Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Introductory Review of a Structural VAR-X Estimation and Applications

This document presents how to estimate and implement a structural VAR-X model under long run and impact identification restrictions. Estimation by bayesian and maximum likelihood methods is presented. Applications of the structural VAR-X for impulse response functions to structural shocks, multiplier analysis of the exogenous variables, forecast error variance decomposition and historical decomposition of the endogenous variables are also described, as well as a method for computing HPD regions in a bayesian context. Some of the concepts are exemplified with an application to US data.
Level of electrolytes and percentage of T-lymphocyte subpopulations in blood of broiler chickens fed mixtures with different content of sodium chloride

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a varied content of sodium in diets for broiler chickens on serum levels of macroelements and on the percentage of CD4 + , CD8 + , and CD4 + CD8 + T-lymphocyte subpopulations in blood. The study was conducted on 432 one-day-old cockerels representing six experimental groups (eight replications, each with nine birds). The chickens were administered for 5 weeks feed mixtures in which the content of Na was differentiated by the addition of NaCl in the following amounts (%): group 1 – 0, group 2 – 0.127, group 3 – 0.254, group 4 – 0.382, group 5 – 0.509, and group 6 – 0.636. Potassium content and electrolyte balance (expressed as the total molar mass of Na + and K + minus molar mass of Cl - ) were kept at a similar level. On day 35 of age, their body weight was measured and eight birds from each treatment were selected from blood analysis. Serum concentrations of Na, K, Cl, Ca, P, and Mg and the percentage of CD4 + , CD8 + , and CD4 + CD8 + T-lymphocyte subpopulations were measured. The administration of the NaCl-free feed mixture caused a decrease in the levels of Na and chlorides and an increase in concentrations of K, Ca, and Mg, as compared to the cockerels from groups fed the mixtures with an addition of Na. Differentiated addition of NaCl to the feed mixtures had no significant effect on the percentage of the analysed subpopulations of CD4 + , CD8 + , and CD4 + CD8 + T-lymphocytes. Sodium deficiency in the diet was found to affect a decrease in the body weight of the chickens examined.
THE TRANSFER PROBLEM IN INDONESIA AND POLICY RESPONSES

This paper examines the implications of, and policy responses to the transfer problem phenomenon, which is the interaction between surging capital inflows and real exchange rate. In particular, this paper identifies three episodes of large net private capital inflow to Indonesia during 1995 - 2010. Episodes of large capital inflows are often associated with real exchange rate appreciations. In turn, these conditions could undermine economic competitiveness in terms of price. This paper adopts theoretical framework that leads to test the long-run co-movements of real exchange rates and capital inflows. This long run relationship is modeled on the cointegration framework. The Full-Modified Ordinary Least Square (FMOLS) is used to provide optimal estimates of cointegration regressions, dealing with endogeneity and serial correlation effect in the regressors that result from the existence of the cointegrating relationships. Controlling for relative output levels, degree of openness, and the terms of trade, time series empirical evidence presented evidence supporting the existence of a significant transfer problem in Indonesia. Moreover, using disaggregated measure of inflows, this paper finds that portfolio investment has the most significant impact on REER appreciation in Indonesia. A comprehensive assessment of various policy responses to the transfer problem leads to two major conclusions. First, the problematic relationship between REER apreciation and capital inflows would be more moderate in which the authorities exercised countercyclical fiscal. It means that greater fiscal restraint would also help ease pressures for real appreciation of the exchange rate. Second, aggressive sterilization could be the first line of defense against REER apreciation during surge of capital inflows. Keywords: Transfer Problem, Real Effective Exchange Rate, Capital Inflows, Cointegration, Full-Modified Ordinary Least Squared (FMOLS)
Clonal diversity in British populations of the alien invasive Giant Knotweed, Fallopia sachalinensis (F. Schmidt) Ronse Decraene, in the context of European and Japanese plants.

