Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modernizing Private Pensions: Canada Responds to a Global Challenge

The ongoing transition of the Canadian pension system offers valuable lessons for the rest of the world. Improving the voluntary and contractual retirement saving arrangements that constitute the private pillars of the system requires recognition among policy makers and the public that shoring up current defined benefit plans is an inadequate response to the financial crisis and economic slump. Improving capital accumulation plans, and more importantly, fostering new large-scale hybrid plans, offer a better foundation for the future.
On David Ricardo's Theory of Profits : The Laws of Distribution Are 'Not Essentially Connected with the Doctrine of Value'

The paper grew out of discussions with Japanese colleagues about Ricardo’s theory of profits on the occasion of a meeting at Meiji University in September 2009. It is argued that from an early time onwards Ricardo was convinced that the rate of profits could be ascertained in purely physical terms, without any question of valuation. Unfortunately, he was not given the time to translate this vision into a coherent and general theory. However, the vision permeates all his consecutive attempts at formulating such a theory-from the early ‘corn-ratio theory’ via the Essay on Profits to the Principles. The theory was meant to be general, taking into account all industries of the economy and paying due attention to their relationships. Ricardo understood that when it comes to the determination of the rate of profits, only those industries matter, which directly or indirectly contribute to the production of ‘necessaries,’ or wage goods, whereas industries that produce ‘luxuries’ do not. The concept of ‘corn,’ a composite commodity, was designed to reflect the set of industries producing necessaries. The surplus of necessaries over the amounts of them employed in production as capital gives the rate of profits as a physical ratio. Ricardo’s ‘fundamental law of distribution’ expresses the inverse relationship between the general rate of profits, conceived in this way, and real wages. It was Piero Sraffa who finally managed to elaborate a coherent and comprehensive theory of profits that confirmed Ricardo’s vision that the laws of distribution are ‘not essentially connected with the doctrine of value’ and overcame the shortcomings of Ricardo’s analysis. JEL classification numbers: B 24, D 33, D 51. * Revised version of a paper given at the Ricardian-Post Keynesian Joint International Seminar at Meiji University, Tokyo, 6 September 2009. I am grateful to the organiser of the meeting, Professor Katsuyoshi Watarai, and the participants in the debate, Professors Hiroji Nakamura, Shigeyoshi Senga and Ken Mizuta, for the valuable discussions we had, and Meiji University for its hospitality. Tony Aspromourgos and Christian Gehrke sent me useful comments on an earlier draft of this paper. Email address of the author: heinz.kurz@ uni-graz.at The History of Economic Thought, Vol. 53, No. 1, 2011. C The Japanese Society for the History of Economic Thought.
Financial Signalling and the "Deep Pocket" Argument

This Paper Provides a Formal Representation of Telser (1966)'S Deep Pocket Argument. According to Telser, Predation May Take Place Because Typical Entrants Are More Vulnerable Financially Than Are Typical Incubents. We Propose That Entrants' Financial Vulnerability May Be Explained by Informational Problems in Financial Markets. We Model a Situation in Which Financiers Are Uncertain of the True Value of an Entrant. At the Same Time, Financiers Know the Incubent's True Value. Both Types of Firm Have to Finance a Fixed Expenditure Before Starting Production. in Equilibrium, the Incubent Finances with Equity, While the High Value Entrant Must Issue Debt to Signal Its Quality to Investors. It Enters the Market Heavily Leveraged Compare to the Incubent. This Provides Incentives for the Incubent to Engage in a Price War to Financially Exhaust the Entrant and Cause Its Bankruptcy. the Price War May Be Intepreted As the Incubent's Predatory Response to the Entrant's Leveraged Entry. a Diversified Pool of Undistinguishable Entrants Is Sufficient to Justify the Deep Pocket Argument Put Forward by Telse (1966). We Base Ou Explanation on the Presence of Asymmetric Information in Financial and Output Markets.
Further Analysis on the Evaluation of a Size Measure for Web Applications

