Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estimating the Demand for Cigarettes in Greece: An Error Correction Model

This paper provides an empirical analysis of cigarette consumption in Greece for the period 1960-1995 using the recent developments on cointegration techniques and error correction models. It was found that the empirical model performs well on both theoretical and statistical grounds. Short- and long-run impacts of price and income changes on cigarette demand were obtained and found to be small.
Misreading the public : the myth of a new isolationism

Do American policymakers really know what the American public wants in U.S. foreign policy? Through extensive interviews with members of the policy community, the authors reveal a pervasive belief --especially in Congress --that, in the wake of the cold war, the public is showing a new isolationism: opposition to foreign aid, hostility to the United Nations, and aversion to contributing U.S. troops to peacekeeping operations. This view of the public has in turn had a significant impact on U.S. foreign policy. However, through a comprehensive review of polling data, as well as focus groups, the authors show that all these beliefs about the public are myths. The public does complain that the United States is playing the role of dominant world leader more than it should, but this does not lead to a desire to withdraw. Instead people prefer to share responsibility with other nations, particularly through the UN. The authors offer explanations of how such a misperception can occur and suggest ways to improve communication between the public and policymakers, including better presentation of polling data and more attention by practitioners to a wider public.
Properties of models of fuzzy attribute implications

This paper deals with closure properties of models of fuzzy attribute implications. Fuzzy attribute implications are particular IF-THEN rules which can be interpreted in data tables with fuzzy attributes and/or ranked data tables over domains with similarity relations. We show that models of any set of fuzzy attribute implications form a fuzzy closure system with hedge. Conversely, we show that each fuzzy closure system with hedge can be seen as a system of models of some set of fuzzy attribute implications. Furthermore, we show applications of the closure properties: we describe semantic entailment from fuzzy attribute implications using least models and show a method for generating of non-redundant sets of dependencies which are true in a given data table with fuzzy attributes. Keywords— completeness in data, fuzzy attribute implication, fuzzy closure operator, hedge, model, non-redundant basis
Bayesian Estimation of White Matter Atlas from High Angular Resolution Diffusion Imaging

We present a Bayesian probabilistic model to estimate the brain white matter atlas from high angular resolution diffusion imaging (HARDI) data. This model incorporates a shape prior of the white matter anatomy and the likelihood of individual observed HARDI datasets. We first assume that the atlas is generated from a known hyperatlas through a flow of diffeomorphisms and its shape prior can be constructed based on the framework of large deformation diffeomorphic metric mapping (LDDMM). LDDMM characterizes a nonlinear diffeomorphic shape space in a linear space of initial momentum uniquely determining diffeomorphic geodesic flows from the hyperatlas. Therefore, the shape prior of the HARDI atlas can be modeled using a centered Gaussian random field (GRF) model of the initial momentum. In order to construct the likelihood of observed HARDI datasets, it is necessary to study the diffeomorphic transformation of individual observations relative to the atlas and the probabilistic distribution of orientation distribution functions (ODFs). To this end, we construct the likelihood related to the transformation using the same construction as discussed for the shape prior of the atlas. The probabilistic distribution of ODFs is then constructed based on the ODF Riemannian manifold. We assume that the observed ODFs are generated by an exponential map of random tangent vectors at the deformed atlas ODF. Hence, the likelihood of the ODFs can be modeled using a GRF of their tangent vectors in the ODF Riemannian manifold. We solve for the maximum a posteriori using the Expectation-Maximization algorithm and derive the corresponding update equations. Finally, we illustrate the HARDI atlas constructed based on a Chinese aging cohort of 94 adults and compare it with that generated by averaging the coefficients of spherical harmonics of the ODF across subjects.
Analysis Are community-based forest enterprises in the tropics fi nancially viable ? Case studies from the Brazilian Amazon

a School of Forest Resources & Conservation, P.O. Box 110410, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611 USA b USDA Forest Service, Research Triangle Park, P.O. Box 12254, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA c Tropical Conservation and Development Program, Center for Latin American Studies, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA d Institute for Conservation and Sustainable Development of Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil e AMBE Project, Santarém, Rua Piacá, 160, Pará, Brazil f Mamirauá Sustainable Development Institute, Estrada do Bexiga, 2.584, Bairro Fonte Boa, 69470-000, Tefé, Amazonas, Brazil
Affect Intensity : Separating Intensity and Frequency in Repeatedly Measured Affect

