Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Overcontribution and decay in public goods experiments: a test of the heterogeneous agents hypothesis

standard attempts to explain the phenomenon of decaying contribution in repeated linear public goods games are based on a ‘representative agent’ approach, with either selfish or altruist agents and an ‘error’ component. In this paper we try to test by purely experimental means the alternative hypothesis that in experimental public goods games there are at least three types of player: free riders, cooperators, and reciprocators. We try to identify the various types by means of four classification methods, and then play the public goods game with homogeneous groups. We observe that (1) the average contribution level is enhanced in this setting; (2) the decay phenomenon is replicated in groups of ‘pure’ free riders, whereas in groups of cooperative and reciprocating players the contribution is high and fairly stable throughout the game.
Fuzzy Control Systems Design and Analysis: A Linear Matrix Inequality Approach

From the Publisher: A comprehensive treatment of model-based fuzzy control systems This volume offers full coverage of the systematic framework for the stability and design of nonlinear fuzzy control systems. Building on the Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy model, authors Tanaka and Wang address a number of important issues in fuzzy control systems, including stability analysis, systematic design procedures, incorporation of performance specifications, numerical implementations, and practical applications. Issues that have not been fully treated in existing texts, such as stability analysis, systematic design, and performance analysis, are crucial to the validity and applicability of fuzzy control methodology. Fuzzy Control Systems Design and Analysis addresses these issues in the framework of parallel distributed compensation, a controller structure devised in accordance with the fuzzy model. This balanced treatment features an overview of fuzzy control, modeling, and stability analysis, as well as a section on the use of linear matrix inequalities (LMI) as an approach to fuzzy design and control. It also covers advanced topics in model-based fuzzy control systems, including modeling and control of chaotic systems. Later sections offer practical examples in the form of detailed theoretical and experimental studies of fuzzy control in robotic systems and a discussion of future directions in the field. Fuzzy Control Systems Design and Analysis offers an advanced treatment of fuzzy control that makes a useful reference for researchers and a reliable text for advanced graduate students in the field.
Car Ownership and the Labour Market of Ethnic Minorities

We show how initial wealth differences between low-skilled minorities and white workers can generate differences in their labor-market outcomes. This even occurs in the absence of a taste for discrimination against ethnic minorities or exogenous differences in distance to jobs. Because of the initial wealth difference, minorities cannot afford to buy a car while whites can. Car ownership allows whites to reach more jobs per unit of time, which gives them a better bargaining position in the labor market. As a result, in equilibrium, ethnic minorities end up with both higher unemployment rates and lower wages than whites. Furthermore, we also show that it takes more time for minorities to reach their jobs even though they travel less miles when employed. Those predictions are consistent with the data. Better access to capital markets or better public transportation will reduce the differences in labor-market outcomes.
Human Cytomegalovirus pUL83 Stimulates Activity of the Viral Immediate-Early Promoter through Its Interaction with the Cellular IFI16 Protein

ABSTRACT The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) virion protein pUL83 (also termed pp65) inhibits the expression of interferon-inducible cellular genes. In this work we demonstrate that pUL83 is also important for efficient induction of transcription from the viral major immediate-early promoter. Infection with a mutant virus containing a premature translation termination codon in the UL83 open reading frame (ORF) (UL83Stop) resulted in decreased transcription from the major immediate-early promoter in a time- and multiplicity-dependent manner. Expression of pUL83 alone is capable of transactivating the promoter in a reporter assay, and pUL83 associates with the promoter in infected cells. To investigate the mechanism by which the protein regulates the major immediate-early promoter, we utilized a mutant virus expressing an epitope-tagged pUL83 from its own promoter to identify protein binding partners for pUL83 during infection. We identified and confirmed the interaction of pUL83 with cellular IFI16 family members throughout the course of HCMV infection. pUL83 recruits IFI16 to the major immediate-early promoter, and IFI16 binding at the promoter is dependent upon the presence of pUL83. Consistent with the results obtained with the UL83Stop virus, infection of IFI16 knockdown cells with wild-type virus resulted in decreased levels of immediate-early transcripts compared to those of control cells. These data identify a previously unknown role for pUL83 in the initiation of the human cytomegalovirus gene expression cascade.
An Exploration of Shared Visual Attention in Collaborative Programming