This paper describes further analysis on the evaluation of OO-method function points for the Web (OOmFPWeb), a functional size measurement method for Web applications. OOmFPWeb was evaluated using a range of performance-based and perception-based variables including productivity, reproducibility, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and intention to use. The evaluation was guided by an evaluation model for information systems design methods, the method evaluation model (MEM). In this paper, we present the empirical testing of the MEM to verify the validity of this model in the evaluation of OOmFPWeb. It includes the analysis of causal relationships existing among the different variables of the model. The results show that the MEM is a reliable and valid instrument for evaluating OOmFPWeb but the relationships among productivity, perceived ease of use and intention to use needs to be revised
Summarization of Corporate Risk Factor Disclosure through Topic Modeling

In this paper, we propose a novel problem of summarizing textual corporate risk factor disclosure, which aims to simultaneously infer the risk types across corpus and assign each risk factor to its most probable risk type. To solve the problem, we develop a variation of LDA topic model called Sent-LDA. The variational EM learning algorithm, which guarantees fast convergence, is derived and implemented for our model. Experiments show that our model is much more efficient and effective than LDA for solving our proposed problem. Specifically, our model is 50 times faster than LDA in the same conditions, and generates better topics for summarization than LDA. Our model is visualized in a publicly available system.
Internet topology on as-level: Model, generation methods and tool

Numerous studies based on complex measurement platforms have been carried out for over ten years now in order to discover the Internet topology on domain level. It turns out that this topology exhibits certain invariant properties such as a distribution of node degree. This distribution follows a power law. Moreover, the revealed topology is hierarchical. The hierarchy is caused by commercial contracts signed between domain operators. The routing realized by Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) is strongly influenced by these commercial relationships because operators do not want to make public the routes they know, as announcing certain routes would deprive them of a possible financial benefit. Consequently, routes available in BGP tables are of particular shape (valley-free). This fact has an impact on the performance of protocols which are proposed notably to assure the Quality of Service (QoS). In order to evaluate the performance of new protocols in the inter-domain context their designers have to have at their disposal a random topology generator which is able to furnish a random graph whose nodes' degree follows a power law typical for the Internet, and to impose the commercial hierarchy on it. Our aSHIIP (autonomous Supe´lec Hierarchy Inter-domain Program) does both: its synthetic topologies are realistic and the hierarchy, which it introduces, corresponds to the one of the Internet. After explaining the reasons for our study, we present the methods which we propose to use for the flat Internet topology generation which satisfies the realism of the Internet. Next, we explain our algorithm used to induct the commercial hierarchy. The algorithm is heuristic because, as we prove in this paper, the underlying problem is NP-complete. We then evaluate the topologies generated with aSHIIP. The result is a reliable flat Internet-like topology generator which also allows the modeler to introduce the realistic hierarchy. We are convinced we can recommend it to modelers dealing with performance evaluation of protocols for the Internet on domain level.
The Aggregate Effects of Anticipated and Unanticipated U.S. Tax Policy Shocks: Theory and Empirical Evidence

We provide empirical evidence on the effects of tax liability changes in the United States. We make a distinction between "surprise" and "anticipated" tax shocks. Surprise tax cuts give rise to a large boom in the economy. Anticipated tax liability tax cuts are instead associated with a contraction in output, investment and hours worked prior to their implementation. After their implementation, anticipated tax liability cuts lead to an economic expansion. We build a DSGE model with changes in tax rates that may be anticipated or not, estimate key parameters using a simulation estimator and show that it can account for the main features of the data. We argue that tax shocks are empirically important for U.S. business cycles and that the Reagan tax cut, which was largely anticipated, was a main factor behind the early 1980’s recession.
HF beam parameters in ELF/VLF wave generation via modulated heating of the ionosphere

