Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stabilization for Sampled-Data Neural-Network-Based Control Systems

This paper studies the problem of stabilization for sampled-data neural-network-based control systems with an optimal guaranteed cost. Unlike previous works, the resulting closed-loop system with variable uncertain sampling cannot simply be regarded as an ordinary continuous-time system with a fast-varying delay in the state. By defining a novel piecewise Lyapunov functional and using a convex combination technique, the characteristic of sampled-data systems is captured. A new delay-dependent stabilization criterion is established in terms of linear matrix inequalities such that the maximal sampling interval and the minimal guaranteed cost control performance can be obtained. It is shown that the newly proposed approach can lead to less conservative and less complex results than the existing ones. Application examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness and the benefits of the proposed method.
Mortality Risk and Consumption by Couples

This paper proposes and analyzes a life-cycle model of consumption by couples. The model is considerably more complicated than the standard model for singles because it has to account for the welfare of a surviving spouse. The determinants of consumption are the survival paths of each spouse, bequeathable wealth, the flow of annuities both before and after the death of one of the spouses, a motive for bequeathing at the death of the surviving spouse, and the parameters of the utility functions of the couple and of each spouse if widowed. The analysis shows how consumption and the rate of change of bequeathable wealth react to variations in these determinants, and it compares the consumption level of a single person to a couple. Summaries of wealth change and consumption in panel data are given which offer general support for the life-cycle model.
Asymptotic methods for asset market equilibrium analysis

Summary. General equilibrium analysis is difficult when asset markets are incomplete. We make the simplifying assumption that uncertainty is small and use bifurcation methods to compute Taylor series approximations for asset demand and asset market equilibrium. A computer must be used to derive these approximations since they involve large amounts of algebraic manipulation. We use this method to analyze the allocative and welfare effects of introducing a new security. We find that adding any nontrivial derivative security will raise the price of the risky security relative to the bond when risks are small.
Diffusion tensor in posterior cingulate gyrus: correlation with cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease

To determine whether the diffusion abnormalities in brains with Alzheimer's disease (AD) correlate with disease severity, we studied 34 AD patients using diffusion tensor MRI. Mean diffusivity and fractional anisotropy (FA) as well as three eigenvalues (&lgr;1, &lgr;2, and &lgr;3) of the diffusion tensor of the posterior cingulate white matter correlated with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score. The mean diffusivity and the three eigenvalues showed significant correlation with the MMSE score. On the other hand, no significant correlation was seen between the FA and MMSE score. Our results suggested that mean diffusivity and the eigen-values, but not FA, reflect progression of AD-related histopathlogical changes in the posterior cingulate white matter and may be useful biological indices to monitor AD.
Institutional Perspective on the Adoption of Technology for the Security Enhancement of Container Transport

Abstract The adoption of technology for security enhancement by organizations in a container transport chain has become a necessity for enhancing container transport security. Organizations in a container transport chain, including shippers, consignees, freight forwarders, transport operators, maritime carriers, container terminal operators, custom authorities and government agencies, adopt technologies, such as radio‐frequency identification (RFID) technology, smart box initiative and container non‐intrusive inspection (NII) technology, due to the institutional pressures exerted by partners in the chain. This paper explores the implications of the different types of institutional isomorphisms, namely coercion, mimesis and norms, from both the perspectives of organizations that have taken the initiative to adopt technology for container transport security enhancement and those that have followed other organizations to adopt technology. The possible impacts of the different types of institutional isomorphisms elaborated in this study can help managers better understand the institutional pressures that they put on, and the institutional pressures that drive them to adapt to their container transport chain partners; in particular, the possible problems and compliance requirements they may face in the course of adopting technology for enhancing container transport security.
The Most Beautiful Variations on Fair Wages and the Phillips Curve

This paper explores the connection between inflation and unemployment in two different models with fair wages in both the short and the long runs. Under customary assumptions regarding the sign of the parameters of the effort function, more inflation lowers the unemployment rate, albeit to a declining extent. This is because firms respond to inflation—which spurs effort by decreasing the reference wage—by increasing employment, thus maintaining the effort level constant as implied by the Solow condition. A stronger short-run effect of inflation on unemployment is produced under varying as opposed to fixed capital, given that in the former case the boom produced by a monetary expansion is reinforced by an increase in investment. Therefore, I provide a new theoretical foundation for recent empirical contributions that find negative long- and short-run effects of inflation on unemployment.
Corporate Governance and the Timing of Earnings Announcements