E. Diener, R. J. Larsen, S. Levine, and R. A. Emmons (1985) distinguished between intensity and frequency as separable components in repeatedly measured affect. In this article, an improved way of differentiating intensity and frequency of affect is proposed that permits one to measure affect intensity separately for each emotion of interest. The results of 3 studies using this method provide further support for the affect intensity construct and demonstrate the superiority of the new approach. In addition, a new measure based on intensity ratings of hypothetical scenarios proved to be the best measure of affect intensity when it has to be assessed at 1 moment in time. Finally, results of 2 diary studies, one sampling emotional events and the other sampling random moments, confirmed the hypothesis that affect intensity is best conceptualized as a disposition to react strongly to emotioneliciting events rather than to experience intense affect in the absence of goal-relevant situations.
Glutamate Transmission in the Nucleus Accumbens Mediates Relapse in Cocaine Addiction

Elevated dopamine transmission in the nucleus accumbens is thought to be a primary mediator of addiction to cocaine. However, repeated exposure to cocaine is associated with the recruitment of glutamate transmission. This poses the possibility that the behaviors characterizing cocaine addiction, such as craving-induced relapse, may not be preferentially mediated by dopamine transmission. An animal model of relapse was used to demonstrate that glutamate, and not dopamine transmission in the nucleus accumbens, is a primary mediator of cocaine-induced reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior. Reinstatement was produced by a systemic injection of cocaine or by the microinjection of the glutamate receptor agonist AMPA or dopamine into the nucleus accumbens. It was found that microinjection of an AMPA receptor antagonist into the nucleus accumbens blocked reinstatement by all compounds, whereas a dopamine receptor antagonist was effective only in blocking reinstatement by intra-accumbens dopamine administration. These data suggest an important role for nucleus accumbens glutamate and not dopamine transmission in cocaine-induced relapse to drug-seeking behavior.
The good the bad and the blogger : the public relations challenge of the noughties

Technological advances such as the printing press, telephone, radio, television, facsimile machine and now the World Wide Web (the Web) have been the catalyst for changes in business operations throughout history. The Web is a worldwide network of information resources and a powerful communication tool; information on virtually any subject is available on the Web. Considerable ambiguity exists in the literature regarding the online practice of corporate public relations. The authors assert that public relations is central to the examination of blogs in an organisational context. Organisational blogs have been viewed by many as changing the role of corporate public relations— specifically the manner in which companies are now engaging with their publics. The Web has given those already in power (not just ordinary citizens) even greater potential to distribute filtered information to a mass readership. In many ways the Web presents publics with an overt sense of democracy. However, the filtering capabilities of the medium are not nearly as publicly understood or acknowledged as editorial regulations used in traditional, physical media. Although the vast library of theoretical public relations models are grounded in physical reality, they should not be ignored, but rather, used as platforms to develop theoretical models for an understanding of organisational weblogs. It is misguided to assign organisational blogs too much communicative power without first considering the theories that should underpin their use, and be used to develop frameworks for their strategic implementation. Blogs’ role in the corporate landscape is still ambiguous and unclear. This paper explores the impact of organisational blogs on public relations practice, academics and practitioners alike are yet to devise methodologies or a consistent approach to handle the future implementation of this new communications tool.
Estimating the Fresh Vegetables Demand System in Jordan: A Linear Approximate Almost Ideal Demand System

The main objective of this research is to estimate the different types of demand elasticities for the main fresh vegetables consumed in Jordan. The estimated elasticities can be used to measure the impacts of agricultural policies and can be used to predict future consumption in the context of food security in terms of access, availability, stability, and food quality. The reported demand estimates were obtained through the estimation of a Linear Approximate Almost Ideal Demand Systems (LA/AIDS) for Jordan fresh vegetable crops demand system using the most recent cross-sectional data of household expenditure survey in 2005. A censored regression method for the system of equations was used to analyze fresh vegetables consumption patterns. This method allows for inclusion of a large number of zero consumption for some foods through two-step demand system estimation. All of the own-price demand elasticities have the correct negative signs and statistically significant. According to the expenditure elasticity, tomato, cucumber, and potato are the necessity goods. The mean budget shares indicate that consumers spend 30 percent of their allocated budget to vegetables on tomatoes and potatoes. The green bean elasticity is the highest indicating that demand for beans is highly responsive to any changes in the price. The expenditure elasticities reveal that the demand on all vegetables is expected to grow over the coming few years. High own-price elasticities of all vegetables studied suggests that any changes in the prices of these crops could bring about a significant shift in fruits and vegetable consumption patterns.
The Austrian School and modern economics : essays in reassessment

The intertemporal co-ordination of economic activities - the economic debate between Hayek and Keynes, debate in perspective Hayek and Lucas on equilibrium and knowledge more on Hayek's transformation the theory of the firm - the Austrians as precursers and critics of contemporary theory precursor of property rights economics - Ludwig von Mises dynamic theories of the market and neo-institutional economics economics and socialism - the Austrians revisited price theory - orthodox, Austrian, and evolutionary heterodox tradition, pluralism and scientific progress - the case of the Austrian school and modern economics.
The Growth Effects of EU Membership for the UK: a Review of the Evidence