[1] ELF/VLF (0.3–30 kHz) wave generation is achievable via modulated HF (3–30 MHz) heating of the lower ionosphere in the presence of natural currents such as the auroral electrojet. Using the 3.6 MW High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) facility near Gakona, AK, we investigate the effect of HF frequency and beam size on the generated ELF/VLF amplitudes, as a function of modulation frequency, and find that generation in the Earth-ionosphere waveguide generally decreases with increasing HF frequency between 2.75–9.50 MHz. HAARP is also capable of spreading the HF power over a wider area, and we find that a larger beam area yields larger generated amplitudes on the ground. Measurements are shown to generally agree with a theoretical model, which is then applied to also predict the effect of HF beam parameters on magnetospheric injection with HAARP.
How Regions Converge

We present a joint study of the US structural transformation (the decline of agriculture as the dominating sector) and regional convergence (of Southern to Northern average wages). We find that empirically most of the regional convergence is attributable to the structural transformation: the nation-wide convergence of agricultural wages to non-agricultural wages, and the faster rate of transition of the Southern labor force from agricultural to non-agricultural jobs. Similar results describe the Mid-West's catch up to the North-East (but not the relative experience of the West). To explain these observations, we construct a model in which the South (Mid-West) has a comparative advantage in producing unskilled-labor intensive agricultural goods. Thus, it starts with a disproportionate share of the unskilled labor force and lower per capita incomes. Over time, declining education/training costs induce an increasing proportion of the labor force to move out of the (unskilled) agricultural sector and into the (skilled) non-agricultural sector. The decline in the agricultural labor force leads to an increase in relative agricultural wages. Both effects benefit the South (Mid-West) disproportionately since it has more agricultural workers. With the addition of a less-than-unit income-elasticity of demand for farm goods and faster technological progress in farming than outside of farming this model successfully matches the quantitative features of the U.S. structural transformation and regional convergence, as well as several other stylized facts on U.S. economic growth in the last century. The model does not rely on frictions on inter-regional factor mobility, since in our empirical work we find this channel to be less important than the compositional effects the model emphasizes.
Daily acyclovir to decrease herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) transmission from HSV-2/HIV-1 coinfected persons: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND Daily suppressive therapy with valacyclovir reduces risk of sexual transmission of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) in HSV-2-serodiscordant heterosexual couples by 48%. Whether suppressive therapy reduces HSV-2 transmission from persons coinfected with HSV-2 and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is unknown. METHODS Within a randomized trial of daily acyclovir 400 mg twice daily in African HIV-1 serodiscordant couples, in which the HIV-1-infected partner was HSV-2 seropositive, we identified partnerships in which HIV-1-susceptible partners were HSV-2 seronegative to estimate the effect of acyclovir on risk of HSV-2 transmission. RESULTS We randomly assigned 911 HSV-2/HIV-1-serodiscordant couples to daily receipt of acyclovir or placebo. We observed 68 HSV-2 seroconversions, 40 and 28 in acyclovir and placebo groups, respectively (HSV-2 incidence, 5.1 cases per 100 person-years; hazard ratio [HR], 1.35 [95% confidence interval, .83-2.20]; P = .22). Among HSV-2-susceptible women, vaginal drying practices (adjusted HR, 44.35; P = .004) and unprotected sex (adjusted HR, 9.91; P = .002) were significant risk factors for HSV-2 acquisition; having more children was protective (adjusted HR, 0.47 per additional child; P = .012). Among HSV-2-susceptible men, only age ≤30 years was associated with increased risk of HSV-2 acquisition (P = .016). CONCLUSIONS Treatment of African HSV-2/HIV-1-infected persons with daily suppressive acyclovir did not decrease risk of HSV-2 transmission to susceptible partners. More-effective prevention strategies to reduce HSV-2 transmission from HIV-1-infected persons are needed.
British‐Chinese pupils’ constructions of gender and learning