Fallopia sachalinensis (F. Schmidt) Ronse Decraene was introduced to Europe during the 19th century, and whilst not as invasive as the notorious F. japonica var. japonica (Houtt.) Ronse Decraene, it is still an invasive plant capable of both clonal and sexual reproduction. It is also a significant pollen source for the male-sterile F. japonica var. japonica, producing the highly invasive hybrid F. ×bohemica (Chrtek & Chrtkova) J. P. Bailey. Given the lack of diversity in F. japonica var. japonica, F. sachalinensis is a potentially important source for introducing novel variation into F. ×bohemica. The majority of British F. sachalinensis was found to be one of two widespread genotypes, either a malefertile or a male-sterile clone. In contrast there was a much higher level of genetic variation detected in both the rest of the introduced range and in the native range. Evidence is given for two separate
Review: Biological and Pharmacological Basis of Cytolytic Viral Activation in EBV-Associated Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection contributes to the development of different types of human malignancies, especially nasopharyngeal carcinoma. As a herpesvirus, EBV can establish two major modes of virus-cell interactions: a latent or a lytic infection. Latent infection is prevalent in the vast majority of malignant cells in EBV-related malignan‐ cies. Inducing a switch from latent to lytic infection in a substantial fraction of malignant cells has long been considered as a potentially interesting therapeutic approach. Therapeutic benefits are expected from (1) the cytotoxic or cytostatic effects of viral products expressed in the context of the lytic cycle; (2) expression of viral enzymes capable of metabolizing pro-drugs selectively inside these cells and (3) broadening the expression spectrum of antigenic viral proteins. In this chapter, addressing non EBVspecialized readers, we first summarize the main aspects of EBV biology with emphasis on the cellular mechanisms known to control latent and lytic infections. Then, we outline the basic principles and requirements of cytolytic EBV activation performed with a therapeutic intent. Finally, we review the main categories of pharmacological agents reported to be active in the switch from latent to lytic infection, including drugs used for conventional anti-tumour chemotherapy, histone-deacetylase inhibitors and various miscellaneous compounds.
Measurement of Information Technology Investment Payoff

This report evaluates the measurements of information technology investments payoff, and recommends a theoretical framework for testing the costs and benefits of Internet e-commerce investments. A number of research studies are referenced to evaluate the accuracy of the traditional, quantitative-oriented measurements and introduce a few contemporary, more qualitative-oriented alternatives. As one of the major types of information technology investments, Internet e-commerce is chosen as a case to evaluate the measurements by applying the theories generated from various research studies. Based on the case analysis, contemporary approaches are justified and adopted to establish a three-step framework of measuring Internet e-commerce investment payoff.
Mechanism of transition to turbulence in a circular cylinder wake in a channel

Transition to turbulence in the circular cylinder wake has been studied experimentally and numerically at growing Reynolds number. Good agreement of calculation results with the flow visualization and measurements of instantaneous vector fields of velocity and vorticity has been demonstrated. The growing Reynolds number is shown to make large-scale vortex generation onset move upstream. It also triggers the transition to 3D flow pattern in the cylinder wake. This process is accompanied by non-monotonous behavior of the profiles of velocity and its turbulent fluctuations at equal distances from the cylinder. Non-monotonous behavior of the cylinder drag has been revealed for the Reynolds numbers ranging from 120 to 300.
Empirical Study on the Recognition of Critical Factors for Implementing Six Sigma in Taiwan

Organizational culture and perceptions regarding systems such as Six Sigma differ among the managers in local enterprises. These differences need to be surveyed based on the concepts underlying the managersi¯ recognition and original meaning of the Six Sigma system, with the goal of creating unique Six Sigma characteristics suitable for local enterprises.Some managers are part-time students pursuing an MBA or EMBA program, and are likely to have an in-depth understanding of Six Sigma. This study applies a questionnaire survey to managers in regard to their perceptions of Six Sigma in Taiwan, conducts an analysis and then offers suggestions based on the results. The study samples are 300 managers from EMBA or MBA programs in Taiwanese universities. Using SPSS statistical tools, this paper finds that significant difference in Six Sigma implementations among the managers, but some significant differences in organizational characteristics such as industrial characteristics, capital in business scale and the pressure from customers and competitors.
SELLING OUR WAY INTO POVERTY: The Commercialisation of Poverty in Malawi

