Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
When Industries Become More Productive, Do Firms?

This paper investigates two explanations for why industries might become more productive over time. The first explanation, termed the real productivity case,' is one in which firms become more productive and this leads to more productive industries. The second explanation, termed the rationalization case,' is one in which firm productivity is constant, but productive firms expand while less productive firms either shrink or exit. Each case has very different implications for factor markets, long term growth prospects, and public policy regarding productivity. Further, one can only distinguish between these two cases with plant- or firm-level data. We investigate the empirical relevance of the two cases using the Chilean manufacturing census. We find that the rationalization case explains much of the measured increase in industry productivity. When industry productivity fails, the rationalization case appears much less important. We also contribute to the applied econometric literature on productivity estimation as we show that the value-added production function is especially well-suited to a simple extension of recent methods developed by Oiley and Pakes.
On automatic derivation of fast Hadamard transform using genetic programming

Automatic generation of fast Hadamard transform (FHT) algorithms through genetic programming is studied. The design of FHT algorithms is viewed as a search in the space of linear algorithms employing restricted types of coefficients. A generic circuit that can realize all algorithms belonging to this space is proposed. The goal is to automatically find an algorithm that can perform Hadamard transform properly using a specified number of multiply/add operations. It is shown that genetic programming is able to discover a 4-point FHT that requires only 7 multiply/add operations.
Centrosomal localization of RhoGDIβ and its relevance to mitotic processes in cancer cells

Rho GDP-dissociation inhibitors (RhoGDIs) are regulators of Rho family GTPases. RhoGDIβ has been implicated in cancer progression, but its precise role remains unclear. We determined the subcellular localization of RhoGDIβ and examined the effects of its overexpression and RNAi knockdown in cancer cells. Immunofluorescence staining showed that RhoGDIβ localized to centrosomes in human cancer cells. In HeLa cells, exogenous GFP-tagged RhoGDIβ localized to centrosomes and its overexpression caused prolonged mitosis and aberrant cytokinesis in which the cell shape was distorted. RNAi knockdown of RhoGDIβ led to increased incidence of monopolar spindle mitosis resulting in polyploid cells. These results suggest that RhoGDIβ has mitotic functions, including regulation of cytokinesis and bipolar spindle formation. The dysregulated expression of RhoGDIβ may contribute to cancer progression by disrupting these processes.
H I and CO in the circumstellar environment of the oxygen-rich AGB star RX Leporis

Context. Circumstellar shells around AGB stars are built over long periods of time that may reach several million years. They may therefore be extended over large sizes (∼1 pc, possibly more), and different complementary tracers are needed to describe their global properties. Aims. We set up a program to explore the properties of matter in the external parts of circumstellar shells around AGB stars and to relate them to those of the central sources (inner shells and stellar atmospheres). Methods. In the present work, we combined 21-cm H i and CO rotational line data obtained on an oxygen-rich semi-regular variable, RX Lep, to describe the global properties of its circumstellar environment. Results. With the SEST, we detected the CO(2–1) rotational line from RX Lep. The line profile is parabolic and implies an expansion
Multiple equilibria and interfirm macro-externality: An analysis of sluggish real adjustment

In an imperfectly competitive economy, a continuum of equilibria at the firm level exists under certain analytical conditions (Ng 1986). Extending the earlier analysis of a representative firm, this paper shows that even if the condition for a continuum of equilibria is not exactly satisfied, the factors of price-adjustment costs, interfirm heterogeneity, and macro-externality can cause the economy to be stuck at the quasi macroequilibria after aggregate demand experiences a contractionary shock. Although adjustment costs are small and gains from adjustment are potentially large, the adjustment tends to be sluggish due to the existence of interfirm macro-externality.
Plasma homocysteine levels are independently associated with alterations of large artery stiffness in men but not in women

Objectives To investigate the associations of the plasma homocysteine levels with the alterations in arterial stiffness in a community-based cohort. The gender differences in these associations were examined. Methods We evaluated the relationship between plasma homocysteine levels to three measures of vascular function [carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (CF-PWV), carotid-ankle PWV (CA-PWV) and heart rate corrected augmentation index (AI)] in 1680 participants (mean age: 61.5 years; 709 men, 971 women) from communities of Beijing, China. Results In univariate analysis, plasma homocysteine levels was positively related to the CF-PWV (r = 0.211, P < 0.0001) and CA-PWV (r = 0.148, P < 0.0001), whereas inversely associated with AI (r = −0.052, P = 0.016). In multiple linear regression models adjusting for covariants, plasma homocysteine remained positively related to the CF-PWV (standardized β = 0.065, P = 0.007) in total cases. When the groups of men and women were examined separately, plasma homocysteine remained positively associated with the CF-PWV (standardized β = 0.082, P = 0.023) in men, whereas the relations between homocysteine and any of the arterial stiffness indices were not further present in women. Conclusions In Chinese population, plasma homocysteine levels are independently associated with alterations of large artery stiffness in men but not in women.
Towards Perception-aware Interactive Data Visualization Systems

