Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimal Fiscal Policy Rules in a Monetary Union

This paper investigates the importance of fiscal policy in providing macroeconomic stabilisation in a monetary union. We use a microfounded New Keynesian model of a monetary union which incorporates persistence in inflation and non-Ricardian consumers, and derive optimal simple rules for fiscal authorities. We find that fiscal policy can play an important role in reacting to inflation and output, but that not much is lost if national fiscal policy is restricted to react only to national differences in inflation and output.
Optimal bandwidth allocation for the data and feedback channels in MISO-FDD systems

In frequency-division duplex (FDD) systems, channel-state information (CSI) is estimated by the receiver and then fed back to the transmitter through a feedback link, which inevitably requires additional bandwidth and power. In this letter, we jointly study optimal bandwidth allocation between the data channel, modeled as a flat-fading multiple-input single-output (MISO) channel, and the feedback channel for maximum average throughput in the data channel using a beamforming scheme. We consider two models of the partial CSI at the transmitter (CSIT): the noisy CSIT, modeled as jointly Gaussian with the actual channel state, and the quantized CSIT. In the first model, we use distortion-rate theory to relate the CSIT accuracy to the feedback-link bandwidth. In the second model, we derive a lower bound on the achievable rate of the data channel based on the ensemble of a set of random quantization codebooks. We show that in the MISO flat-fading channel case, beamforming based on feedback CSI can achieve an average rate larger than the capacity without CSIT under a wide range of mobility conditions.
Analisis Pengaruh Faktor Perusahaan, Kualitas Auditor, Kepemilikan Perusahaan Terhadap Penerimaan Opini Audit Going Concern (Perusahaan Manufaktur Yang Terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia)

This research examines the relationship between financial distress, debt default, size, audit lag, prior opinion, auditor client tenure, auditor quality, opinion shopping, manajerial and institutional ownership would receive a going concern opinion. A samples of 45 manufacturing companies listed at Indonesia Stock Exchange from 1997-2006. Logistic regression is used to examine the hypothesis. The results indicate that debt default, size, auditor client tenure, prior opinion, auditor quality are significantly affect the going concern audit opinion. On the other hand financial distress audit lag, opinion shopping, manajerial and institutional ownership does not have effect on going concern audit opinion. Key words : firm factors, auditor quality, firm ownerships, going concern audit opinion
Analysing Shared Service Contracts: The Case of Food Services for Winnipeg Hospitals*

In November 1994, Winnipeg’s nine urban hospitals announced that they agreed to pursue opportunities to share four common support services - food services, material management, biomedical waste disposal and laundry to determine the potential for improving efficiency, reducing duplication and increasing buying power. A new non-profit organization called the Urban Shared Services Corporation (USSC)was created to manage the shared functions. Given that a majority of hospitals have chosen to retain their cafeteria services for non-patients, the proposed savings from Shared Food Service system depends on the number of hospital cafeterias that need renovating, the cost of refurbishment, as well as the expected economies of scale of the single plant operation. Given the range in estimates on the respective costs of renovation versus the cost of the central facility, savings on financing costs may not be realized. Evidence of economies of scale for central food services remains unclear, implying that additional savings from the central facility might not materialize. The Shared Food Service contract also brings with a number of contractual issues that might undermine the goals that are sought in the contract. Finally, the central issue of the respective quality of meals in the two systems remains unresolved. Given all these factors, there is considerable doubt whether the proposed change in hospital food service delivery will yield real benefits to Manitobans.
Genetic evaluation of length of productive life including predicted longevity of live cows.

Complete longevity data are available too late for most sire selection. Earlier selection is possible using correlated traits, nonlinear evaluation of censored data, or predicted longevities for live cows in addition to completed longevity data. Completed longevity was defined as total months in milk by 84 mo of age. Predicted longevity was computed by multiple regression from cows alive at six different ages. Variables included age at first calving, standardized first lactation milk yield (optional), lactation status (dry or milking), current months in milk, current months dry, and cumulative months in milk. Completed longevity data for dead cows were then merged with predicted longevity data for live cows. A total of 1,984,038 Holstein cows born from 1979 to 1983 were included and represented 1911 sires, each with at least 70 daughters. Heritability of longevity increased gradually from . 03 at 36 mo to . 08 at 84 mo. Phenotypic correlations of early with completed longevity ranged from . 59 to . 99; genetic correlations ranged from . 92 to 1.00. Inclusion of yield for projection increased heritability at 36 mo substantially but decreased genetic correlation with complete longevity information. Expansion and weighting factors will allow predicted records to be used in longevity evaluations, which is similar to the procedures that allow predicted 305-d yields to be included in yield evaluations.
Modelling and Design of Resilient Networks under Challenges