This work-in-progress paper reports on the initial results of an eye-tracking research of collaborative program development, more particularly, in the case of pair programming. The study was conducted in nearly industrial-like settings and focused on pair programming productivity and improvement of the protocol that is followed by the pair-programming pair. Results are based on both the practical experience during the study and on an analysis of the recorded eye-movements. We present a descriptive analysis of visual attention during pair programming. We speculate that the pairprogramming protocol is partly visible in both participants’ eye-movements and can be used as an additional source of evidence when investigating the true protocol that the pair actually follows. We discuss the collaborative view on Psychology of Programming (PoP), which extends it to Psychology of Software Engineering (PoSE) and we then outline the future directions of our research.
First Story Detection using Multiple Nearest Neighbors

First Story Detection (FSD) systems aim to identify those news articles that discuss an event that was not reported before. Recent work on FSD has focussed almost exclusively on efficiently detecting documents that are dissimilar from their nearest neighbor. We propose a novel FSD approach that is more effective, by adapting a recently proposed method for news summarization based on 3-nearest neighbor clustering. We show that this approach is more effective than a baseline that uses dissimilarity of an individual document from its nearest neighbor.
SRF and MCM1 have related but distinct DNA binding specificities

The mammalian transcription factor SRF and the yeast regulatory protein MCM1 contain DNA binding domains that are 70% identical; moreover, both proteins can bind the serum response element in the human c-fos promoter. Here we present an analysis of MCM1 sequence specificity by selection of sites from random sequence oligonucleotides. In this assay the MCM1 DNA binding domain selects binding sites containing the consensus (NotC)CCY(A/T)(A/T)(T/A)NN(A/G)G, distinct from the SRF binding consensus CC(A/T)6GG. Carboxylethylation interference analysis of a set of selected sites suggests that MCM1 contacts DNA in its major groove throughout one helical turn. These differences in specificity are largely due to sequence differences between the N terminal basic parts of the SRF and MCM1 DNA binding domains. Comparison of the relative binding affinities of MCM1 and SRF for a panel of representative binding sites showed that many high affinity MCM1 sites have negligible affinity for SRF and vice versa. Thus MCM1 and SRF have significantly different sequence specificities.
Aberrant expression of redox protein Ape1 in colon cancer stem cells

Ape1 is an important redox protein, essential for specific cytokine-induced signal transduction. Ape1 signaling is also important in regulating the growth of cancer cells, including colon cancer cells. The present study investigated whether Ape1 signaling plays a role in the regulation of colon cancer stem cell (CCSC) growth. The results showed that Ape1 was aberrantly expressed in CCSCs, as determined by quantitative (q)PCR assay. A laser confocal microscopy assay demonstrated that the Ape1 protein was mainly distributed in the nuclei, but not the cytoplasm, of the CSCs. Treatment of CCSCs with Ape1 redox inhibitor (E3330) significantly affected growth in vitro. In colon cancer xenograft mice, in vivo administration of E3330 enhanced tumor responses to the chemotherapeutic drug, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Furthermore, the combination of E3330 and 5-FU evidently increased the cytotoxicity of 5-FU in CSC growth. In the qPCR assay, the CCSCs were demonstrated to express the dominant ATP-binding cassette sub-family G member 2 (ABC-G2), but not the multidrug resistance 1, genes. Thus, we hypothesized that drug resistance in CCSCs is mediated by ABC-G2. Since CSCs are involved in cancer metastasis, the Ape1 inhibitor may be a potential agent in the inhibition of colon cancer growth and metastasis.
Cleansing indoor RFID data using regular expressions