An often overlooked element of the interactive data visualization stack is the human in the loop. While computational and data processing capabilities have increased over time, human limits have remained constant. In this light, we describe extensions to client-server database-driven visualization systems that are both customized to interactive workloads, and support perceptual models that approximate the human’s ability to decode visually encoded information. We recognize and accommodate human perceptual limitations as a way to minimize computation, network and rendering costs, and support high frame-rate interactions. Based on these models, we propose to answer a critical question: how can these models inform approximation decisions that improve end-to-end visualization performance? In this short paper, we describe research efforts towards using these limits to automatically approximate data transformations that are perceptually indistinguishable while applying database optimization techniques to minimize latency.
Shallow-water zoantharians (Cnidaria, Hexacorallia) from the Central Indo-Pacific

Abstract Despite the Central Indo-Pacific (CIP) and the Indonesian Archipelago being a well-known region of coral reef biodiversity, particularly in the ‘Coral Triangle’, little published information is available on its zoantharians (Cnidaria: Hexacorallia: Zoantharia). In order to provide a basis for future research on the Indo-Pacific zoantharian fauna and facilitate comparisons between more well-studied regions such as Japan and the Great Barrier Reef, this report deals with CIP zoantharian specimens in the Naturalis collection in Leiden, the Netherlands; 106 specimens were placed into 24 morpho-species and were supplemented with 88 in situ photographic records from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea. At least nine morpho-species are likely to be undescribed species, indicating that the region needs more research in order to properly understand zoantharian diversity within the CIP. The Naturalis’ zoantharian specimens are listed by species, as well as all relevant collection information, and in situ images are provided to aid in future studies on zoantharians in the CIP.
Abundance Gradients and the Formation of the Milky Way

In this paper we adopt a chemical evolution model, which is an improved version of the Chiappini, Matteucci, & Gratton model, assuming two main accretion episodes for the formation of the Galaxy, the first forming the halo and bulge in a short timescale and the second one forming the thin disk, with a timescale that is an increasing function of the Galactocentric distance (being of the order of 7 Gyrs at the solar neighborhood). The present model takes into account in more detail than previously the halo density distribution and explores the effects of a threshold density in the star formation process during both the halo and disk phases. The model also includes the most recent nucleosynthesis prescriptions concerning supernovae of all types, novae, and single stars dying as white dwarfs. In the comparison between model predictions and available data, we have focused our attention on abundance gradients as well as gas, stellar, and star formation rate distributions along the disk, since this kind of model has already proven to be quite successful in reproducing the solar neighborhood characteristics. We suggest that the mechanism for the formation of the halo leaves detectable imprints on the chemical properties of the outer regions of the disk, whereas the evolution of the halo and the inner disk are almost completely disentangled. This is due to the fact that the halo and disk densities are comparable at large Galactocentric distances and therefore the gas lost from the halo can substantially contribute to building up the outer disk. We also show that the existence of a threshold density for the star formation rate, both in the halo and disk phase, is necessary to reproduce the majority of observational data in the solar vicinity and in the whole disk. In particular, a threshold in the star formation implies the occurrence of a gap in the star formation at the halo-disk transition phase, in agreement with recent data. We conclude that a relatively short halo formation timescale (≃0.8 Gyr), in agreement with recent estimates for the age differences among Galactic globular clusters, coupled with an "inside-out" formation of the Galactic disk, where the innermost regions are assumed to have formed much faster than the outermost ones, represents, at the moment, the most likely explanation for the formation of the Milky Way. This scenario allows us to predict abundance gradients and other radial properties of the Galactic disk in very good agreement with observations. Moreover, as a consequence of the adopted "inside-out" scenario for the disk, we predict that the abundance gradients along the Galactic disk must have increased with time and that the average ratios in stars (halo plus disk) slightly decrease going from 4 to 10 kpcs from the Galactic center. We also show that the same ratios increase substantially toward the outermost disk regions and the expected scatter in the stellar ages decreases, because the outermost regions are dominated by halo stars. More observations at large Galactocentric distances are needed to test these predictions.
GINI DP 89: On the relationship between income inequality and intergenerational mobility

