Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ambiguity and the Value of Hedging

This paper examines the optimal production and hedging decisions of the competitive firm under price uncertainty when the firm's preferences exhibit smooth ambiguity aversion and an unbiased forward hedging opportunity is available. Ambiguity is modeled by a second‐order probability distribution that captures the firm's uncertainty about which of the subjective beliefs govern the price risk. Ambiguity preferences are modeled by the (second‐order) expectation of a concave transformation of the (first‐order) expected utility of profit conditional on each plausible subjective distribution of the price risk. Within this framework, the separation and full‐hedging theorems remain intact. Banning the firm from trading its output forward at the unbiased forward price has adverse effect on the firm's production decision. The firm finds the unbiased forward hedging opportunity more valuable in the presence than in the absence of ambiguity. Furthermore, the value of hedging increases when the firm's beliefs are more ambiguous, or when the firm becomes more ambiguity averse. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 35:839–848, 2015
Neurological soft signs in schizophrenia: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND Neurological soft signs (NSS) are hypothesized as candidate endophenotypes for schizophrenia, but their prevalence and relations with clinical and demographic data are unknown. The authors undertook a quantification (meta-analysis) of the published literature on NSS in patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls. A systematic search was conducted for published articles reporting NSS and related data using standard measures in schizophrenia and healthy comparison groups. METHOD A systematic search was conducted for published articles reporting data on the prevalence of NSS in schizophrenia using standard clinical rating scales and healthy comparison groups. Meta-analyses were performed using the Comprehensive Meta-analysis software package. Effect sizes (Cohen d) indexing the difference between schizophrenic patients and the healthy controls were calculated on the basis of reported statistics. Potential moderator variables evaluated included age of patient samples, level of education, sample sex proportions, medication doses, and negative and positive symptoms. RESULTS A total of 33 articles met inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis. A large and reliable group difference (Cohen d) indicated that, on average, a majority of patients (73%) perform outside the range of healthy subjects on aggregate NSS measures. Cognitive performance and positive and negative symptoms share 2%-10% of their variance with NSS. CONCLUSIONS NSS occur in a majority of the schizophrenia patient population and are largely distinct from symptomatic and cognitive features of the illness.
An Empirical Investigation of Continuous-Time Equity Return Models

This paper extends the class of stochastic volatility diffusions for asset returns to encompass Poisson jumps of time-varying intensity. We find that any reasonably descriptive continuous-time model for equity-index returns must allow for discrete jumps as well as stochastic volatility with a pronounced negative relationship between return and volatility innovations. We also find that the dominant empirical characteristics of the return process appear to be priced by the option market. Our analysis indicates a general correspondence between the evidence extracted from daily equity-index returns and the stylized features of the corresponding options market prices.
Detecting the structure of haplotypes, local ancestry and excessive local European ancestry in Mexicans

We present a two-layer hidden Markov model to detect structure of haplotypes for unrelated individuals. This allows modeling two scales of linkage disequilibrium (one within a group of haplotypes and one between groups), thereby taking advantage of rich haplotype information to infer local ancestry for admixed individuals. Our method outperforms competing state-of-art methods, particularly for regions of small ancestral track lengths. Applying our method to Mexican samples in HapMap3, we found five coding regions, ranging from $0.3 -1.3$ megabase (Mb) in lengths, that exhibit excessive European ancestry (average dosage > 1.6). A particular interesting region of 1.1Mb (with average dosage 1.95) locates on Chromosome 2p23 that harbors two genes, PXDN and MYT1L, both of which are associated with autism and schizophrenia. In light of the low prevalence of autism in Hispanics, this region warrants special attention. We confirmed our findings using Mexican samples from the 1000 genomes project. A software package implementing methods described in the paper is freely available at \url{this http URL}
Differential Treatment in International Environmental Law

1. Introduction 2. Differential Treatment in International Law 3. Dissonance in International Environmental Dialogue 4. From Dissonance in Dialogue to Differentiation in Law 5. The Doctrinal Basis for and Boundaries of Differential Treatment in International Environmental Law 6. Differential Treatment at Play: the Climate Regime 7. Developing Country Participation in the Climate Regime - Applying Common But Differentiated Responsibility 8. Conclusion
Protein Structures among Bio-Ethanol Co-Products and Its Relationships with Ruminal and Intestinal Availability of Protein in Dairy Cattle