Communication networks, in particular the Internet, face a variety of challenges that can disrupt our daily lives resulting in the loss of human lives and significant financial costs in the worst cases. We define challenges as external events that trigger faults that eventually result in service failures. Understanding these challenges accordingly is essential for improvement of the current networks and for designing Future Internet architectures. This dissertation presents a taxonomy of challenges that can help evaluate design choices for the current and Future Internet. Graph models to analyse critical infrastructures are examined and a multilevel graph model is developed to study interdependencies between different networks. Furthermore, graph-theoretic heuristic optimisation algorithms are developed. These heuristic algorithms add links to increase the resilience of networks in the least costly manner and they are computationally less expensive than an exhaustive search algorithm. The performance of networks under random failures, targeted attacks, and correlated area-based challenges are evaluated by the challenge simulation module that we developed. The GpENI Future Internet testbed is used to conduct experiments to evaluate the performance of the heuristic algorithms developed.
The Foodservice Industry's Social Responsibility Regarding the Obesity Epidemic, Part II: Incorporating Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility into Foodservice Operations

Just as all types of business firms are now expected to go beyond their profit-oriented activities in boosting the well-being of the community, so, too, is corporate social responsibility (CSR) expected from foodservice firms. The significance of the obesity epidemic, combined with the foodservice industry's role in the development of this epidemic, suggests that the industry has an ethical responsibility to implement CSR activities that will help reduce obesity, particularly among children. CSR should be seen as an efficient management strategy through which a firm voluntarily integrates social and environmental concerns into its business operations and its interactions with stakeholders. Although costs are associated with CSR initiatives, benefits accrue to the firm. Decisions regarding alternative CSR activities should be based on a cost-benefit analysis and calculation of the present value of the revenue stream that can be identified as resulting from the specific CSR activities. CSR initiatives should be viewed as long-term investments that will enhance the firms’ value. Key areas for foodservice firms' CSR activities include marketing practices, particularly practices impacting advertising to children and marketing that will enhance the firms’ visibility; portion-size modification; new-product development; and consistent nutrition labeling on menus.
Promoting use of colorectal cancer screening tests

AbstractBACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is underutilized despite evidence that screening reduces mortality. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of an intervention targeting physicians and their patients on rates of CRC screening. DESIGN: A randomized clinical trial of community physicians and their patients. PARTICIPANTS: Ninety-four community primary care physicians randomly assigned to an intervention consisting of academic detailing and direct mailings to patients or a control group. Patients aged 50 to 79 years in the intervention group physicians received a letter from their physician, a brochure on CRC screening, and a packet of fecal occult blood test (FOBT) cards. MEASUREMENTS: After 1 year we measured receipt of the following: (1) FOBT in the past 2 years, (2) flexible sigmoidoscopy (SIG) or colonscopy (COL) in the previous 5 years, and (3) any CRC screening. We report the percent change from baseline in both groups. RESULTS: 9,652 patients were enrolled for 2 years, and 3,732 patients were enrolled for 5 years. There was no increase in any CRC screening that occurred in the intervention group for patients enrolled for 2 years (12.7 increase vs 12.5%, P=.51). Similar results were seen for any CRC screening among patients enrolled for 5 years (9.7% increase vs 8.6%, P=.45). The only outcome on which the intervention had an effect was on patient rates of screening SIG (7.4% increase vs 4.4%, P<.01). CONCLUSION: With the exception of an increase in rates of SIG in the intervention group, the intervention had no effect on rates of CRC screening. Future interventions should assess innovative approaches to increase rates of CRC screening.
Fears over anthrax vaccination driving away US reservists

A compulsory anthrax vaccination programme has led to a quarter of the 176 000 pilots and aircrew in the US air force reserve and national guard resigning or asking for reassignment. The vaccination programme was started in December 1997 on the orders of the US secretary of defence, William Cohen, who was worried by intelligence reports that about a dozen nations had a biological warfare capability. The defence department used a vaccine that it said had been administered safely for 29 years. It gave troops a series of injections over 18 …
Allowing flexible personal savings and investment choices in public sector pension plans Implications from an emerging economy

