Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Land-vehicle navigation using GPS

The Global Positioning System (GPS) has made navigation systems practical for a number of land-vehicle navigation applications. Today, GPS-based navigation systems can be found in motor vehicles, farming and mining equipment, and a variety of other land-based vehicles (e.g., golf carts and mobile robots). Each of these applications is discussed and the reader is introduced to some of the issues involved with each one. One particular technical aspect of navigation for land vehicles is discussed. Specifically, the research discussed in this paper presents a quantitative examination of the impact that individual navigation sensors have on the perfomance of a land-vehicle navigation system. A range of navigation sensor performance levels and their influence on vehicle positioning accuracy are examined. Results show that, for a typical navigation system, positioning error is dominated by the accuracy of the position fixes provided by the GPS receiver when GPS position fixes are available and by the rate gyro's bias drift when GPS position fixes are not available. Furthermore, results show that the accuracy of the GPS position fixes has a significant impact on the relative contributions that each dead-reckoning navigation sensor error makes. The implications of these results for navigation system design and sensor design are discussed.
Translation of the Prion Protein mRNA Is Robust in Astrocytes but Does Not Amplify during Reactive Astrocytosis in the Mouse Brain

Prion diseases induce neurodegeneration in specific brain areas for undetermined reasons. A thorough understanding of the localization of the disease-causing molecule, the prion protein (PrP), could inform on this issue but previous studies have generated conflicting conclusions. One of the more intriguing disagreements is whether PrP is synthesized by astrocytes. We developed a knock-in reporter mouse line in which the coding sequence of the PrP expressing gene (Prnp), was replaced with that for green fluorescent protein (GFP). Native GFP fluorescence intensity varied between and within brain regions. GFP was present in astrocytes but did not increase during reactive gliosis induced by scrapie prion infection. Therefore, reactive gliosis associated with prion diseases does not cause an acceleration of local PrP production. In addition to aiding in Prnp gene activity studies, this reporter mouse line will likely prove useful for analysis of chimeric animals produced by stem cell and tissue transplantation experiments.
Predictable Forward Performance Processes: The Binomial Case

We introduce a new class of forward performance processes that are endogenous and predictable with regards to an underlying market information set and, furthermore, are updated at discrete times. We analyze in detail a binomial model whose parameters are random and updated dynamically as the market evolves. We show that the key step in the construction of the associated predictable forward performance process is to solve a single-period inverse investment problem, namely, to determine, period-by-period and conditionally on the current market information, the end-time utility function from a given initial-time value function. We reduce this inverse problem to solving a functional equation and establish conditions for the existence and uniqueness of its solutions in the class of inverse marginal functions.
‘I Might not Live That Long!’ A Study of Young Women's Pension Planning in the UK

There has been considerable concern about levels of pension saving especially given increases in longevity and rising pension deficits. In particular, the prospects of many future female pensioners have been questioned. As pensions are determined by contributions throughout the life course it is imperative to comprehend the attitudes, knowledge, expectations and savings habits of people from an early age to explore why under-saving occurs. This is particularly pertinent given recent governments' emphasis on individual responsibility for financial provision in retirement. However, there is little research which focuses specifically on young women's attitudes or planning towards pensions despite considerable concern about the future of women's pensions. This article considers young women's (18–30) attitudes towards pensions and whether they differ according to socio-economic status by using interviews with 15 women (five in routine and manual occupations, five intermediate, five professional and managerial) about how knowledge and choice, trust, responsibility, risk and uncertainty impact on their pension decisions. It is evident that the ability and willingness of people to contribute to a pension depends, among other things, on the pension offered by employers, the pension requirements in place and immediate financial needs. Therefore this article shows that pension policy needs to take into account women's employment histories, which are often fragmented and diverse, when considering young women's attitudes towards pension saving.
Energy Prices, Inflation, and Recession, 1974-1975

The rapid escalations of energy prices, in late 1973 and early 1974 and again in mid- and late-1979, have had major adverse impacts on the U.S. economy. The energy price shock of 1973-1974 played a dominant role, by most accounts, in bringing about the deep recession and high inflation of the mid-1970s. In the most recent period, the full impact is yet to be seen, but it does not appear to be minor. In a previous paper published in this journal, (volume 1, number 2, April 1980), we presented the results of our efforts to quantify the economic impact on the U.S. economy of the July 1979 oil price increases.
Impact of Small Body Weight on Tenofovir-Associated Renal Dysfunction in HIV-Infected Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study of Japanese Patients