This paper reviews the literature on the implications of EU membership for the UK. It concludes that membership has raised UK income levels appreciably and by much more than 1970s’ proponents of EU entry predicted. These positive effects stem from the EU’s success in increasing trade and the impact of stronger competition on UK productivity. The economic benefits of EU membership for the UK have far exceeded the costs of budgetary transfers and regulation. Brexit is risky and its impact would depend heavily on the terms negotiated and the use made of the policy space that it freed up.
Other Comprehensive Income: A Review and Directions for Future Research

Accounting standard setters continue to grapple with conceptual distinctions between components of net income and other comprehensive income (OCI). Bank regulators are dealing with the recommendations of Basel III for Tier 1 Capital, which includes more components of accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI). Motivated by these standard setting and regulatory debates and changes, I review the literature on the investor and contracting usefulness of comprehensive income, OCI, OCI components and AOCI. I present ideas for future research, including opportunities arising from Basel III changes to bank regulatory capital.
First Aid Knowledge of University Students in Poisoning Cases

SUMMARY Objectives Poisoning is a crucial public health problem which needs serious approach and response to treatment. In case of poisoning, proper first aid is lifesaving and application should be applied in every condition. This research was conducted in order to evaluate first aid knowledge of university students for poisoning. Methods The research was conducted between the dates of May 2013–June 2013 with the permission gained from the University Rectorship. The cohort of the research contained 4,560 students who received education in Istanbul. The sample of the study included 936 students who accepted to participate in the research and attended the school during the research. The data were collected by using a questionnaire form, which had 21 questions prepared by researchers. Analysis of the data was carried out with a percentage evaluation method and chi square tests in a computer environment. Results In our study, 92.6% of students (n=867) knew the phone number of the ambulance in case of emergency. In addition, 57.3% of students (n=536) knew the phone number of the poison hotline, and it was seen that they answered correctly the questions regarding the relation between body system and indications of poisoning. It was determined that the students who received education in medical departments answered the questions correctly more than the students who had education in other departments. (p≤0.001, p≤0.01). Conclusions It was observed that the university students in medical departments had more first aid knowledge on poisoning cases compared to the students in other departments who did not have sufficient information regarding these issues. It is thought that first aid education in all departments of universities, both poisoning and other first aid issues, should be conveyed to all students.
LINKING RELATIONSHIP QUALITY TO PERCEIVED MUTUALITY OF RELATIONSHIP GOALS AND PERCEIVED GOAL PROGRESS

Two goal-related variables were examined as predictors of relationship quality. One was the perception of mutuality of goals held for the relationship; the other was the perception of progress regarding those relationship goals. A mediation model was considered whereby relationship goal mutuality predicted quality via perception of goal progress. Study 1 examined cross-sectional associations among these variables in 245 dating participants. Results of a path analysis (controlling for effects of relationship conflict) were consistent with the mediation model. Study 2 replicated these findings in a sample of 78 committed romantic couples, using an electronic diary methodology to gather data from both partners about relationship quality across multiple time points. Study 2 also extended the findings by examining a dyadic mediation model with both mediated actor effects and mediated partner effects. Findings suggest a central role for shared relationship goals and for perceptions of relationship goal progress.
The Coevolution of Trade and Cultural Diversity : Is the Village Global ?

EXTREMELY PRELIMINARY DRAFT Please do not circulate and do not quote without permission This paper studies empirically and theoretically the joint evolution of international trade and cultural diversity. In this very preliminary draft we report only our empirical results. Following the genetical and physical anthropology literature and based on the World Values Survey we develop an index of cultural diversity that can be split up into a betweenand within-country component. Contrary to the existing literature, our index is time-varying which enables to neutralize many endogeneity concerns. First we nd that both components of cultural diversity have decreased during the last two decades. We interpret this result as evidence for cultural convergence and for cultural erosion at the world level. In a second stage we look at the impact of cultural diversity on international trade. We nd that an increase in cultural diversity between two given countries reduces their bilateral trade. We also nd that an increase in cultural diversity within a given country translates into an increase of its total exports. In a third stage we study the causal impact of international trade on cultural diversity between countries. Using an instrumental variable approach and including time and country-pair xed e¤ects, we nd that bilateral trade reduces the between-country component of cultural diversity. The e¤ect is sizeable as a one standard deviation increase in bilateral trade openness translates into a 18.2% decrease in the between component of cultural diversity.
Pointwise Values and Fundamental Theorem in the Algebra of Asymptotic Functions

