Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Robustness and Pricing with Uncertain Growth

We study how decision-makers' concerns about robustness affect prices and quantities in a stochastic growth model. In the model economy, growth rates in technology are altered by infrequent large shocks and continuous small shocks. An investor observes movements in the technology level but cannot perfectly distinguish their sources. Instead the investor solves a signal extraction problem. We depart from most of the macroeconomics and finance literature by presuming that the investor treats the specification of technology evolution as an approximation. To promote a decision rule that is robust to model misspecification, an investor acts as if a malevolent player threatens to perturb the actual data-generating process relative to his approximating model. We study how a concern about robustness alters asset prices. We show that the dynamic evolution of the risk-return trade-off is dominated by movements in the growth-state probabilities and that the evolution of the dividend-price ratio is driven primarily by the capital-technology ratio. Copyright 2002, Oxford University Press.
The Development of IRT Based Attitude Scale towards Educational Measurement Course

In this study, the Scale of Attitude towards Educational Measurement and Evaluation (SAEM) developed by Demirtasli (2002) is reconstructed based on polytomous Item Response Theory (IRT) models and its psychometric features are identified. In this context, the best polythomous IRT model was investigated which is fitted SAEM data. IRT models gives invariant person and item parameters, when data-model fit. A version of SAEM has 41 Likert type items with four points was administered to 519 teacher candidates attending teacher education programs at several universities in Turkey. The data were analyzed according to polythomous IRT models: Samejima’s graded response model (S-GRM), the partial credit model (PCM) and a nominal response model (NRM). The results of the analysis showed that a new version of SAEM, which is based on S-GRM, consists of 33 items, has lower chi-square value than the other models and the classic internal reliability was found to be 0.97. The findings of the study indicate that the validity and reliability features of the scale are fairly good.
A unified model of pollution in P2P networks

Nowadays many popular Peer-to-Peer (P2P) systems suffer from the simultaneous attacks of various pollution, including file-targeted attack and index-targeted attack. However, to our knowledge, there is no model that takes both of them into consideration. In fact, the two attacks impact the effect of each other. It makes the models considering either kind of pollution only fail to accurately illustrate the actual pollution. In this paper, we develop a unified model to remedy the defect. Through the analysis from the perspective of user behavior, the two attacks are integrated into the unified model as two factors impacting users' choice of the files to download. The modeled file proliferation processes are consistent to those measured in real P2P systems. Moreover, the co-effect of the two attacks is also analyzed. The extremum point of co-effect is found, which corresponds to the most efficient attack of pollution. Further analysis of the model's accuracy requires the quantitative comparison between the modeled effects of pollution and the measured ones. Nonetheless, no such metric has ever been proposed, which also causes a lot of problems in evaluating the effect of pollution and anti-pollution techniques. To fix the deficiency, we propose several metrics to assess the effect of pollution, including abort ratio, average download time of unpolluted files, etc. These metrics estimate the effect of pollution from different aspects. They are applied to the analysis of pollution emulated by our unified model. The co-effect of pollution is captured by these metrics. Furthermore, the difference between our model and the previously developed ones is also reflected by them.
Seroprevalence of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome in Southeastern Korea, 2015

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging tick-borne disease characterized by fever, thrombocytopenia and diarrhea. SFTS was firstly reported in Korea in 2013 but its seroprevalence in the country has yet to be investigated. Here, we investigate the seroprevalence of SFTS in a Korean population. A cross-sectional study was conducted on patients who had their sera tested for various reasons at a tertiary university hospital on particular days in May 2015. This study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in southeastern Korea. Total antibodies including immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM), specific to SFTS virus (SFTSV) in serum samples were detected by a double-antigen sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A total of 1,069 serum samples were tested. Median age was 59 years (range 12–96 years), and 51.5% were male. Overall, 22 patients (2.1%) were tested positive for anti-SFTSV antibodies. The SFTS seroprevalence increased significantly with age (P = 0.034). The seropositive rate of rural area was higher than that of urban area (7.7% vs. 1.9%, P = 0.040). Seropositive rates were not significantly different among underlying diseases. None of the antibody-positive patients showed typical symptoms or laboratory findings of SFTS at the time of sample collection. Results of real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were negative for all the seropositive patients. Our study shows 2.1% SFTS seroprevalence among the patients visiting a tertiary hospital in Korea. Seroprevalence is higher in older and rural population.
Biochemical and biophysical properties of recombinant human interphotoreceptor retinoid binding protein.