The aim of the article is to investigate the impact of commercialisation on household poverty in Malawi using the 1997/98 Integrated Household Survey data. The results indicate that overall those household who were more commercialised were better off than those who did not and thus commercialisation should be encouraged as a means of alleviating poverty. In terms of regional analysis the southern region and the central region results indicate that the more commercialised households were actually worse off. Furthermore, the livelihoods of the most vulnerable households (female headed and poor households) did not benefit from commercialisation. Therefore, in terms of policies, it is important that government should identify groups that are likely losers to commercialisation and hence the need for compensatory or socially protective policy design to socio-economic groups whose incomes have been reduced by commercialisation.
DISCONTINUOUS STATIONARY SOLUTION TO GENERALIZED EIKONAL-CURVATURE EQUATION AND ITS STABILITY

(1.1) V = C + K on Γt for an evolving interface Γt in a domain Ω ⊂ R with a level set method, where C is a nonnegative constant, and V , K = ∑Nj=1 κj and κj , respectively, is the normal velocity, mean and principal curvature of Γt defined with the outer continuous unit normal vector field n ∈ SN−1 of Γt ; we call n the orientation of the evolution. Note that “interface” means the boundary of an open set called “interior” so that K is not positive for smooth boundary of a convex open set. When Ω has smooth boundary ∂Ω , we impose the right angle condition Γt ⊥ ∂Ω (1.2)
OF INFRARED THERMOGRAPHY IN ANIMAL PRODUCTION

This review presents the application and use of infrared thermography (IRT) in production animals. IRT is a non-invasive and non-contact heat detecting technology. An infrared camera measures the emitted infrared radiation from an object and then uses this information to create images (thernograms). These thermograms are evaluated by a specially analyzing software program. In live organisms, changes in vascular circulation result in an increase or decrease in tissue temperature, which is then used to evaluate the situation in that area. But there are some limitations and factors that must be considered when using IRT (sunlight, moisture, dirt, weather conditions etc). IRT has been mainly used in veterinary medicine, primarily for diagnostic purposes, especially in the diagnosis of orthopaedic diseases in horses. But IRT can be very successfully used as tool for research on livestock, pig, cattle, sheep and poultry breeding,. Areas of research include reproduction, thermoregulation, animal welfare or milking process. All of the authors using IRT recommended this method which can produce important information where conventional diagnostic techniques have exhausted their possibilities.
Exploring overlaps and differences in service-dominant logic and design thinking

Design tradition takes the user as a starting point and focuses on his or her needs, wants and expectations. Recently, within the service marketing/management area, the user has been highlighted not only as “the king”, but as the only one to determine value. This new logic is termed Service Dominant Logic. Some of the key principles underlying Service Dominant Logic (SDL) and Design Thinking (DT) are strikingly similar. Even if the two concepts stem from different backgrounds, both are deeply concerned with the creation of value and the importance of understanding the users/customers. This similarity could be a fruitful ground for further intellectual discussion concerning the development of the service concept. This paper presents the characteristics of SDL to the design community and compares SDL with the central characteristics of DT. The aim of this paper is to explore possible connections and overlaps between SDL and DT. The paper suggests the connections to be complementary, and some practical implications of the use of SDL for design thinking and service design practice are proposed.
A REMARK ON NONNEGATIVELY CURVEI)HOMOGENEOUS KAHLERMANIFOLDS

The aim of this paper is to show the following Theorem がαo噸αdQn・�ed homogeneous瓦ahler maniかId CM, gし)isof nonnegative curvα治だ, then it is g Kdhlerian diだct product ofαflat complex torus(T,̂ o) and a Hermitian symmetric spα9・/ compact印加(M',g'); (M,が)2 (T. go)×(M≒g’)。 Here, a Kahler manifold (M, g) is called homogeneous if the isometry group ICM, g) acts on M transitively。 And a Kahier manifold is said to be of non・ negative curvature when the sectional curvature K^ is nonnegative for any plane section cf。 Hermitian symmetric spaces of compact type give typical examples for com・ pact Kahler manifolds of nonnegative curvature (Helgason[2])。 For a Kahler manifold (屁が), the hoiomorphic bisectional curvature jな,。 for holomorpliic plane sections ぴand 7 is defined by
Observations of atmosphere-biosphere exchange of total and speciated peroxynitrates: nitrogen fluxes and biogenic sources of peroxynitrates