Background Treatment with tenofovir is sometimes associated with renal dysfunction. Limited information is available on this side effect in patients with small body weight, although the use of tenofovir will spread rapidly in Asia and Africa, where patients are likely to be of smaller body weight. Methods In a single-center cohort, Japanese patients with HIV infection who started tenofovir-containing antiretroviral therapy were retrospectively analyzed. The incidence of tenofovir-associated renal dysfunction, defined as more than 25% decrement of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) from the baseline, was determined. The effects of small body weight and body mass index (BMI) on tenofovir-associated renal dysfunction, respectively, were estimated in univariate and multivariate Cox hazards models as the primary exposure. Other possible risk factors were evaluated by univariate analysis and those found significant were entered into the multivariate analysis. Results The median weight of 495 patients was 63 kg. Tenofovir-related renal dysfunction occurred in 97 (19.6%) patients (incidence: 10.5 per 100 person-years). Univariate analysis showed that the incidence of tenofovir-related renal dysfunction was significantly associated with smaller body weight and BMI, respectively (per 5 kg decrement, HR = 1.23; 95% CI, 1.10–1.37; p<0.001)(per 1 kg/m2 decrement, HR = 1.14; 95% CI, 1.05–1.23; p = 0.001). Old age, high baseline eGFR, low serum creatinine, low CD4 count, high HIV viral load, concurrent nephrotoxic drugs, hepatitis C infection, and current smoking were also associated with tenofovir-related renal dysfunction. Multivariate analysis identified small body weight as a significant risk (adjusted HR = 1.13; 95% CI, 1.01–1.27; p = 0.039), while small BMI had marginal significance (adjusted HR = 1.07; 95% CI 1.00–1.16; p = 0.058). Conclusion The incidence of tenofovir-associated renal dysfunction in Japanese patients was high. Small body weight was identified as an independent risk factor for tenofovir-associated renal dysfunction. Close monitoring of renal function is advocated for patients with small body weight treated with tenofovir.
Arbitrary Justice: The Power of the American Prosecutor

Inscribed on the walls of the United States Department of Justice are the lofty words: "The United States wins its point whenever justice is done its citizens in the courts. " Yet what happens when prosecutors, the most powerful officials in the criminal justice system, seek convictions instead of justice? Why are cases involving educated, well-to-do victims often prosecuted more vigorously than those involving poor, uneducated victims? Why do wealthy defendants frequently enjoy more lenient plea bargains than the disadvantaged? In this timely work, Angela J. Davis examines the expanding power of prosecutors, from mandatory minimum sentencing laws that enhance prosecutorial control over the outcome of cases to the increasing politicization of the office. Drawing on her dozen years of experience as a public defender, Davis demonstrates how the everyday, legal exercise of prosecutorial discretion is responsible for tremendous inequities in criminal justice. Davis uses powerful stories of individuals caught in the system to illustrate how the day-to-day practices and decisions of well-meaning prosecutors produce unfair and unequal treatment of both defendants and victims, often along race and class lines. These disparities are particularly evident in prosecutors' charging and plea-bargaining decisions and in their muddy relationships with victims. Prosecutors not only hold vast power, Davis argues, but they are also under-regulated and lack accountability. The current standards of practice for prosecutors are unenforceable, while the mechanisms that purport to hold prosecutors accountable are weak and ineffectual. Not only does lack of oversight result in injustices, it may even foster a climate tolerant of unfair practices and in some cases, misconduct. Offering a sensible agenda for comprehensive review and reform, Arbitrary Justice challenges the legal community and concerned citizens to pursue and enact meaningful standards of conduct and effective methods of accountability to help prosecutors serve their communities and the interests of justice.
Cross-Country Evidence on Determinants of Fiscal Policy Effectiveness –The Role of Capital Flows and a Country's International Trade and Financial Position

This paper studies the determinants of size differentials between fiscal multipliers in countries around the world, both advanced and developing economies. Besides domestic conditions and exchange rate regimes, we also introduce variables not before considered for explaining multiplier size differentials such as capital flows and the openness of capital markets in this context. We also disaggregate GDP into its main components in order to identify the channels through which external and internal factors can influence GDP after a change in fiscal policy. Our results point to the existence of a new channel through which fiscal policy effectiveness is affected. Capital flows, especially FDI flows, seem to play an important role in determining the sizes of fiscal multipliers, and a country's external conditions seem to largely explain GDP changes after fiscal expenditure shock. Our results also point toward a strong link between a country's international position and its real economy, providing important hints for policymakers on how to effectively use scarce fiscal resources.
Globalisation and Technology Intensity as Determinants of Exports