British‐Chinese pupils are the highest achieving ethnic group in the British education system, and British‐Chinese boys’ performance equals that of girls. This paper investigates aspects of British‐Chinese pupils’ constructions of learning, focusing particularly on subject preferences and their constructions of themselves as pupils. The results are analysed according to gender as well as social class, and demonstrate that British‐Chinese pupils’ constructions of gender, subject preference and self‐image as pupils differ in some respects from those of pupils from other ethnic groups. Reasons for such differences are considered, and the paper also reflects on the implications of these findings in relation to broader findings concerning the stereotyping and ‘othering’ of the British‐Chinese within the British education system.
Measuring Violent Conflict in Micro-Level Surveys: Current Practices and Methodological Challenges

This paper reviews both current practices and common challenges of measuring the causes, functioning, and consequences of violent conflict at the micro-level. The authors review existing conflict -- and violence-related survey questionnaires, with a particular focus on the World Bank's Living Standard Measurement Surveys. Further, they discuss methodological challenges associated with empirical work in conflict-affected areas—such as operationalizing a definition of conflict, using the appropriate units of analysis, deciding on the timing of the survey, dealing with data biases and conducting surveys in an ethically sound manner—and propose ways to improve the usefulness of existing surveys to analyze conflict processes at the micro-level. Violent conflict, households, survey methods, questionnaire design.
Gastrointestinal malignancies harbor actionable MET exon 14 deletions

Recently, MET exon 14 deletion (METex14del) has been postulated to be one potential mechanism for MET protein overexpression. We screened for the presence of METex14del transcript by multiplexed fusion transcript analysis using nCounter assay followed by confirmation with quantitative reverse transcription PCR with correlation to MET protein expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and MET amplification by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). We extracted RNAs from 230 patients enrolled onto the prospective molecular profiling clinical trial (NEXT-1) (NCT02141152) between November 2013 and August 2014. Thirteen METex14del cases were identified including 3 gastric cancer, 4 colon cancer, 5 non-small cell lung cancer, and one adenocarcinoma of unknown primary. Of these 13 METex14del cases, 11 were MET IHC 3+ and 2 were 2+. Only one out of the 13 METex14del cases was MET amplified (MET/CEP ratio > 2.0). Growths of two (gastric, colon) METex14del+ patient tumor derived cell lines were profoundly inhibited by both MET tyrosine kinase inhibitors and a monoclonal antibody targeting MET. In conclusion, METex14del is a unique molecular aberration present in gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies corresponding with overexpression of MET protein but rarely with MET amplification. Substantial growth inhibition of METex14del+ patient tumor derived cell lines by several MET targeting drugs strongly suggests METex14del is a potential actionable driver mutation in GI malignancies.
Long-Term Potentiation in Distinct Subtypes of Hippocampal Nonpyramidal Neurons

We have investigated NMDA receptor-dependent long-term potentiation (LTP) in distinct subtypes of nonpyramidal neurons of the CA1 hippocampus using induction protocols that permitted the differentiation between a direct form of LTP and plasticity resulting simply from the “passive propagation” of LTP occurring on CA1 pyramidal neurons. Two types of stratum (st.) oriens/alveus interneurons received passive propagation of synaptic potentiation via the recurrent collaterals of CA1 pyramidal cells, but neither subtype possessed direct plasticity. In st. radiatum, two distinct classes of cells were observed: st. radiatum interneurons that showed neither direct nor propagated forms of synaptic plasticity, and “giant cells” for which EPSPs were robustly potentiated after a pairing protocol. This potentiation is similar to the LTP described in pyramidal cells, and its induction requires NMDA receptor activation. Thus, a large heterogeneity of synaptic plasticity exists in morphologically distinct neurons and suggests that complex changes in the CA1 network properties will occur after the induction of LTP.
An Investigation on Personalized Collaborative Filtering for Web Service Selection