PURPOSE Interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP) binds and transports retinoids and fatty acids in the interphotoreceptor space (IPS). To understand the relationship between the protein structure and its functions requires bulk quantities of human IRBP. The authors sought to produce recombinant human IRBP (rhIRBP), a perfect duplicate in amino acid sequence of the authentic human protein. This material could serve as a supply of the protein and later could be used to make mutants of the protein. The goals of the present study were to produce human IRBP in an expression system and to examine some of its biochemical properties. METHODS A cDNA encoding human IRBP was cloned into the transplacement vector, pVL1392, and the plasmid was recombined with linearized baculovirus on cotransfection into Sf9 cells. Viruses containing the human IRBP cDNA were identified by polymerase chain reaction analysis. IRBP was secreted from virus-infected insect cells. rhIRBP was purified from cell medium and was examined by chromatography, N-terminal protein sequencing, immunologic techniques, and fluorometry. Eyecup and retina washes of human donor eyes provided a source of authentic human IRBP (IPS-IRBP). RESULTS rhIRBP and IPS-IRBP exhibit similar elution profiles on concanavalin A, ion-exchange, and size exclusion chromatography. rhIRBP contains a five-amino-acid propeptide at the N-terminus as deduced from the cDNA sequence. Retinol binding of rhIRBP has been characterized by fluorometric titration. The dissociation constant is approximately 1.04 microM, close to that reported for bovine IRBP. By scanning fluorometry, the emission and excitation maxima are 479 nm and 339 nm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The baculovirus system provides an excellent method to produce and secrete human IRBP. The recombinant protein can be readily purified from cell culture medium. Its behavior in chromatography and in binding studies suggests that the recombinant protein is virtually identical to the authentic protein. This validates its use in place of IRBP from human donor eyes. Small, but significant, differences in biochemical properties in comparing human and bovine material highlight the significance of studying the human protein.
Fast and Spatially-Smooth Terrain Classification Using Monocular Camera

In this paper, we present a monocular camera based terrain classification scheme. The uniqueness of the proposed scheme is that it inherently incorporates spatial smoothness while segmenting a image, without requirement of post-processing smoothing methods. The algorithm is extremely fast because it is build on top of a Random Forest classifier. We present comparison across features and classifiers. The baseline algorithm uses color, texture and their combination with classifiers such as SVM and Random Forests. We further enhance the algorithm through a label transfer method. The efficacy of the proposed solution can be seen as we reach a low error rates on both our dataset and other publicly available datasets.
Fire Sales, Foreign Entry and Bank Liquidity1

Bank liquidity is a crucial determinant of the severity of banking crises. We consider the e¤ect of re sales and foreign entry during crises on banks ex-ante choice of liquid asset holdings. In a setting with limited pledgeability of risky cash ows and di¤erential expertise between banks and outsiders in employing banking assets, the market for assets clears only at re-sale prices following the onset of a crisis and outsiders may enter the market if prices fall su¢ ciently low. While re sales make it attractive for banks to hold liquid assets, foreign entry reduces this incentive. We show that in this setting, bank liquidity is counter-cyclical whereas bank capital measured as bank pro ts is pro-cyclical. We derive conditions under which privately optimal levels of bank liquidity are higher or lower than benchmark levels that maximize total output of the banking sector. We present and discuss evidence on bank liquidity that is consistent with model predictions. J.E. L. Classi cation: G21, G28, G32, E58, D61
The devil you know: The effect of brand recognition and product ratings on consumer choice

Previous research on the role of recognition in decision-making in inferential choice has focussed on the Recognition Heuristic (RH), which proposes that in situations where recognition is predictive of a decision criterion, recognized objects will be chosen over unrecognized ones, regardless of any other available relevant information. In the current study we examine the role of recognition in preferential choice, in which subjects had to choose one of a pair of consumer objects that were presented with quality ratings (positive, neutral, and negative). The results showed that subjects’ choices were largely based on recognition, as the famous brand was preferred even when additional star ratings rendered it as less attractive. However, the additional information did affect the proportion of chosen famous items, in particular in the cases when star ratings for the recognised brand were negative. This condition also resulted in longer response times compared to neutral and positive conditions. Thus, the current data do not point to a simple compensatory mechanism in preferential choice: although choice is affected by additional information, it seems that recognition is employed as an initial important first step in the decision-making process.
A positive systems model of TCP-like congestion control: asymptotic results

We study communication networks that employ drop-tail queueing and Additive-Increase Multiplicative-Decrease (AIMD) congestion control algorithms. It is shown that the theory of nonnegative matrices may be employed to model such networks. In particular, important network properties, such as: 1) fairness; 2) rate of convergence; and 3) throughput, can be characterized by certain nonnegative matrices. We demonstrate that these results can be used to develop tools for analyzing the behavior of AIMD communication networks. The accuracy of the models is demonstrated by several NS studies
Elastic-plastic analysis of small cracks in tubes