This paper augments traditional equations for estimating export demand with a measure of technology intensity of output, and several variables capturing the impact of regional integration and global trade liberalisation programmes. Using data for a panel of 20 OECD countries it is shown that the augmented long run relationships cointegrate and can be embedded into equilibrium correction form. The effects of technology and trade liberalisation were found to be stronger at times than the impact of competitiveness and together these variables help explain large changes in export shares in the presence of relatively little shifts in competitiveness.
Evaluation of HeadTurn: An Interaction Technique Using the Gaze and Head Turns

Smart glasses equipped with eye tracking technology could be utilized to develop natural interaction techniques. They could be used to conveniently interact with an electronic appliance in the environment from a distance. We describe a technique, HeadTurn, that allows a user to look at a device and then control it by turning the head to the left or right. We evaluated HeadTurn using an interface that linked head turning to increasing or decreasing of a number shown on a display. The task was to adjust then number to a given value. We studied the optimal rate at which number should change once the angle of head turn exceed a predefined threshold. We varied the rate of change of the number (217, 290, and 435ms per change) and the feedback (visual, haptic+visual). In the haptic condition, a 20 millisecond vibration was given through vibrating eye glass frame with each number change. Participants completed number selections faster with shorter intervals but also overshot the target more often. Seven out of 12 participants preferred the middle number changing speed (i.e., 290 ms). There were no statistically significant differences in task completion times. The optimal change rate of the numbers seems to be a compromise between faster selection and overshooting. Haptic feedback made the interaction slightly faster but the difference was not significant. The participants rated their experience with the technique as positive in general.
Early substance consumption and problematic use of video games in adolescence

Substance use as well as use of video games is frequent among young people. The purpose of this research was to study the links between the use of video games and the consumption of various substances such as alcohol, tobacco or cannabis at adolescence. In order to do so, 1423 students from middle and high schools filled an auto-questionnaire that included questions on age, gender, year of study, use of video games and consumptions of alcohol (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test Short version, AUDIT-C), tobacco (Heaviness of Smoking Index, HSI), and cannabis (Cannabis Abuse Screening Test, CAST). We found that 92.1% of teens use video games and 17.7% have a problematic use of video games (PUVG). Furthermore, results show that substance consumption seems frequent with 19.8 and 8.3% of participants having hazardous alcohol and cannabis consumptions respectively and 5.2% having a moderate to high tobacco dependence. Video gamers consumed significantly more alcohol and gamers with PUVG started their substance consumption (alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis) earlier. PUVG was found to be negatively correlated to age at first substance consumption, but positively correlated to the time spent playing video games. However, it was not correlated to risks of substance dependence (scores of AUDIT-C, HSI, and CAST). Finally, our results are consistent with the literature, in regard to frequency of substance use and use of video games in adolescence. These data will allow for a better consideration of prevention strategies and future care in this particular field.
Increasing Confirmation Response Rates: Prenotifications, Monetary Incentives and Addressee Differences

This article reports the results of a research effort that measured the response enhancing effectiveness of two sizes of small monetary incentives and prenotification letters. The measurements were obtained during the audit of the installment and commercial loan balances of a medium-sized bank located in Central Florida. The data were analyzed with logistic regression. The analyses revealed that prenotification letters tended to encourage timely responses but they did not increase overall response levels. This was true for both types of loan balances. Small monetary incentives were found to be effective with installment loans in certain situations but ineffective with commercial loans.
Development and validation of the Unified Multiple System Atrophy Rating Scale (UMSARS)

We aimed to develop and validate a novel rating scale for multiple system atrophy (Unified Multiple System Atrophy Rating Scale ‐ UMSARS). The scale comprises the following components: Part I, historical, 12 items; Part II, motor examination, 14 items; Part III, autonomic examination; and Part IV, global disability scale. For validation purposes, 40 MSA patients were assessed in four centers by 4 raters per center (2 senior and 2 junior raters). The raters applied the UMSARS, as well as a range of other scales, including the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS). Internal consistency was high for both UMSARS‐I (Crohnbach's alpha = 0.84) and UMSARS‐II (Crohnbach's alpha = 0.90) sections. The interrater reliability of most of the UMSARS‐I and ‐II items as well as of total UMSARS‐I and ‐II subscores was substantial (k (w) = 0.6–0.8) to excellent (k (w) > 0.8). UMSARS‐II correlated well with UPDRS‐III and ICARS (rs > 0.8). Depending on the degree of the patient's disability, completion of the entire UMSARS took 30 to 45 minutes. Based on our findings, the UMSARS appears to be a multidimensional, reliable, and valid scale for semiquantitative clinical assessments of MSA patients. © 2004 Movement Disorder Society
Participation of cartilage grafts in amphibian limb regeneration.