The current Web service architecture addresses the service discovery problem, but not service selection. If we treat services as a special type of products from the service providers, existing techniques used for product selection can be applied to service selection. Among many existing techniques for product selection, one dominant approach is to use recommender systems. For example many ecommerce Web site, such as Ebay, Amazon and Epinions all have recommender system support to ease the burden of product selection. Recommender systems are classified into different types, which include content-based, collaborative and hybrid based systems which perform recommendation based on user/item data set. There is also multidimensional recommender system where the system supports multiple dimensions, such as user,item, and its quality attributes. This research investigates the fundamentals of different types of recommender systems, in particular, the collaborative filtering based approach using both two dimensional and multidimensional data. This study is to facilitate the development of a framework that supports service selection. In this project we are interested in applying a multidimensional collaborative recommender system for Web service selection. But before we propose the framework, we first perform experiments on the similarity measures used in collaborative filtering to fully understand the working process of normal collaborative filtering system. Pearson correlation and Vector Similarity are tested and compared using the MovieLens data set. This experiment is important to decide which of the similarity measures performs better in a two dimensional data set. Because the Quality of Service is often characterized by multiple criteria, different people/users may put stronger emphasis on certain criteria than others, two dimensional approach is over-simplified. Therefore we looked at the multi dimensional approach on product selection as well. An experiment using the multidimensional data collected in this research from Epinions.com is performed to study how it works on product selection. Finally, we draw from the experience of both two dimensional and multidimensional product selection and propose a framework for Web service selection which uses the multidimensional recommender system approach.
Rab27b is associated with fusiform vesicles and may be involved in targeting uroplakins to urothelial apical membranes

The terminally differentiated umbrella cells of bladder epithelium contain unique cytoplasmic organelles, the fusiform vesicles, which deliver preassembled crystalline arrays of uroplakin proteins to the apical cell surface of urothelial umbrella cells. We have investigated the possible role of Rab proteins in this delivery process, and found Rab27b to be expressed at an extraordinary high level (0.1% of total protein) in urothelium, whereas Rab27b levels were greatly reduced (to <5% of normal urothelium) in cultured urothelial cells, which synthesized only small amounts of uroplakins and failed to form fusiform vesicles. Immuno-electron microscopy showed that Rab27b was associated with the cytoplasmic face of the fusiform vesicles, but not with that of the apical plasma membrane. The association of Rab27b with fusiform vesicles and its differentiation-dependent expression suggest that this Rab protein plays a role in regulating the delivery of fusiform vesicles to the apical plasma membrane of umbrella cells.
A black-box group algorithm for recognizing finite symmetric and alternating groups, I

We present a Las Vegas algorithm which, for a given black-box group known to be isomorphic to a symmetric or alternating group, produces an explicit isomorphism with the standard permutation representation of the group. This algorithm has applications in computations with matrix groups and permutation groups. In this paper, we handle the case when the degree n of the standard permutation representation is part of the input. In a sequel, we shall treat the case when the value of n is not known in advance. As an important ingredient in the theoretical basis for the algorithm, we prove the following result about the orders of elements of S n : the conditional probability that a random element σ ∈ S n is an n-cycle, given that σ n = 1, is at least 1/10.
Capacity constraints, price adjustment, and monetary policy

The short-run Phillips curve describes a positive short-run relationship between the level of economic activity and inflation. When the level of demand in the economy as a whole runs ahead of the level of output that the economy can supply in the short run, price pressures increase and inflation rises. This article reviews the origins of the short-run Phillips curve with particular emphasis on the long-standing idea that the shape of this curve may be non-linear, with inflation becoming more sensitive to changes in output when the cycle of economic activity is high than when it is low. This type of non-linearity in the short-run Phillips curve, which is typically motivated by the effects of capacity constraints that limit the ability of the economy to expand in the short run, has recently attracted renewed attention. The article surveys recent research that finds some evidence of this type of non-linearity in the Phillips curve in Canada and considers the potential implications for monetary policy.