The objectives of this study were to reveal molecular structures of protein among different types of the dried distillers grains with solubles (100% wheat DDGS (WDDGS); DDGS blend1 (BDDGS1, corn to wheat ratio 30:70%); DDGS blend2 (BDDGS2, corn to wheat ratio 50:50 percent)) and different batches within DDGS type using diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFT). Compared with BDDGS1 and BDDGS2, wheat DDGS had higher (p < 0.05) peak area intensities of protein amide I and II and amide I to II intensity ratio. Increasing the corn to wheat ratio form 30:70 to 50:50 in the blend DDGS did not affect amide I and II area intensities and their ratio. Amide I to II peak intensity ratio differed (p < 0.05) among the different batches within WDDGS and BDDGS1. Compared with both blend DDGS types, WDDGS had higher α-helix and β-sheet ratio (p < 0.05), while α-helix to β-sheet ratio was similar among the three DDGS types. The α-helix to β-sheet ratio differed significantly among batches within WDDGS. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that protein molecular structures in WDDGS differed from those of BDDGS1 and between different batches within BDDGS1 and BDDGS2. The α-helix to β-sheet ratios of protein in all DDGS types had an influence on availability of protein at the ruminal level as well as at the intestinal level. The α-helix to β-sheet ratio was positively correlated to rumen undegraded protein (r = 0.41, p < 0.05) and unavailable protein (PC; r = 0.59, p < 0.05).
Sarcoma Stem Cells: Do We Know What We Are Looking for?

Sarcomas represent a heterogeneous group of cancers thought to originate from malignant transformation of mesenchymal cells. There is increasing evidence that many, if not all, sarcomas contain within them tumor-initiating, or “cancer stem,” cells responsible for the initiation, maintenance, and potentially relapse and metastasis of the tumor. Various techniques have been adopted in recent years to identify putative sarcoma stem cell populations. The goal of this paper is to summarize the criteria used to identify a stem cell population, describe the more prominent markers and techniques used to isolate cancer stem cells in sarcomas, and review the evidence for the existence of cancer stem cells in sarcomas.
Incorporating User Models in Question Answering to ImproveReadability

Most question answering and information retrieval systems are insensitive to different users' needs and preferences, as well as their reading level. In (Quarteroni and Manandhar, 2006), we introduce a hybrid QA-IR system based on a a user model. In this paper we focus on how the system filters and re-ranks the search engine results for a query according to their reading difficulty, providing user-tailored answers.
Pattern of Abnormal Cervical Cytology in women attending a Tertiary Hospital

Cervical dysplasia and invasive cervical cancer can be diagnosed by detection of epithelial cell abnormality (ECA) in a cervical scrapping from a clinically suspicious women by means of cervical cytology study popularly known as pap test. Aim and objective of the present study to different cervical lesion with the help of pap smear and categorize them according to the Bethesda system. The samples were collected from 242 numbers of women aged 20-65 years for the research methodology , alcohol fixed and stained with papanicolaou stain. The result of the study revealed detection of cervical cancer and dyspalsia in 3.53 % of the total cases studied. 88.05% cases were negative for malignancy and ECA with 11.95% out of which 29.63 % smears were equally having LSIL, HSIL and invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Study concluded that pap test has a definite role in early detection of cervical cancer and dysplasia.
Trading on a Rigged Game: Outcome Manipulation in Prediction Markets

Prediction markets are popular mechanisms for aggregating information about a future event. In situations where market participants may significantly influence the outcome, running the prediction market could change the incentives of participants in the process that creates the outcome. We propose a new game-theoretic model that captures two aspects of real-world prediction markets: (1) agents directly affect the outcome the market is predicting, (2) some outcome-deciders may not participate in the market. We show that this game has two types of equilibria: When some outcome-deciders are unlikely to participate in the market, equilibrium prices reveal expected market outcomes conditional on participants' private information, whereas when all outcome-deciders are likely to participate, equilibria are collusive - agents effectively coordinate in an uninformative and untruthful way.
Large-Scale Outflows in Edge-on Seyfert Galaxies. II. Kiloparsec-Scale Radio Continuum Emission

We present deep images of the kpc-scale radio continuum emission in 14 edge-on galaxies (ten Seyfert and four starburst galaxies). Observations were taken with the VLA at 4.9~GHz (6~cm). The Seyfert galaxies were selected from a distance-limited sample of 22 objects (defined in paper~I). The starburst galaxies were selected to be well-matched to the Seyferts in radio power, recessional velocity and inclination angle. All four starburst galaxies have a very bright disk component and one (NGC~3044) has a radio halo that extends several kpc out of the galaxy plane. Six of the ten Seyferts observed have large-scale (radial extent $\gapprox$1 kpc) radio structures extending outward from the nuclear region, indicating that large-scale outflows are quite common in Seyferts. Large-scale radio sources in Seyferts are similar in radio power and radial extent to radio halos in edge-on starburst galaxies, but their morphologies do not resemble spherical halos observed in starburst galaxies. The sources have diffuse morphologies, but, in general, they are oriented at skewed angles with respect to the galaxy minor axes. This result is most easily understood if the outflows are AGN-driven jets that are somehow diverted away from the galaxy disk on scales $\gapprox$1 kpc. Starburst-driven winds, however, cannot be ruled out. More observational work is needed to determine whether massive star formation is present at high enough rates to drive galactic winds out to kpc scales in Seyfert galaxies.
Classes of Nonlinear Partially Observable Stochastic Optimal Control Problems with Explicit Optimal Control Laws

