple levels, including mitochondrial dysfunction, glutamate excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, axonal dysfunction, reactive astrocytosis, and mutant superoxide dismutase expression, therefore, treatment must provide neuronal protection from multiple insults. A significant amount of ALS research focuses on growth factor-based therapies. Growth factors including insulin-like growth factor-I, vascular endothelial growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and glial-derived neurotrophic factor exhibit robust neuroprotective effects on motor neurons in ALS models. Issues concerning growth factor delivery, stability and unwanted side effects slow the transfer of these treatments to human ALS patients. Stem cells represent a new therapeutic approach offering both cellular replacement and trophic support for the existing population. Combination therapy consisting of stem cells expressing beneficial growth factors may provide a comprehensive treatment for ALS.
Sphenoid Wing Meningioma Presenting as Cognitive Impairment

Summary Frontal meningioma may present solely withpsychological symptoms that resemble dementia. We present the case of a 42-year-old man who initially was thought to have dementia, but he was eventually diagnosed with dementia caused by a sphenoid wing meningioma. Diagnosis of this illness is often delayed due to the insidious nature of the symptoms, which may be mistaken as symptoms of dementia. As cognitive impairment is complex and easily overlooked, it is important to accurately assess neuropsychological function in patients with large brain tumors.
From endurance to power athletes: The changing shape of successful male professional tennis players

Abstract The aim of the present study was to identify whether the relative shape and size characteristics of elite male tennis players have changed over time, and in addition whether any anthropometric parameters characterise the more successful players in Grand Slam tournaments. The height and body mass of the players qualifying for the first round in all four Grand Slam tennis tournaments during the period 1982–2011 was obtained, and successful players defined arbitrarily as those reaching round 3 or beyond. Body mass index (BMI) and the reciprocal ponderal index (RPI) were used as our measures of body shape. Multilevel modelling was used to explore the trend over time using non-linear polynomials. The results suggest that the body shape of elite tennis players has changed over time, with a non-linear (cubic polynomial regression model) increase in BMI and a similar non-linear decline in the RPI. BMI, reflecting greater muscle mass rather than greater adiposity, has emerged as an important factor associated with success, identified by a significantly positive (steeper) “successful player”-by-“year” interaction term. The evidence that the RPI of elite tennis players has also decreased over time, together with a significantly negative “successful player”-by-“year” interaction term, suggests that a more linear (ectomorphic) body shape is a less important factor in terms of success. These results suggest that elite male tennis players are becoming more power trained athletes as opposed to endurance athletes, with greater muscle mass being an important factor associated with success in all Grand Slam tournaments.
Hemodynamic Response to Exercise for Prediction of Development of Kidney Failure: Revealing a Cardiorenal Secret Cross Talk.

INTRODUCTION Kidney disease increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. The corollary of that observation should be that cardiovascular disease would not only increase the risk of kidney dysfunction, but also cause kidney damage, a concept not previously proposed. MATERIALS AND METHODS Hemodynamic response to a graded exercise stress test was measured in 70 candidates to evaluate the association of heart rate and blood pressure change, heart rate reserve, chronotropic incompetence (percentage of achievement of maximal predicted heart rate), and circulatory power with development of kidney failure (glomerular filtration rate < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2) during 123 months of follow-up period. RESULTS Kidney failure was more likely to develop in patients with lower heart rate change, heart rate reserve, percentage of achievement of maximal predicted heart rate, and circulatory power (P = .002, P = .01, P = .02, and P = .008, respectively), even after adjustment for age, resting pulse pressure, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and exercise test result (hazard ratios, 5.9, 2.9, 3.3, and 2.9, respectively). A resting pulse pressure of 60 mm Hg and higher was accompanied by 7.4 times (95% confidence interval, 1.8 to 30.9) greater risk of developing kidney failure, independent of age and resting systolic blood pressure (P = .006). CONCLUSIONS Hemodynamic responses to a standard graded exercise stress test independently predicted the development of kidney failure. Also, arterial stiffness (represented by resting pulse pressure) could be a factor linking ventricular and kidney function. Early diagnosis of kidney disease should include a cardiovascular assessment and vice versa.
MHC‐based mate choice combines good genes and maintenance of MHC polymorphism