Of all the potential consequences of rising economic inequality, none is more worrisome, or more difficult to study, than the possibility that rising inequality will have the long-run effect of reducing equality of opportunity and intergenerational mobility (IGM). Most studies of IGM look backward over the past 45/50 years measuring the mobility of those 40 years of age or younger in the early 2000s by their incomes or earnings, compared to their parental income or earnings status in the late 1960’s. The problem is, of course, that these children grew up in a period of relative equality and stronger and more equal growth in real incomes. In contrast, those who will come of age in the coming decades of this century will have grown up in very different and much more unequal circumstances than their predecessors. Hence we must trace the steps that precede the final analyses of mobility based on the traditional measures of IGM, which can only serve as a starting point. As financial resources have become more unequal in most European and Anglo Saxon countries over the last three decades, the difference in the capacities of rich and poor families to invest in their children also has become more unequal. This change is occurring in a period where relatively more educational investment is needed to meet ongoing labor market changes. It follows that unless these inequities are offset by public policies designed to moderate their effects, the children of the rich will have an increasingly better chance of staying rich in the future, and the children of the poor will have less chance of escaping poverty or low socioeconomic status (SES). This short paper briefly summarizes the status of the relationship between inequality and mobility across several European and four non-European nations. It begins by discussing the concept of an investment in children and summarizing the relationship between social equality and equal opportunities over time and at present, and introducing the concept of IGM to assess the dynamic processes of social development and equality of opportunities and how they differ across nations. The role of parents and the tradeoffs that policy faces in this role is stressed. The paper will also mention some of the differences in outcomes we find according to parental education. We finish with some policies to increase the paths of autonomy and self-administration, privileges, and protective status rights. In the end we must strike a balance between parents’ ability to do as best they can for their children and social institutions and their processes that might provide more equal chances to those less well off, especially children from lower SES backgrounds.
Testosterone Deficiency, Cardiac Health, and Older Men

Low levels of testosterone are manifested by erectile dysfunction, reduced sexual desire, and loss of morning erections with increasing numbers of men are being diagnosed and require treatment. The prevalence rates of testosterone deficiency vary according to different studies but may be as high as 40% in populations of patients with type 2 diabetes. There is increasing evidence that testosterone deficiency is associated with increased cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Screening for low testosterone is recommended in a number of high risk groups including those with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. There are recent data to suggest that testosterone replacement therapy may reduce cardiovascular mortality as well as improving multiple surrogate markers for cardiovascular events. Specific clinical trials of testosterone replacement therapy are needed in selected populations but in the meantime we must treat patients based on the best current evidence.
Florida's Adolescent Literacy Policy: An Alternative Reading and Response

In this qualitative case study, I constructed interpretations of the meanings conveyed by state-level discourse communities as they were manifested in the primary and secondary speech genres of Florida’s adolescent literacy policy. Meanings (or values, beliefs and feelings) are highly tacit understandings embedded in the language, actions and objects of policy (Yanow, 2000), and are conveyed through informal and formal speech (Bakhtin, 1986). Results revealed (a) state policy meanings convey multiple versions of literacy with a heavy focus on receptive aspects of literate practice; (b) a typology of students and their fit within the institutional system; and (c) an emphasis on systems-based policy solutions. The combined effect of these results yielded two key dynamics (distance and resistance) that may signal challenges for Florida’s adolescent literacy reform efforts. Based on my interpretation of these meanings, I used complexity thinking (Davis & Sumara, 2006) to propose recommendations for reconfiguring Florida’s approach to adolescent literacy reform at both the macro and the micro levels. In particular, Florida should move away from systems-based policy solutions and toward people-based policy solutions that enable bottom-up emergence, or system-wide learning.
Simultaneous state and parameter estimation in asynchronous motors under sensorless speed control

This paper proposes an exact (Kalman-like) observer for the simultaneous state and parameter estimation in asynchronous motors — including speed and resistant torque estimation —, as well as a simulation study of its use under an estimate-based speed control scheme. The simulation setup includes the model of a PWM-controlled voltage source inverter, and the results are quite promising.
Solitary Wave Transformation on the Underwater Step : Theory and Numerical Experiments

Transformation of the solitary wave on the underwater step is studied analytically and numerically. The theoretical model includes the linear potential description of the wave transformation on a step and weakly nonlinear theory of long waves for reflected and transmitted waves far from a step. Numerical simulation of the solitary wave transformation on an underwater step is performed in the framework of various models: the Korteweg de Vries equation, extended Boussinesq-like system and fully nonlinear fully dispersive Navier – Stokes equations. Results of numerical simulations for the incident solitary wave of weak amplitude are in agreement with the theoretical predictions for the wave shapes of the secondary solitons but not for travel times. Correspondence to: Prof. Efim Pelinovsky, Pelinovsky@hydro.appl. sci-nnov.ru E.Pelinovsky@lboro.ac. uk
The fractal dimension of the minimum path in two- and three-dimensional percolation

The authors calculate the fractal dimension d(min) of the shortest path l between two points on a percolation cluster, where l approximately rd(min) and r is the Pythagorean distance between the points. They find d(min)=1.130+or-0.002 for d=2 and 1.34+or-0.01 for d=3.
The statistical significance of multivariate Hawkes processes fitted to limit order book data