Analytical methods for predicting the elastic or elastic-plastic behavior of large circumferential through-wall cracks in tubes subjected to bending, tension, or combined bending and tension are well developed. Gilles and Brust (1991) and Gilles et al. (1991) summarize five such methods and provide a number of comparisons between analytically predicted results and experimental data. These techniques consist of developing a method for estimating the value of the J-integral. Classical J-tearing theory is utilized for the analyses. A method has also been recently developed to estimate J for a through-wall crack in a pipe weld (Rahman et al., 1991; Rahman and Brust, 1992). Unfortunately, the ability of these J-estimation techniques to predict the crack growth behavior for small cracks ({<=} 12 percent of the circumference) has not been established, even though such small cracks are often the concern in practical structures. Indeed, the finite element solutions compiled in the GE/EPRI handbook (Kumar et al., 1984) appear quite inadequate for small-size cracks (Gilles and Brust, 1991; Gilles et al., 1991). This paper presents the results of a series of finite element solutions for small cracks tabulated in the spirit of the handbook (Kumar et al., 1984). The theoretical background for the developmentmore » and use of simplified elastic-plastic fracture methods is fully discussed in Gilles and Brust (1991). Here, the authors provide the solutions for J-integral and the crack opening displacements for small crack problems under pure bending. Ongoing work will complete these solutions for tension and for combined tension-bending loads. « less
Estimating the relative roles of dispersion and predation in generating regional differences in mortality rates of larval radiated shanny (Ulvaria subbifurcata)

We followed three patches of larval radiated shanny (Ulvaria subbifurcata) using drogued drifters to assess regional differences in growth and mortality rates. We estimate dispersive losses directly using local surveys of surface currents corrected for the tidally induced divergence caused by the lack of synopticity of our surveys. We also monitored the abundance of juvenile capelin (Mallotus villosus), the major planktivore in the region, using hydroacoustic integration. The pattern of divergence-convergence showed considerable temporal and spatial variability, which resulted in substantial changes in the inferred biological mortality rates. The net mortality rates appeared to be directly proportional to the local abundance of pelagic fish. As with other patch studies, we are limited in the number of observations we obtained, but the results of this multidisciplinary study do suggest a strong potential for prey- predator interactions between larvae and adult planktivorous fish. Resume : L'utilisation de deriveurs a ancre flottante nous a permis de suivre trois « taches » de larves d'Ulvaires deux-lignes (Ulvaria subbifurcata) pour determiner les differences regionales de leurs taux de croissance et de mortalite. Les pertes dues a la dispersion sont estimees directement a partir de l'inventaire local des courants de surface, corriges pour eliminer la divergence induite par la maree due au manque de synopticite de nos inventaires. L'integration hydroacoustique nous a de plus permis de suivre la densite des jeunes Capelans (Mallotus villosus), les planctonophages principaux de la region. Le pattern de convergence-divergence accuse une importante variabilite temporelle et spatiale, ce qui entraine des changements considerables dans les taux estimes de mortalite biologique. Les taux nets de mortalite semblent etre directement proportionnels a l'abondance locale de poissons pelagiques. Comme c'est le cas dans les autres etudes sur les « taches », le nombre d'observations que l'on peut obtenir est limite, cependant notre etude multidisciplinaire laisse croire qu'i l y a une forte probabilite de relations predateurs-proies entre les larves et les poissons planctonophages adultes. (Traduit par la Redaction) Pepin et al. 114
Toward a Theory of Knowledge Reuse: Types of Knowledge Reuse Situations and Factors in Reuse Success

This paper represents a step toward a theory of knowledge reusability with emphasis on knowledge management systems and repositories, often called organizational memory systems. Synthesis of evidence from a wide variety of sources suggests four distinct types of knowledge reuse situations according to the knowledge reuser and the purpose of knowledge reuse. The types involve shared work producers, who produce knowledge they later reuse; shared work practitioners, who reuse each other's knowledge contributions; expertise-seeking novices; and secondary knowledge miners. Each type of knowledge reuser has different requirements for knowledge repositories. Owing to how repositories are created, reusers'requirements often remain unmet. Repositories often require considerable rework to be useful for new reusers, but knowledge producers rarely have the resources and incentives to do a good job of repurposing knowledge. Solutions include careful use of incentives and human and technical intermediaries.
Phylogenetic Patterns of Colonization and Extinction in Experimentally Assembled Plant Communities