Abstract. Peroxynitrates are responsible for global scale transport of reactive nitrogen. Recent laboratory observations suggest that they may also play an important role in delivery of nutrients to plant canopies. We measured eddy covariance fluxes of total peroxynitrates (ΣPNs) and three individual peroxynitrates (APNs ≡ PAN + PPN + MPAN) over a ponderosa pine forest during the Biosphere Effects on AeRosols and Photochemistry EXperiment 2009 (BEARPEX 2009). Concentrations of these species were also measured at multiple heights above and within the canopy. While the above-canopy daytime concentrations are nearly identical for ΣPNs and APNs, we observed the downward flux of ΣPNs to be 30–60% slower than the flux of APNs. The vertical concentration gradients of ΣPNs and APNs vary with time of day and exhibit different temperature dependencies. These differences can be explained by the production of peroxynitrates other than PAN, PPN, and MPAN within the canopy (presumably as a consequence of biogenic VOC emissions) and upward fluxes of these PN species. The impact of this implied peroxynitrate flux on the interpretation of NO x fluxes and ecosystem N exchange is discussed.
Correlation of serological markers and thrombocytopenia in early diagnosis of dengue infection

Background: Dengue is an acute viral infection with fatal complications. To reduce the disease burden, early and specific diagnosis of dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome with supportive therapy reduces morbidity and mortality. This study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of NS1 antigen and platelet count. Methods: A total of 200 serum samples were collected from clinically suspected cases of dengue fever. Serum samples were tested for NS1, IgM and IgG and correlated with the platelet count. Results: Out of 200 samples screened in our study, 100 (50%) were positive for dengue parameters, 100 (50%) were negative. Out of 100 positive cases, 95 (95%) cases were positive for NS1antigen either alone or in combination with antibodies. 84 (84%) cases were exclusively positive for NS1 antigen only. Primary infection (positive for NS1 Ag, IgM, NS1 + IgM) was seen in 99 (99%) cases and secondary infection (positive for IgG, NS1 + IgG, IgM + IgG, NS1+ IgM+ IgG) was seen in 1 case (1%). Out of 100 positive cases, thrombocytopenia was observed in 60 (60%) of patients while 40 (40%) had platelet count within normal range. Conclusions: Dengue is endemic to Indian subcontinent. Currently no specific antiviral therapy is available. Measuring platelet count and detecting the NS1 antigen plays a vital role in early diagnosis, management and implementing the control measures in community to avoid spread of dengue.
Synoptic Characteristics of the Japan Tsukuba Tornado

In this study, we conducted synoptic and mesoscale analyses to study the cause of the Japan Tsukuba tornado development, which occurred on 0340 UTC 6 May 2012. We analyzed surface and upper-level weather charts, thermodynamic diagram with hodograph and stability indices, moisture flux, SREH, isentropic analysis, PV, and Froude number. Prior to the tornado event, there was a circular jet stream over Japan and the surface was moist due to overnight precipitation. Circular jet stream brought cold and dry air to the upper-level and sky clearing with strong solar radiation heating the ground. A tornadic supercell developed in an area that was potentially unstable. Sounding data at Tateno showed a capping inversion at 900hPa on 0000 UTC 06 May. Strong insolation in the early morning hours and removal of the capping inversion instigated vigorous updraft with rotation due to vertical shear in the upper-level. This caused multiple tornadoes to occur from 0220 to 0340 UTC 6 May 2012. When comparing Tateno’s climatological temperature and dew-point temperature profile with that of the day of tornado, the mid-level was more moist than typical tornado sounding. This study shows that Tsukuba tornado development is due to a combination of a) topography and PV anomaly, which increased vorticity over the Kanto Plain; b) vertical shear, which produced horizontal vortex line; and c) thermal instability, which triggered supercell and tilted the vortex line in the vertical.
Australasian Conference on Information Systems Miah & Gammack 2016 , Wollongong , Australia Design methodologies for mhealth 1 Design methodologies for Mhealth innovations : a content analysis