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)-based object tracking is increasingly deployed and used in indoor environments such as airports, shopping malls, etc. However, the inherent noise in the raw RFID data makes it difficult to support queries and analyses on the data. In this paper, we propose an RFID data cleansing based on regular expressions. We generate the regular expressions in an automaton that captures all possible indoor paths from the spatial and temporal aspects of indoor space and deployed readers. Given the raw data of an object, the proposed matching algorithm finds all the matching paths using the automaton. We evaluate the proposed approach by conducting experimental studies using real dataset. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the propose approach.
Innovative (Imitative) Effort and Tariffs in Developing Countries: Policy Implications of Different Market Conducts, Government Commitment Levels, and Information (A)Symmetries

We analyse a simple ‘tariffs-cum-foreign competition’ policy targeted at enhancing the competitive position of a domestic, developing country firm that competes with its developed country counterpart on the domestic market and that carries out innovative (imitative) effort. We evaluate this policy with respect to social welfare, type of oligopoly conduct, information requirement, time consistency and possibility of manipulative behaviour and conclude that the most robust policy set-up is that in which the domestic government is unable to pre-commit to the level of its policy. Finally, we examine this policy, allowing for asymmetric information, and show that the corresponding social welfare may be higher than under perfect information set-up.
Theory and Design of Class-J Power Amplifiers With Dynamic Load Modulation

A theory for class-J microwave amplifier operation as a function of drive level and fundamental load impedance is derived. Calculations show that, under appropriate operating conditions, it is sufficient to modulate the transistor load reactance to enable high-efficiency operation (>;70%) over a large output power dynamic range (>;10 dB) with high transistor power utilization. Such dynamic load modulation (DLM) networks are an ideal application of continuously tunable varactor technologies. Multiharmonic load-pull measurements are performed on a GaN HEMT and experimentally verify the theory of operation. A demonstrator amplifier using an SiC varactor technology is then designed and characterized by static measurements. The amplifier has a peak power of 38 dBm at 2.08 GHz and maintains efficiencies above 45% over 8 dB of power dynamic range. An analysis of the load network losses is performed to show the potential of the class-J DLM transmitter concept.
Law's Desire: Sexuality And The Limits Of Justice

The law is one of the primary means through which sexuality is constructed, monitored and controlled. In this much needed book, Carl Stychin provides a critical examination of the relationship between law and sexual orientation in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. The author exposes the connection between the law and sexual control through an exploration of key questions of current interest and controversy. He examines the motivations behind legal restrictions, and the impact on sexual subcultures and dominant society.
Offsetting a Carbon Taxâ€™s Costs on Low-Income Households: Working Paper 2012-16

Imposing a tax on carbon dioxide emissions would reduce the damage from climate change but would also impose a larger burden, relative to income, on low-income households than on high-income households. This paper evaluates two broad groupings of options for reducing the regressive effects of a carbon tax; one group of options would affect large segments of the economy, for example by reducing payroll taxes, and the other group of options would be targeted at low-income households, for example by providing an additional payment to households currently receiving electronic
Tympanometric Findings among Children with Adenoid Hypertrophy in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Introduction. Adenoid hypertrophy (AH) is a common childhood disorder. Adenoid plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of otitis media with effusion (OME). The aim of this study is to critically appraise the tympanometric finding among children with adenoid hypertrophy in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Methodology. A Prospective, controlled study carried out among newly diagnosed cases of adenoid hypertrophy at the ENT clinic of the UPTH, between November 2014 and June 2015. Tympanometry was done on each child and each ear was considerably studied as a single entity. Types B and C tympanograms were used as indicators of OME. Data was collected and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results. Sixty-eight cases of adenoid hypertrophy were seen within the study period and 136 ears were studied. Forty (29.4%) ears had type B tympanogram, while 36 (26.5%) ears had type C. The incidence of OME was 55.9%; there were 12 (17.6%) unilateral OME, while bilateral OME was 32 (47.1%). Grade 3 AH was prevalent and was statistically significant with the OME. Conclusion. This study had shown adenoidal hypertrophy as a significant risk factor for OME in children. There was more bilateral OME than unilateral. The more severe grade of AH was more prevalent and it was shown to be statistically significant with OME, thus being a significant risk factor for OME in children. This establishes the need for prompt hearing evaluation and management.
Bank Interest Rate Pass-Through in the Euro Area: A Cross Country Comparison