Using comprehensive time stamp data on earnings announcements collected from newswires, we show that earnings news announced within trading hours results in approximately 50% smaller immediate reaction compared to similar earnings announced outside trading hours. Negative news tends to be announced during trading hours, which, together with the reduced response, may allow for managerial opportunistic behavior. We also provide evidence that announcement timing is affected by internal corporate governance. Recent regulations that tightened firms’ governance are associated with a significant shift to announcing outside trading hours, especially for firms with better corporate governance. Our surveys of corporate managers corroborate these results.
Evaluation and attribution of OCO-2 XCO 2 uncertainties

Evaluating and attributing uncertainties in total column atmospheric CO_2 measurements (XCO_2) from the OCO-2 instrument is critical for testing hypotheses related to the underlying processes controlling XCO_2 and for developing quality flags needed to choose those measurements that are usable for carbon cycle science. Here we test the reported uncertainties of version 7 OCO-2 XCO_2 measurements by examining variations of the XCO_2 measurements and their calculated uncertainties within small regions (∼ 100 km × 10.5 km) in which natural CO_2 variability is expected to be small relative to variations imparted by noise or interferences. Over 39 000 of these small neighborhoods comprised of approximately 190 observations per neighborhood are used for this analysis. We find that a typical ocean measurement has a precision and accuracy of 0.35 and 0.24 ppm respectively for calculated precisions larger than ∼ 0.25 ppm. These values are approximately consistent with the calculated errors of 0.33 and 0.14 ppm for the noise and interference error, assuming that the accuracy is bounded by the calculated interference error. The actual precision for ocean data becomes worse as the signal-to-noise increases or the calculated precision decreases below 0.25 ppm for reasons that are not well understood. A typical land measurement, both nadir and glint, is found to have a precision and accuracy of approximately 0.75 and 0.65 ppm respectively as compared to the calculated precision and accuracy of approximately 0.36 and 0.2 ppm. The differences in accuracy between ocean and land suggests that the accuracy of XCO2 data is likely related to interferences such as aerosols or surface albedo as they vary less over ocean than land. The accuracy as derived here is also likely a lower bound as it does not account for possible systematic biases between the regions used in this analysis.
Valuing University–Based Firms: The Effects of Academic Affiliation on IPO Performance

This paper investigates for the first time the valuation of university–based companies and their ability to translate the potential benefits of academic affiliation into long–term performance gains. It contributes to the literature on technology transfer by expanding the view from the product market to the financial market. Among the 499 high–tech SMEs that went public on the stock markets of Germany, the U.K., France, and Italy between 1995 and 2003, we find that 131 were university–based firms. For firms who publicize the fact that they are university based and have chosen to go public, the affiliation with a university is recognized as beneficial by investors. Our econometric models show that affiliation with a university enhances valuation, in particular when academics are present in the Top Management Team at the time of the initial public offering. However, over the long run, university–based companies exhibit worse operating performance than independent firms.
New Insights into the Molecular Mechanisms of Selected Anticancer MetalCompounds through Bioinformatic Analysis of Proteomic Data

Research has increasingly focused on cytotoxic gold and ruthenium compounds as anticancer drug candidates. From proteomic investigations, clearly emerged that a few different cellular pathways relevant for the comprehension of the pharmacological actions are specifically modulated by them. To gain a better intepretation of their cellular effects, we decided to undertake a comprehensive bioinformatic analysis of the available proteomic results. Data obtained from prevously published treatments were grouped and mapped in the PPI Spider on the web portal Bioprofiling (http://www.BioProfiling.de/gene_list). A preliminary map of protein-protein interactions was built up, and some mechanistically relevant features highlighted. In total, 34 proteins resulted to be direct gold and ruthenium compounds interactors; we built a statistically significant interaction network that grouped together all the proteins differentially expressed. Moreover, we showed as intermediate protein cREL a Component of the NF-kappa-B. This study explores the affected protein pathways from an interactomic prospective stressing the importance of advanced bioinformatic analysis.
Score Another One for the Internet? The Role of the Networked Public Sphere in the U.S. Net Neutrality Policy Debate

In this paper we study the public debate over net neutrality in the United States from January through November 2014. We compiled, mapped, and analyzed over 16,000 stories published on net neutrality, augmented by data from Twitter, bit.ly, and Google Trends. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines link analysis with qualitative content analysis, we describe the evolution of the debate over time and assess the role, reach, and influence of different media sources and advocacy groups in setting the agenda, framing the debate, and mobilizing collective action. We conclude that a diverse set of actors working in conjunction through the networked public sphere played a central, arguably decisive, role in turning around the Federal Communications Commission policy on net neutrality.
Road Pricing and Public Transport Pricing Reform in Paris: Complements or Substitutes?