Irradiated axolotl arms bearing grafts of pure cartilage obtained from the non-irradiated humerus of other specimens show a variable response to amputation of the hand. Some arms grow spikes with little morphogenesis, others produce one or more digits, and some regenerate small and defective but recognizable hands. Identically irradiated control arms which carry no grafts or grafts of irradiated tissue show none of these features. The cartilage grafts must therefore be responsible for the limited amount of regeneration observed. The origin of the regenerated tissues could not be independently determined in this experiment, although grafts were made reciprocally between white and dark genotypes, as all the regenerates were either very pale or completely unpigmented. A previous demonstration that grafted tissue does not reactivate irradiated host cells, however, permits the conclusion that the grafted cartilage provides all the mesodermal tissues of these regenerates. The grafts consisted exclusively of chondrocytes, while the regenerates contained cartilage, muscle, blood vessels, nerve sheaths and general connective tissue. It is concluded that chondrocytes dedifferentiate into pluripotent blastemal mesenchyme cells which can redifferentiate into all other internal tissues of the limb. The concepts of modulation and neoblasts (undifferentiated reserve cells) thus have no basis in amphibian limb regeneration.
The Changing Shape of Global Inequality - exploring a new dataset

A new dataset for estimating the development of global inequality between 1820 and 2000 is presented, based on a large variety of sources and methods for estimating (gross household) income inequality. On this basis, and two sets of benchmarks for estimating between-country inequality (the Maddison 1990 benchmark and the recent 2005 ICP round), we estimate the evolution of global income inequality and of the number of people below various poverty lines over the past two centuries. We find that between 1820 and 1950 increasing per capita income is combined with increasing global inequality, and with an increase in the absolute number of people below the poverty line. After 1950 global inequality as measured by the Gini coefficient remains more or less constant, and also the number of poor starts to decline in absolute terms. It also appears that the global income distribution was uni-modal in the 19th century, became increasingly bi-modal between 1910 and 1970 with two world wars, a depression and de-globalization, and was suddenly transformed back into a uni-modal distribution between 1980 and 2000.
Value – based Management Systems , Corporate Governance and Firm Performance — A Panel Data Analysis

We examine the stock market performance of firms that have implemented value–based management systems. Using a novel and hand–collected panel data set covering 1,083 firm years of large German firms between 2002 and 2008 we find that firms which have adopted value–based management systems earn superior stock market returns. For instance, a simple investment strategy investing only in firms using a value–based management system would have earned risk–adjusted abnormal returns of 11.4% per year during the sample period. Moreover, we find that firms with value–based management systems show higher operative performance and higher market valuation. When we examine which firms have actually implemented value–based management systems we find that firms with higher agency costs are more likely to use such mechanisms. We also show that firms with high agency costs, proxied by large free float, are the ones with the largest improvement in stock market returns, suggesting that value–based management systems are an effective governance mechanism. JEL classification: G34 · G30· G38
A Tumor Surveillance Model: A Non-Coding RNA Senses Neoplastic Cells and Its Protein Partner Signals Cell Death

nc886 (= pre-miR-886 or vtRNA2-1) is a non-coding RNA that has been recently identified as a natural repressor for the activity of PKR (Protein Kinase R). The suppression of nc886 activates PKR and thereby provokes a cell death pathway. When combined with the fact that nc886 is suppressed in a wide range of cancer cells, the nc886-PKR relationship suggests a tumor surveillance model. When neoplastic cells develop and nc886 decreases therein, PKR is released from nc886 and becomes the active phosphorylated form, which initiates an apoptotic cascade to eliminate those cells. The nc886-PKR pathway is distinct from conventional mechanisms, such as the immune surveillance hypothesis or intrinsic mechanisms that check/proofread the genomic integrity, and thus represents a novel example of tumor surveillance.
The Economic Legacy of Civil War

This article positions itself among the very rare microeconomic analyses on the consequences of civil war. Up to now, most analyses on this topic are based on household surveys. The originality of the present study is that it investigates for the first time the likely predominant route by which civil conflict affects the economy, specifically through firms. The context of the study is Sierra Leone, a country that was ravaged by violent conflict from 1991 to 2002. The approach is to use geographical variations in the intensity of conflict to estimate the impact of violence on firms, on which we have data from the World Bank 2007 Employers’ Survey. The proposed theory is that during conflict, violence affects production through a form of technical regress and demand through a reduction in income. The persistent post-conflict effects are less obvious. We assume that war forces a prolonged contraction in output skills, which slows the pace of recovery. We termed this phenomenon “forgetting by not doing”. The results confirm our theory: the size of firms in 2006 is negatively affected by the intensity of the war in the area it operates. The analysis of training needs clearly corroborates the long-lasting lack of skills experienced as a result of the war in areas where the conflict was more intense. Yet, the analysis cannot identify robust recovery patterns.