The present paper investigates the pass-through between market interest rates and bank interest rates in the euro area. Compared to the large interest rate pass-through literature the paper mainly improves upon two points. First, a novel data set, partially based on new harmonised ECB bank interest rate statistics is used. Moreover, the market rates are selected in a way to match the maturities of bank and market rates using information provided by the new statistics. Secondly, new panel-econometric methods are applied to test for heterogeneity in the pass-through process. The paper shows a large heterogeneity in the pass-through of market rates to bank rates between euro area countries and finally possible explanations of the heterogeneity are discussed. JEL Classification: E43, G21
Non-communicable diseases in sub-Saharan Africa: what we know now.

BACKGROUND Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has a disproportionate burden of both infectious and chronic diseases compared with other world regions. Current disease estimates for SSA are based on sparse data, but projections indicate increases in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) caused by demographic and epidemiologic transitions. We review the literature on NCDs in SSA and summarize data from the World Health Organization and International Agency for Research on Cancer on the prevalence and incidence of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus Type 2, cancer and their risk factors. METHODS We searched the PubMed database for studies on each condition, and included those that were community based, conducted in any SSA country and reported on disease or risk factor prevalence, incidence or mortality. RESULTS We found few community-based studies and some countries (such as South Africa) were over-represented. The prevalence of NCDs and risk factors varied considerably between countries, urban/rural location and other sub-populations. The prevalence of stroke ranged from 0.07 to 0.3%, diabetes mellitus from 0 to 16%, hypertension from 6 to 48%, obesity from 0.4 to 43% and current smoking from 0.4 to 71%. Hypertension prevalence was consistently similar among men and women, whereas women were more frequently obese and men were more frequently current smokers. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of NCDs and their risk factors is high in some SSA settings. With the lack of vital statistics systems, epidemiologic studies with a variety of designs (cross-sectional, longitudinal and interventional) capable of in-depth analyses of risk factors could provide a better understanding of NCDs in SSA, and inform health-care policy to mitigate the oncoming NCD epidemic.
Freezing Multipulses and Multifronts

We consider nonlinear time dependent reaction diffusion systems in one space dimension that exhibit multiple pulses or multiple fronts. In an earlier paper two of the authors developed the freezing method that allows us to compute a moving coordinate frame in which, for example, a traveling wave becomes stationary. In this paper we extend the method to handle multifronts and multipulses traveling at different speeds. The solution of the Cauchy problem is decomposed into a finite number of single waves, each of which has its own moving coordinate system. The single solutions satisfy a system of partial differential algebraic equations coupled by nonlinear and nonlocal terms. Applications are provided to the Nagumo and the FitzHugh–Nagumo systems. We justify the method by showing that finitely many traveling waves, when patched together in an appropriate way, solve the coupled system in an asymptotic sense. The method is generalized to equivariant evolution equations and is illustrated by the complex Ginzbu.
Antagonism of Lidocaine Inhibition by Open-Channel Blockers That Generate Resurgent Na Current