This paper explores reforms of pricing of private and public transport in Paris. Paris has used a policy of very low public transport prices and no road pricing. The Paris transport network is represented as a stylized concentric city with the choice between car, rapid rail, metro and buses as well as two income classes and different transport motives. The model is used to test what the efficiency gains are of introducing road pricing and of increasing public transit prices in the peak. Are both reforms re-enforcing each other or are they largely substitutes? We find that a zonal pricing scheme for the center of Paris combined with higher public transport fares in the peak perform best. The benefits of an overall capacity extension of public transport supply are much lower than the benefits of pricing reforms and could very well not pass the cost benefit test.
Communities' displacement from national park and tourism development in the Usangu Plains, Tanzania

Land-use-change conflicts have shaped the conservation and tourism activities and human livelihood debate in the Usangu Plains over the last 10 years. This has led Ruaha National Park to become the largest national park in Tanzania and the second largest in Africa. The need to understand the rationale behind the expansion of Ruaha National Park and the local communities' views on tourism activities has become increasingly important. The purpose of this study was to examine land-use change in the Usangu Plains and its implication to local communities. Community members in five villages, Ikoga Mpya, Igomelo, Nyeregete, Mahango and Luhango, were surveyed using semi-structured interviews, focus groups and field notes. This resulted in a total of 79 semi-structured interviews, 4 focus group discussions and field observation data to analyse the situation in Usangu Plains. Data were analysed using NVIVO computer software for coding and themes’ generation. Major themes that emerged from the analysis were land-use change, tourism as a form of land use, tourism benefits and coping mechanisms. The findings from this study suggest that local communities do not perceive that they are benefitting from the change from agricultural to tourism practices. Changing the way local communities perceived themselves and are involved in conservation activities is the key to achieving the best conservation results and community residents’ involvement in future tourism activities in their areas.
The Power to Delay: The European Parliament's Influence in the Consultation Procedure

This article analyses the European Parliament's legislative influence in the consultation procedure. It examines all (925) consultation proposals completed in the period 1 May 1999 to 30 April 2007. The article finds that through its 'power of delay' the European Parliament can substantially influence EU legislative outcomes alongside the Council and the Commission. In addition, the results demonstrate that EP influence in the consultation procedure is conditional on the support of the Commission, the type of issues contested and the ability of the European Parliament to link its opinions to co-decision proposals. Copyright (c) 2009 The Author(s). Journal compilation (c) 2009 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Valuing clustering in catastrophe derivatives

The role that clustering in activity and/or severity plays in catastrophe modeling and derivative valuation is a key aspect that has been overlooked in the recent literature. Here, we propose two marked point processes to account for these features. The first approach assumes the points are driven by a stochastic hazard rate modulated by a Markov chain while marks are drawn from a regime-specific distribution. In the second approach, the points are driven by a self-exciting process while marks are drawn from an independent distribution. Within this context, we provide a unified approach to efficiently value catastrophe options—such as those embedded in catastrophe bonds—and show that our results are within the 95% confidence interval computed using Monte Carlo simulations. Our approach is based on deriving the valuation PIDE and utilizes transforms to provide semi-analytical closed-form solutions. This contrasts with most prior works where the valuation formulae require computing several infinite sums together with numerical integration.
Bone material strength index as measured by impact microindentation is altered in patients with acromegaly.

OBJECTIVE Acromegaly is a rare disease caused by excess growth hormone (GH) production by the pituitary adenoma. The skeletal complications of GH and IGF-1 excess include increased bone turnover, increased cortical bone mass and deteriorated microarchitecture of trabecular bone, associated with a high risk of vertebral fractures in the presence of relatively normal bone mineral density (BMD). We aimed to evaluate tissue-level properties of bone using impact microindentation (IMI) in well-controlled patients with acromegaly aged ≥18 years compared to 44 controls from the outpatient clinic of the Centre for Bone Quality. DESIGN AND METHODS In this cross-sectional study, bone material strength index (BMSi) was measured in 48 acromegaly patients and 44 controls with impact microindentation using the osteoprobe. RESULTS Mean age of acromegaly patients (54% male) was 60.2 years (range 37.9-76.5), and 60.5 years (range 39.8-78.6) in controls (50% male). Patients with acromegaly and control patients had comparable BMI (28.2 kg/m2 ± 4.7 vs 26.6 kg/m2 ± 4.3, P = 0.087) and comparable BMD at the lumbar spine (1.04 g/cm2 ± 0.21 vs 1.03 g/cm2 ± 0.13, P = 0.850) and at the femoral neck (0.84 g/cm2 ± 0.16 vs 0.80 g/cm2 ± 0.09, P = 0.246). BMSi was significantly lower in acromegaly patients than that in controls (79.4 ± 0.7 vs 83.2 ± 0.7; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Our data indicates that tissue-level properties of cortical bone are significantly altered in patients with controlled acromegaly after reversal of long-term exposure to pathologically high GH and IGF-1 levels. Our findings also suggest that methods other than DXA should be considered to evaluate bone fragility in patients with acromegaly.
Actin dynamics mediates the changes of calcium level during the pulvinus movement of Mimosa pudica