Polymorphic genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) are regarded as essential genes for individual fitness under conditions of natural and sexual selection. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the ultimate individual fitness trait — that of reproductive success. We used three‐spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) in seminatural enclosures, located in natural breeding areas where the experimental fish had been caught. During their reproductive period, fish were exposed continuously to their natural sympatric parasites. By genotyping almost 4000 eggs with nine microsatellites, we determined parenthood and inferred female mating decision. We found that with reference to their own MHC profile, female sticklebacks preferred to mate with males sharing an intermediate MHC diversity. In addition, males with a specific MHC haplotype were bigger and better at fighting a common parasite (Gyrodactylus sp.). This translated directly into Darwinian fitness since fish harbouring this specific MHC haplotype were more likely to be chosen and had a higher reproductive output. We conclude that females also based their mating decision on a specific MHC haplotype conferring resistance against a common parasite. This identifies and supports ‘good genes’. We argue that such an interaction between host and parasite driving assortative mating is not only a prerequisite for negative frequency‐dependent selection — a potential mechanism to explain the maintenance of MHC polymorphism, but also potentially speciation.
Non-Gaussianities in multi-field inflation

We compute the amplitude of the non-Gaussianities in inflationary models with multiple, uncoupled scalar fields. This calculation thus applies to all models of assisted inflation, including N-flation, where inflation is driven by multiple axion fields arising from shift symmetries in a flux stabilized string vacuum. The non-Gaussianities are associated with nonlinear evolution of the field (and density) perturbations, characterized by the parameter fNL. We derive a general expression for the nonlinear parameter, incorporating the evolution of perturbations after horizon-crossing. This is valid for arbitrary separable potentials during slow roll. To develop an intuitive understanding of this system and to demonstrate the applicability of the formalism we examine several cases with quadratic potentials: two-field models with a wide range of mass ratios, and a general -field model with a narrow mass spectrum. We uncover that fNL is suppressed as the number of e-foldings grows, and that this suppression is increased in models with a broad spectrum of masses. On the other hand, we find no enhancement to fNL that increases with the number of fields. We thus conclude that the production of a large non-Gaussian signal in multi-field models of inflation is very unlikely as long as fields are slowly rolling and potentials are of simple, quadratic form. Finally, we compute an expression for the scalar spectral index that incorporates the nonlinear corrections to the fields’ evolution.
Influence of study approaches and course design on academic success in the undergraduate anatomy laboratory

Many pre‐health professional programs require completion of an undergraduate anatomy course with a laboratory component, yet grades in these courses are often low. Many students perceive anatomy as a more challenging subject than other coursework, and the resulting anxiety surrounding this perception may be a significant contributor to poor performance. Well‐planned and deliberate guidance from instructors, as well as thoughtful course design, may be necessary to assist students in finding the best approach to studying for anatomy. This article assesses which study habits are associated with course success and whether course design influences study habits. Surveys (n = 1,274) were administered to students enrolled in three undergraduate human anatomy laboratory courses with varying levels of cooperative learning and structured guidance. The surveys collected information on potential predictors of performance, including student demographics, educational background, self‐assessment ability, and study methods (e.g., flashcards, textbooks, diagrams). Compared to low performers, high performers perceive studying in laboratory, asking the instructor questions, quizzing alone, and quizzing others as more effective for learning. Additionally, students co‐enrolled in a flipped, active lecture anatomy course achieve higher grades and find active learning activities (e.g., quizzing alone and in groups) more helpful for their learning in the laboratory. These results strengthen previous research suggesting that student performance is more greatly enhanced by an active classroom environment that practices successful study strategies rather than one that simply encourages students to employ such strategies inside and outside the classroom. Anat Sci Educ 11: 496–509. © 2018 American Association of Anatomists.
A Field Verification of an Algorithm for Retrieving Vegetation Water Content From Passive Microwave Observations

We present a field-verified algorithm for retrieving vegetation water content (VWC), which is the mass of water in vegetation tissue per ground area, using observed microwave brightness temperatures (TBs). We can use 6.925and 10.65-GHz microwave observations to minimize the species dependence of the relationship between vegetation optical depth (VOD) and VWC. Then, we can easily estimate the VWC after obtaining the VOD. Although the VOD retrieved at these frequencies is highly affected by uncertainties in the surface roughness, we found that the effects of the bias of the roughness parameters in a radiative transfer model can effectively be eliminated by introducing leaf area index (LAI) data. The TBs observed using ground-based microwave radiometer and field-observed LAI were used to successfully reproduce the field-observed VWC below 2.0 kg/m2 (R2 = 0.712 and RMSE = 0.393 kg/m2). This strategy of surface roughness correction also positively impacts the performance of soil moisture retrieval. This field-verified algorithm can contribute to globalscale VWC retrieval using satellite microwave radiometers such as the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer on Earth Observation Systems (AMSR-E) and its successor (AMSR2).