Whilst researchers and professionals recognize that M-health offers great opportunities, most existing work has comprised individual project-based developments in specialised areas. Existing review papers generally utilise medical literature and categories: none investigates M-health from an IS design point of view. Identifying application areas, design issues and IS research techniques will demonstrate models, issues, approaches and gaps to inform future research. A comprehensive analysis of up to date literature from this viewpoint is valuable, both for theoretical progression and for guiding real-world innovative developments. Drawing from key IS and multidisciplinary journals we analyse recent (2010-2016) articles concerning M-health application developments and their associated design or development issues. We identify eight application categories, ten design issues (security, privacy, literacy, accessibility, acceptability, reliability, usability, confidentiality, integrity and knowledge sharing) and the stakeholders and development techniques involved. The analysis suggests M-health is an emerging field to which design science is particularly appropriate.
The Relative Efficacy of Thermal and Acidification Stresses on the Survival of E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella, and Listeria Monocytogenes in Ground Beef

To provide additional insights on pathogen survival, we evaluated the relative efficacy of acidification (pH 2.7), thermophilic treatment (55 °C), and low temperature pasteurization (68 °C) on the inactivation of E. coli O157:H7 , Salmonella, and Listeria monocytogenes in ground beef. A series of experiment was conducted under biosafety level 3 environments for assessing the impacts of heat and low pH on pathogen survival. Results showed that 5-log reductions of E. coli O157:H7 could take more than 2640 min at 55 °C, 134 min at 68 °C and 120 min under pH 2.7. Compared to E. coli O157:H7, the 5-log reduction of Salmonella was obtained in 4836, 126, 86 min at 55 °C, 68 °C, and pH 2.7, respectively. The 5-log reduction of Listeria was achieved in 4704, 200, and 115 min under 55 °C, 68 °C, and pH 2.7, respectively. The results of this study will provide additional insights for developing improved methods for controlling pathogens in ground beef.
Spermatological parameters of wild and cultured beluga (Huso huso Linnaeus, 1758) and their effects on fertilization rate, hatching rate, larval growth and survival rates

To compare the reproductive performance of the wild and cultured stocks of beluga, Huso huso males, some spermatological parameters were measured including: sperm motility, sperm density, spermatocrit and also fertilization rate, hatching rate and larval growth and survival rates. The semen samples were sampled from 11 wild spawners and 12 cultured brooders. A half of each semen sample was allocated for spermatological analysis and remaining were used for artificial propagation. In wild beluga, sperm motility time was 339.09 ± 23.11 s; spermatozoa motility rate 83.64 ± 2.01%; sperm density 15.22 ± 3.46 ×109 and spermatocrit 5.88 ± 1.36% while in cultured beluga, sperm motility time was 199.35 ± 29.02 s; spermatozoa motility rate 74.22 ± 2.4 %; sperm density 8.37 ± 0.24 ×109 and spermatocrit 3.21 ± 0.29 %. The fertilization rate (%), hatching rate (%), larval growth (% g.day-1). and survival rate (%) in wild beluga were 61.72 ± 14.16, 43.33 ± 11.13, 12.28 ± 0.33 and 52.66 ± 7.77, while in cultured beluga were 49.98 ± 6.55, 31.47 ± 8.49, 12.28 ± 0.62 and 57.37 ± 7.89 respectively. The spermatozoa motility (the ratio and duration of motility) were significantly different between wild and cultured brooders (P 0.05).
A Meandered Loop Antenna for LTE/WWAN Operations in a Smart Phone

This paper presents a multiband meandered loop antenna for smart phone applications. The proposed antenna which features a meandered folded-loop generates two resonance modes in the LTE/GSM bands. The current distributions of the excited resonance modes are analyzed to investigate the mode characteristic. By using a capacitively coupled feed on the backplane, the impedance bandwidth is broadened to cover LTE/WWAN bands. The simulation performed in this research used a high frequency structure simulator (HFSS) to optimally design the antenna, and a practical structure was constructed for the test. Details of the various antenna parameters are presented and discussed in this paper.