The bending movement of the pulvinus of Mimosa pudica is caused by a rapid change in volume of the abaxial motor cells, in response to various environmental stimuli. We investigated the relationship between the actin cytoskeleton and changes in the level of calcium during rapid contractile movement of the motor cells that was induced by electrical stimulation. The bending of the pulvinus was retarded by treatment with actin-affecting reagents and calcium channel inhibitors. The actin filaments in the motor cells were fragmented in response to electrical stimulation. Further investigations were performed using protoplasts from the motor cells of M. pudica pulvini. Calcium-channel inhibitors and EGTA had an inhibitory effect on contractile movement of the protoplasts. The level of calcium increased and became concentrated in the tannin vacuole after electrical stimulation. Ruthenium Red inhibited the increase in the level of calcium in the tannin vacuole and the contractile movement of the protoplasts. However, treatment with latrunculin A abolished the inhibitory effect of Ruthenium Red. Phalloidin inhibited the contractile movement and the increase in the level of calcium in the protoplasts. Our study demonstrates that depolymerization of the actin cytoskeleton in pulvinus motor cells in response to electrical signals results in increased levels of calcium.
Spatial Distribution of Tourism in China: Economic and other Influences

Using cross sectional data, the spatial distribution of inbound tourism to China is compared with that of the distribution of socio-economic variables such as GDP, population and GDP per capita. Spatial inequality of tourism based both on demand- and supply-side indicators is shown to be much greater than for that of the socio-economic variables and appears to reinforce the regional inequalities generated by the latter. This is evident from the Gini coefficients. Furthermore, the disparity of the concentration of tourism in the coastal region of China compared to the inland is much greater than that on the economics side. Factors which may help to generate this inequality in tourism are identified. The scope for ecotourism to decentralize tourism in China is briefly discussed.
Almost Time-Independent Performance in Time-Modulated Linear Arrays

This letter deals with the optimization of the switch-on instants of the radio-frequency (RF) switches used for the synthesis of time-modulated linear arrays (TMLAs). It is shown that these additional degrees of freedom allow one to increase the stability of the pattern instantaneously radiated by the antenna. Representative results, obtained by means of a particle swarm (PS) optimization, are reported and discussed.
Stakeholders' perspectives of the skills and attributes for accounting graduates

This study examines how a group of Australian stakeholders define technical and non-technical skills, identifies those skills that are demanded of graduates at various stages of their career, and assesses the level of stakeholder satisfaction with the skills level of accounting graduates. Further the paper attempts to highlight the views of stakeholders about whose responsibility it is to develop the required set of technical and non technical skills required by accounting graduates as they enter the workforce. Findings indicate that employers are seeking graduates who possess a diverse range of non-technical skills including communication and presentation, self-management, teamwork, initiative and enterprise, problem solving, technological competence and planning and organising skills. Employers also use non-technical skills as discriminators when evaluating graduates. In terms of technical skills basic practical accounting skills, IT skills and industry specific awareness are important. In general employers were not satisfied with the level of communication and problem solving skills and seemed generally to have low expectations in the area of technical skills accepting that they undertake much of the technical training themselves. The discussion about who role it was to develop both technical and non technical skills was most clearly stated as that of the universities. The findings have implications for those involved in the training of accountants and indeed for those seeking to develop skills in order to enter the profession.
Directors with a full plate: the impact of busy directors on bank risk

Purpose – This paper aims to analyze the impact of busy directors on bank risk. Busy directors are directors with multiple directorships and other corporate responsibilities.Design/methodology/approach – First, univariate analysis is performed to see whether there are differences in governance structures of banks with busy boards and those with less‐busy boards of directors. Second, multivariate regression analysis is used with two measures of bank risk as the dependent variable to see whether busy directors impact bank risk, while controlling for other factors that may influence risk.Findings – The paper finds that there are significant differences between banks in terms of governance structure when analyzing banks with busy boards and banks with less‐busy boards. Importantly, the study shows that bank risk is positively related to multiple board appointments of bank directors.Research limitations/implications – These results provide support for the “busyness hypothesis” as opposed to the “reputation hyp.