As life expectancy across the globe increases, the funding of pensions and allocation of portfolios are key budgetary concerns for both national governments and individuals in developed and emerging economies. We contributed to the scarce emerging economy pension research by examining decisions underlying public sector employee savings and investment preferences obtained from a survey of members of the Thai Government Pension Fund (GPF). Findings show that GPF members do not take advantage of tax savings benefits and exhibit a number of biases similar to those reported in the behavioural finance literature on mature western stock markets. Consequently, there is a disjoint between member self-perception of risk tolerance and the decisions they make, and there is evidence that this behaviour is influenced by cultural factors. For example, when members are empowered to make own asset allocation decisions, they switch from an initially conservative attitude to a more aggressive and risky investment approach. Given the volatility in global markets and the members' lack of investment skills and over-confidence in their own abilities, it is especially important for governments to design member information sessions and provide a balanced, diversified default plan(s).
MiR‐107 down‐regulates SIAH1 expression in human breast cancer cells and silencing of miR‐107 inhibits tumor growth in a nude mouse model of triple‐negative breast cancer

We have reported that SIAH1 is down‐regulated and associated with apoptosis and invasion in human breast cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms leading to SIAH1 down‐regulation remain to be elucidated. Here, we demonstrated that miR‐107 directly down‐regulates SIAH1 expression in human breast cancer cells. Over‐ expression of miR‐107 reduced SIAH1 expression, promoted human breast cancer cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion, and inhibited apoptosis. On the contrary, silencing of miR‐107 increased SIAH1 expression and inhibited the tumor growth of MDA‐MB‐231 cells, a kind of triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells, in vitro and in vivo. Our results reveal that miR‐107 is an upstream regulator for SIAH1 down‐regulation in human breast cancer cells and miR‐107 provides a potential effective target for the treatment of TNBC. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
SIP based Single-line VoIP Residential Gateway

A Voice over IP (VoIP) Gateway is one of the various components used in realizing the convergence of data and telephone networks. It refers to an entity that enables voice communication between callers on the IP network and the public switched telephone network (PSTN). This paper discusses our efforts in designing and developing a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) based single-line VoIP Gateway on the Linux platform. It also explicates the reasoning behind the design and implementation choices made during the construction of the gateway.
Status Epilepticus and Acute Serial Seizures in Children

Status epilepticus is defined as a seizure that persists for a sufficient length of time or is repeated frequently enough to produce a fixed and enduring epileptic condition of 30 minutes or longer. Status epilepticus is a life-threatening condition that often occurs in children. The degree of mortality and neurologic morbidity, as well as the risk for recurrence, is highly dependent on the etiology and duration of the seizures. Although much has been written about pediatric status epilepticus, many issues remain unresolved. A better understanding of the different types of seizures and their etiologies may help in the prevention and treatment of status epilepticus. The vast extent of status epilepticus in both children and adults mandates that new options for prevention and treatment be given a close scrutiny and high priority. This article will review the most current information on convulsive and nonconvulsive status epilepticus, including the potential for neurologic damage, changes in magnetic resonance imaging after status epilepticus, risk for recurrence, and current treatment options available for treating status epilepticus in children. (J Child Neurol 2002; 17: S36—S43).
Differences Between Weekday and Weekend Levels of Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity in Thai Adolescents

Attempts to reduce the decline in physical activity (PA) in adolescence have been the focus of many public health interventions. This study aimed to (1) determine differences in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) levels between weekdays and weekends and (2) identify adolescents meeting current PA guidelines (PAG). To meet these objectives, 186 Thai adolescents aged 13 to 18 years were asked to wear an ActiGraph accelerometer for 7 consecutive days. The results showed that MVPA levels were significantly higher in boys than girls on both weekdays (P < .01) and weekends (P < .05). MVPA was higher during weekdays compared with weekend days. Additionally, MVPA levels tend to decline with increasing age during adolescence. The results also showed statistically significant differences between genders in the proportion of adherence to PAG for youth. This study highlights the need to take weekend-weekday differences into account when developing PA interventions for adolescents.
Eye Colour, Aging, and Decoy Trap Bias in Lesser Scaup, Aythya affinis