Na channels that generate resurgent current express an intracellular endogenous open-channel blocking protein, whose rapid binding upon depolarization and unbinding upon repolarization minimizes fast and slow inactivation. Na channels also bind exogenous compounds, such as lidocaine, which functionally stabilize inactivation. Like the endogenous blocking protein, these use-dependent inhibitors bind most effectively at depolarized potentials, raising the question of how lidocaine-like compounds affect neurons with resurgent Na current. We therefore recorded lidocaine inhibition of voltage-clamped, tetrodotoxin-sensitive Na currents in mouse Purkinje neurons, which express a native blocking protein, and in mouse hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neurons with and without a peptide from the cytoplasmic tail of NaVβ4 (the β4 peptide), which mimics endogenous open-channel block. To control channel states during drug exposure, lidocaine was applied with rapid-solution exchange techniques during steps to specific voltages. Inhibition of Na currents by lidocaine was diminished by either the β4 peptide or the native blocking protein. In peptide-free CA3 cells, prolonging channel opening with a site-3 toxin, anemone toxin II, reduced lidocaine inhibition; this effect was largely occluded by open-channel blockers, suggesting that lidocaine binding is favored by inactivation but prevented by open-channel block. In constant 100 μm lidocaine, current-clamped Purkinje cells continued to fire spontaneously. Similarly, the β4 peptide reduced lidocaine-dependent suppression of spiking in CA3 neurons in slices. Thus, the open-channel blocking protein responsible for resurgent current acts as a natural antagonist of lidocaine. Neurons with resurgent current may therefore be less susceptible to use-dependent Na channel inhibitors used as local anesthetic, antiarrhythmic, and anticonvulsant drugs.
RETURNS TO EDUCATION IN AUSTRALIA

Using data from the 2001-2005 waves of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia survey, and taking account of existing estimates of ability bias and social returns to schooling, I estimate the economic return to various levels of education. Raising high school attainment appears to yield the highest annual benefits, with per-year gains as high as 30 percent (depending on the adjustment for ability bias). Some forms of vocational training also appear to boost earnings, with significant gains from Certificate Level III/IV qualifications (for high school dropouts only), and from Diploma and Advanced Diploma qualifications. At the university level, Bachelor degrees and postgraduate qualifications are associated with significantly higher earnings, with each year of a Bachelor degree raising annual earnings by about 15 percent. For high school, slightly less than half the gains are due to increased productivity, with the rest due to higher levels of participation. For vocational training, about one-third of the gains are from productivity, and two-thirds from greater participation. For university, most of the gains are from productivity. I find some evidence that the productivity benefits of education are higher towards the top of the distribution, but the participation effects are higher towards the bottom of the conditional earnings distribution.
Cross-sectional Study on the Effects of Socioeconomic Factors on Lead Exposure in Children by Gender in Serpong, Indonesia

To elucidate the socioeconomic factors influencing lead exposure in elementary school children by gender, 108 children (56 male, 52 female), aged 6–7 years, were randomly selected from 39 elementary state schools in Serpong, Banten, Indonesia. Their parents were interviewed to obtain information on sociodemographic characteristics. Their blood lead (BPb) levels were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. BPb concentrations were significantly higher in males than in females, i.e., 6.8 ± 2.0 (2.9–12.5) µg/dL and 5.9 ± 1.9 (3.1–11.7) µg/dL, respectively (p < 0.05). Lower socioeconomic status and well water use were associated with increased BPb concentrations, especially in females. The proportion of well water use was related to lower socioeconomic status. Lower socioeconomic status linked with well water drinking seemed to be associated with increased lead exposure in children in Serpong. Their exposure levels possibly varied according to gender differences in behavior. An intervention should be instituted among children in Serpong with BPb concentrations of 10 µg/dL or above.
Does Immigration Raise Blue and White Collar Wages of Natives? The Case of Italy

This paper analyses theoretically and empirically the effects of immigration on the wage rate of native workers. Empirical literature rarely finds that immigration generates a fall in the wages of manual workers. The theoretical model presented in this paper justifies those results, by hypothesizing an economic system where advanced firms buy an intermediate good from traditional firms, which employ manual workers in both clean and dirty tasks, the latter being more disliked by native workers. We conclude that native skilled wages always increase whereas native unskilled wages can both increase or decrease with immigration. An empirical analysis of the Italian labour market follows, showing that all native workers' wages rise with immigration.