Hawkes processes have seen a number of applications in finance, due to their ability to capture event clustering behaviour typically observed in financial systems. Given a calibrated Hawkes process, of concern is the statistical fit to empirical data, particularly for the accurate quantification of self- and mutual-excitation effects. We investigate the application of a multivariate Hawkes process with a sum-of-exponentials kernel and piecewise-linear exogeneity factors, fitted to liquidity demand and replenishment events extracted from limit order book data. We consider one-, two- and three-exponential kernels, applying various tests to ascertain goodness-of-fit and stationarity of residuals, as well as stability of the calibration procedure. In line with prior research, it is found that performance across all tests improves as the number of exponentials is increased, with a sum-of-three-exponentials yielding the best fit to the given set of coupled point processes.
Women in higher education leadership in South Asia: rejection, refusal, reluctance, revisioning

This research, linked to the South Asia Global Education Dialogue series, looks at the role of women in South Asia in respect to higher education and leadership. The research sought out existing knowledge and baseline data from the literature, policies, change interventions, available statistics and interviews across six countries in South Asia (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka). From this research, recommendations about what specific future actions and interventions for change could be implemented in South Asia have been made.
ANOMALOUS RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL PATTERNS OF DYNAMICAL BEHAVIOR

The relationship between spatial and temporal patterns of dynamical behavior is studied in the nonequilibrium, extended homogeneous system. We present an example of "anomalous" relationship between spatial and temporal patterns of behavior and discuss possible mechanisms of this phenomenon. By anomalous relationship we mean a situation when only chaotic temporal dynamics is possible in the spatially homogeneous regime, while in the spatially inhomogeneous regime temporal dynamics can be regular at the same value of parameters. We studied this phenomenon in the array of identical coupled Chua's circuits.
Effects of perch diameter and incline on the kinematics, performance and modes of arboreal locomotion of corn snakes (Elaphe guttata)

SUMMARY Animals moving through arboreal habitats face several functional challenges, including fitting onto and moving on cylindrical branches with variable diameters and inclines. In contrast to lizards and primates, the arboreal locomotion of snakes is poorly understood, despite numerous snake species being arboreal. We quantified the kinematics and performance of corn snakes (Elaphe guttata) moving on seven cylinders (diameters 1.6–21 cm) with five inclines (horizontal, ±45° and± 90°) and through horizontal tunnels of corresponding widths. When perches were inclined at either 45° or 90°, snakes were unable to move uphill or downhill on the larger diameters. None of the locomotion on perches conformed to any previously described mode of limbless locomotion. On horizontal and uphill perches snakes performed a variant of concertina locomotion with periodic stopping and gripping. When moving downhill, snakes often slid continuously while grasping the perch to reduce their speed. Mean forward velocity decreased both with increased incline and with increased perch diameter, contrary to the beneficial effect of increased diameter on the speeds of lizards. Both tunnel width and perch diameter had widespread and similar effects on kinematics. When perches and tunnels were narrower, the snakes had more lateral bends at shallower angles. The numerous effects of perch diameter on kinematics and the similarity to tunnel concertina locomotion emphasize the importance of fit as a limitation in arboreal locomotion of snakes. However, the slower speeds on horizontal perches compared to tunnels also suggest that balance and grip may further limit locomotor performance.
ADAM10 Negatively Regulates Neuronal Differentiation during Spinal Cord Development

Members of the ADAM (a disintegrin and metalloprotease) family are involved in embryogenesis and tissue formation via their proteolytic function, cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. ADAM10 is expressed temporally and spatially in the developing chicken spinal cord, but its function remains elusive. In the present study, we address this question by electroporating ADAM10 specific morpholino antisense oligonucleotides (ADAM10-mo) or dominant-negative ADAM10 (dn-ADAM10) plasmid into the developing chicken spinal cord as well as by in vitro cell culture investigation. Our results show that downregulation of ADAM10 drives precocious differentiation of neural progenitor cells and radial glial cells, resulting in an increase of neurons in the developing spinal cord, even in the prospective ventricular zone. Remarkably, overexpression of the dn-ADAM10 plasmid mutated in the metalloprotease domain (dn-ADAM10-me) mimics the phenotype as found by the ADAM10-mo transfection. Furthermore, in vitro experiments on cultured cells demonstrate that downregulation of ADAM10 decreases the amount of the cleaved intracellular part of Notch1 receptor and its target, and increases the number of βIII-tubulin-positive cells during neural progenitor cell differentiation. Taken together, our data suggest that ADAM10 negatively regulates neuronal differentiation, possibly via its proteolytic effect on the Notch signaling during development of the spinal cord.