Background Evolutionary history has provided insights into the assembly and functioning of plant communities, yet patterns of phylogenetic community structure have largely been based on non-dynamic observations of natural communities. We examined phylogenetic patterns of natural colonization, extinction and biomass production in experimentally assembled communities. Methodology/Principal Findings We used plant community phylogenetic patterns two years after experimental diversity treatments (1, 2, 4, 8 or 32 species) were discontinued. We constructed a 5-gene molecular phylogeny and statistically compared relatedness of species that colonized or went extinct to remaining community members and patterns of aboveground productivity. Phylogenetic relatedness converged as species-poor plots were colonized and speciose plots experienced extinctions, but plots maintained more differences in composition than in phylogenetic diversity. Successful colonists tended to either be closely or distantly related to community residents. Extinctions did not exhibit any strong relatedness patterns. Finally, plots that increased in phylogenetic diversity also increased in community productivity, though this effect was inseparable from legume colonization, since these colonists tended to be phylogenetically distantly related. Conclusions We found that successful non-legume colonists were typically found where close relatives already existed in the sown community; in contrast, successful legume colonists (on their own long branch in the phylogeny) resulted in plots that were colonized by distant relatives. While extinctions exhibited no pattern with respect to relatedness to sown plotmates, extinction plus colonization resulted in communities that converged to similar phylogenetic diversity values, while maintaining differences in species composition.
Monetary Transmission in an Open Economy: The Differential Impact on Exporting and Non-Exporting Firms

Using firm-level data from the 1990s for publicly traded manufacturing companies in Israel, a liberalized and open economy, we find that monetary policy affects real investment and that the effect operates differentially on the firms in our sample - the greater its export intensity, the less a firm is affected by tight money. We examine several interpretations and conclude that the evidence indicates that the impact is transmitted primarily through the balance sheets of firms whose access to foreign currency funding is relatively constrained.
Essential Oil Inhalation on Blood Pressure and Salivary Cortisol Levels in Prehypertensive and Hypertensive Subjects

The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of essential oil inhalation on the 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (BP) and salivary cortisol level in 83 prehypertensive and hypertensive subjects. The experimental group (n = 28) was asked to inhale an essential oil blended with lavender, ylang-ylang, marjoram, and neroli (20 : 15 : 10 : 2), whereas the placebo group (n = 27) was asked to inhale an artificial fragrance for 24 hours and the control group received no treatment (n = 28). The SBP (P < .001) and DBP (P = .009) measured at home in the experimental group were significantly decreased compared with the placebo group and the control group after treatment. The daytime SBP during the 24-hour ambulatory BP measurement of the experimental group presented with significant decreases in comparison with the measurements of the placebo group and the control group (P < .001). There was no statistically significant difference in the nighttime SBPs. The daytime DBPs during the 24-hour ambulatory BP measurements of the experimental group presented with significant decreases in comparison with the measurements of the placebo group and the control group (P = .002). There was no significant difference in the night time DBPs. The experimental group showed significant decreases in the concentration of salivary cortisol in comparison with the concentrations of the placebo group and the control group (P = .012). In conclusion, the inhalation of an essential oil had immediate and continuous effects on the home SBP, daytime BP, and the stress reduction. Essential oils may have relaxation effects for controlling hypertension.
Characterizing Twitter Discussions About HPV Vaccines Using Topic Modeling and Community Detection

Background In public health surveillance, measuring how information enters and spreads through online communities may help us understand geographical variation in decision making associated with poor health outcomes. Objective Our aim was to evaluate the use of community structure and topic modeling methods as a process for characterizing the clustering of opinions about human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines on Twitter. Methods The study examined Twitter posts (tweets) collected between October 2013 and October 2015 about HPV vaccines. We tested Latent Dirichlet Allocation and Dirichlet Multinomial Mixture (DMM) models for inferring topics associated with tweets, and community agglomeration (Louvain) and the encoding of random walks (Infomap) methods to detect community structure of the users from their social connections. We examined the alignment between community structure and topics using several common clustering alignment measures and introduced a statistical measure of alignment based on the concentration of specific topics within a small number of communities. Visualizations of the topics and the alignment between topics and communities are presented to support the interpretation of the results in context of public health communication and identification of communities at risk of rejecting the safety and efficacy of HPV vaccines. Results We analyzed 285,417 Twitter posts (tweets) about HPV vaccines from 101,519 users connected by 4,387,524 social connections. Examining the alignment between the community structure and the topics of tweets, the results indicated that the Louvain community detection algorithm together with DMM produced consistently higher alignment values and that alignments were generally higher when the number of topics was lower. After applying the Louvain method and DMM with 30 topics and grouping semantically similar topics in a hierarchy, we characterized 163,148 (57.16%) tweets as evidence and advocacy, and 6244 (2.19%) tweets describing personal experiences. Among the 4548 users who posted experiential tweets, 3449 users (75.84%) were found in communities where the majority of tweets were about evidence and advocacy. Conclusions The use of community detection in concert with topic modeling appears to be a useful way to characterize Twitter communities for the purpose of opinion surveillance in public health applications. Our approach may help identify online communities at risk of being influenced by negative opinions about public health interventions such as HPV vaccines.