We show that the algebra of asymptotic functions $^\rho\mathcal{E}(\Omega)$ (introduced in another paper by the author of this article jointly with M. Oberguggenberger) is isomorphic to a class of pointwise functions in the field of A. Robinson asymptotic numbers $^\rho\mathbb{C}$. Since the algebra $^\rho\mathcal{E}(\Omega)$, contains a copy of the Schwartz distributions $\mathcal{D}^\prime(\Omega)$, it follows that every Schwartz distribution is a pointwise function in the field $^\rho\mathbb{C}$. The class of asymptotic functions $^\rho\mathcal{E}(\Omega)$ is an algebra of generalized functions of Colombeau's type. The field of the constants of this algebra (the functions with zero gradient) coincides with Robinson field $^\rho\mathbb{C}$. The expected applications are to PDE with variable, possibly discontinuous, coefficients and non-linear PDE with singularities.
Numerical Solution of Some Fractional Partial Differential Equations using Collocation Finite Element Method

In this work, our aim is to obtain a numerical solution to some fractional differential equations. In the solution proces s, we have used fractional derivatives in Caputo sense. The fundamental characteristics of the present method is the fact t hat it converts complex problems into those requiring the solution of algebraic ones, which is obviously more easy for computational processing. The obtained approximate values show the accuracy and suitability of the present scheme for applying a wide range of fractional partial differential equations. Finally, the error norms L2 and L∞ are computed and found to be sufficiently small.
Downside Market Risk of Carry Trades

I propose a new factor—the global downside market factor—to explain high returns to carry trades. I show that carry trades have high downside market risk, i.e. they crash systematically in the worst states of the world when the global stock market plunges or when a disaster occurs. The downside market factor explains the returns to currency portfolios sorted by the forward discount better than other factors previously proposed in the literature. GMM estimates of the downside beta premium are similar in the currency and stock markets, statistically significant and close to their theoretical value. High returns to carry trades are fair compensation for their high downside market risk.
Mechanism and Physiologic Significance of the Suppression of Cholesterol Esterification in Human Interstitial Fluid

Cholesterol esterification in high density lipoproteins (HDLs) by lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) promotes unesterified cholesterol (UC) transfer from red cell membranes to plasma in vitro. However, it does not explain the transfer of UC from most peripheral cells to interstitial fluid in vivo, as HDLs in afferent peripheral lymph are enriched in UC. Having already reported that the endogenous cholesterol esterification rate (ECER) in lymph is only 5% of that in plasma, we have now explored the underlying mechanism. In peripheral lymph from 20 healthy men, LCAT concentration, LCAT activity (assayed using an optimized substrate), and LCAT specific activity averaged, respectively, 11.8, 10.3, and 84.9% of plasma values. When recombinant human LCAT was added to lymph, the increments in enzyme activity were similar to those when LCAT was added to plasma. Addition of apolipoprotein AI (apo AI), fatty acid-free albumin, Intralipid, or the d < 1.006 g/ml plasma fraction had no effect on ECER. During incubation of lymph plus plasma, the ECER was similar to that observed with buffer plus plasma. When lymph was added to heat-inactivated plasma, the ECER was 11-fold greater than with lymph plus buffer. Addition of discoidal proteoliposomes of apo AI and phosphatidycholine (PC) to lymph increased ECER 10-fold, while addition of apo AI/PC/UC disks did so by only six-fold. We conclude that the low ECER in lymph is due to a property of the HDLs, seemingly substrate inhibition of LCAT by excess cell-derived UC. This is reversed when lymph enters plasma, consequent upon redistribution of UC from lymph HDLs to plasma lipoproteins.
agee and transitions in the American plains : Multilevel modeling of rivers of grassland conversion ( 1956 – 2006 )

This paper examines drivers of land-cover change in the U.S. Great Plains in the last half of the twentieth century. Its central aim is to evaluate the dynamics of grassland preservation and conversion, across the region, and to identify areas of grassland that were never plowed during the period. The research compares land-cover data from 400 sample areas, selected from and nested within 50 counties, to aggregate data from the agricultural and population censuses. The spatially explicit land-cover data were interpreted from aerial photographs taken at three time points (1950s, 1970s and 2000s). Sample areas were chosen using a stratified random design based on the Public Land Survey grid with in the target counties, in several clusters across the region. We modeled the sequences and magnitudes of changes in the interreservation erial photography ong-term dynamics tratified sampling ultilevel modeling preted air photo data in a multi-level panel model that included soil quality and slope of sample areas and agricultural activities and employment reported in the U.S. Censuses of Agriculture and Population. We conclude that land retirement programs and production subsidies have worked at cross purposes, destabilizing micro-level patterns of land use in recent decades, increasing levels of switching between cropland and grassland and reducing the size of remaining areas of native grassland in the U.S. Great Plains.