Researchers routinely assume that samples of trapped or captured animals are representative of the overall population, though these assumptions are not always evaluated. We used decoy-trapped Lesser Scaup ( Aythya affinis ) to assess the reliability of classifying females as yearlings or adults from a distance, based on documented age-related eye-colour changes, and also to evaluate the presence of sex, condition and age biases in decoy trapping. We compared eye colour of trapped females to photographs of known-age females following a published procedure while females were (1) in traps (by using spotting scopes or binoculars) and (2) in-hand. Assuming in-hand age assessments were correct, we found that adults aged from a distance were frequently misclassified as yearlings, but yearlings were never misclassified as adults. Distance between observer and female, overall observation quality, and cloud cover did not influence age assignment success. A larger proportion of males was captured than observed during a survey of the local breeding population. We also found that decoy-trapped females had lower body mass and were more likely to be yearlings compared to pass- and jump-shot females from the same area. We conclude that female Lesser Scaup cannot be accurately aged from a distance using eye colour and concur with other researchers that possible sex, age and condition biases should be evaluated when using decoy traps.
The London stroke strategy

Sudlow and Warlow assume that the benefits of the proposed hyperacute stroke units (HASUs) in London are limited to the delivery of thrombolysis.1 However, the aims are to provide all patients with stroke with emergency assessment from specialists in acute stroke, cost effective brain imaging,2 and a high dependency unit environment for physiological monitoring and active intervention. …
Dispersion and Strichartz Inequalities for Schrödinger Equations with Singular Coefficients

In this paper we prove the global dispersion and the Strichartz inequalities for a class of one-dimensional Schrodinger equations with step-function coefficients having a finite number of discontinuities. The local and global dispersion and Strichartz inequalities are discussed for certain Schrodinger equations with low regularity coefficients oscillating at infinity.
An optimized hierarchical model for agent-mediated e-commerce

This paper presents an agent-based hierarchical model for electronic commerce. We advance our research in two possible directions that we propose for e-commerce environments, the Single Perspective Hierarchy and the Multi-Perspective Hierarchy models for resource discovery. We study their comparative performance with respect to traffic overhead and time efficiency. Our approach uses logarithmic search techniques, thus providing improved behavior in comparison with traditional linear methods used for resource discovery in distributed settings.
The Effect of Diabetes on Hospital Readmissions

Hospital readmission is an important contributor to total medical expenditures and is an emerging indicator of quality of care. Diabetes, similar to other chronic medical conditions, is associated with increased risk of hospital readmission. Risk factors include previous hospitalization, extremes in age, and socioeconomic barriers. Preliminary studies suggest that acute and/or chronic glycemic control may be of importance when diabetes is the primary diagnosis or when it is a comorbidity. Very limited evidence from prospective randomized controlled trials aimed at improving glycemic control is available. However, whether one concludes that inpatient or outpatient glycemic control is partly responsible for reduced hospitalizations, attention to glycemic control in the hospital may facilitate sustained glycemic control post-discharge. Limited prospective and retrospective evidence suggest that the involvement of a diabetes specialist team may improve readmission rates, but attention to more generalized comprehensive approaches may also be worthwhile. Prospective interventional studies targeting interventions for improving glycemic control are needed to determine whether glycemic control impacts readmission rates.
Low-Distortion Optical Null-Steering Beamformer for Radio-Over-Fiber OFDM Systems

In this paper, we report a novel optical beamformer based on fiber Bragg grating technology capable of adjusting not only main beam direction, but also side-lobe level ratio (SLR) and null positions in the array radiation pattern. This beamformer is compatible with dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) configurations, and consists of two chains of cascaded gratings that can independently control both the phase and the amplitude of the signals, feeding each array element for 2pi and 10 dB, respectively. We characterized the effect of this beamformer on signal quality in an experimental radio-over-fiber (ROF) link by externally modulating and transmitting an IEEE 802.11a compliant signal over the beamformer. The measured error vector magnitude of the received signal confirmed that there was no additive distortion or noise, and consequently, we achieved error-free transmission for the highest possible bit rate. Finally, we demonstrated the capability of this beamformer in beam-/null-steering and SLR reductions by measuring the radiation pattern of the array antenna of an optimized DWDM-ROF link. The measurements are compared to simulations for several examples of radiation patterns.