This paper introduces certain nonlinear partially observable stochastic optimal control problems which are equivalent to completely observable control problems with finite-dimensional state space. In some cases the optimal control laws are analogous to linear-exponential-quadratic-Gaussian and linear-quadratic-Gaussian tracking problems. The problems discussed allow nonlinearities to enter the unobservable dynamics as gradients of potential functions. The methodology is based on explicit solutions of a modified Duncan--Mortensen--Zakai equation.
An Empirical Study of Programmable Web: A Network Analysis on a Service-Mashup System

A service ecosystem consists of services and their compositions (i.e., mashups) and evolves as a complex network system. It is driven by continuously emerged new services and the mashups of old services and new ones. Complex network analysis can be a powerful tool to study the static structure as well as the evolution of a service ecosystem. This paper presents a methodology to study such a system and an empirical study of Programmable Web. To the best of our knowledge, Programmable Web is the largest and most active Web APIs and mashups collection and consists of 4337 services and 6092 service compositions by Nov-2011. We conduct a comprehensive network analysis to quantitatively characterize the static structure and dynamic evolution of the ecosystem. The findings of this paper not only can help understand the current usage pattern and the evolution trace of the ecosystem, but also are applicable to other Web service systems.
Neural networks involved in learning lexical-semantic and syntactic information in a second language

The present study used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate the neural correlates of language acquisition in a realistic learning environment. Japanese native speakers were trained in a miniature version of German prior to fMRI scanning. During scanning they listened to (1) familiar sentences, (2) sentences including a novel sentence structure, and (3) sentences containing a novel word while visual context provided referential information. Learning-related decreases of brain activation over time were found in a mainly left-hemispheric network comprising classical frontal and temporal language areas as well as parietal and subcortical regions and were largely overlapping for novel words and the novel sentence structure in initial stages of learning. Differences occurred at later stages of learning during which content-specific activation patterns in prefrontal, parietal and temporal cortices emerged. The results are taken as evidence for a domain-general network supporting the initial stages of language learning which dynamically adapts as learners become proficient.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Precise determination of the critical threshold and exponents in a three-dimensional continuum percolation model

We present a large-scale computer simulation of the prototypical three-dimensional continuum percolation model consisting of a distribution of overlapping (spatially uncorrelated) spheres. By using simulations of up to particles and studying the finite-size scaling of various effective percolation thresholds, we obtain a value of . This value is significantly smaller than the values obtained for simulations that have been carried out using smaller systems. Employing this value of and systems of size L = 160 (relative to a sphere of unit radius), we also obtain estimates of the critical exponents , and for the continuum system and show that the values are different than those obtained using previous values of .
Short-Term Memory Effects on Crossing the Boundary: Discrimination between Large and Small Quantities in Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare)

Rudimentary quantification abilities are found in numerous animal species and in human infants all demonstrating the ability to discriminate between quantities differing in numerical size. An open question is whether individuals rely on different underlying systems to discriminate between large (analogue magnitude system (AMS) for number of items exceeding 3) and small quantities (object-file system (OFS) for number of items below 4), or they use only one system (AMS) for the entire number range. The two-system hypothesis has been supported by finding reduced ability to discriminate between quantities that cross the large-small boundary in several species. Recently, the role of cognitive representation, i.e., memory, in quantity discrimination has also been recognized. Here, we investigated whether angelfish can discriminate quantities across the boundary under two memory conditions. In a binary choice test, single angelfish were allowed to see groups (shoals) of conspecifics of different numerical size on the two sides of their test tank. In Experiment 1, their choice was recorded after a 2-sec retention interval during which shoal size information was unavailable. Angelfish were able to discriminate the larger shoal across the boundary when the shoals differed by a 2:1 or higher ratio, but not when the ratio was lower. In Experiment 2, however, with a 15-sec retention interval, angelfish could only detect a four-fold difference in ratio but failed to detect a three- or a two-fold difference across the boundary. These results suggest that angelfish can remember smaller differences for a short (2 sec) but not for a longer (15 sec) period. Together with previous findings, the current results support the idea that angelfish use two distinct systems for representing quantity, but they may recruit the AMS even for the small number range under some circumstances, e.g., when higher memory demand is imposed by a greater retention interval.
Indonesian public sector accounting reforms: dialogic aspirations a step too far?

Purpose - – Drawing from an interest in the changing Indonesian political and regulatory history, the purpose of this paper is to provide an understanding of the role that accounting reform can play in nurturing, or failing to nurture, a more dialogic form of accounting in a local Indonesian municipality. Design/methodology/approach - – To collect the data, the authors undertook a case study of a local municipality and drew from patterns found in Indonesia’s long colonial history. Data were acquired from official and publicly available documents and interviews with 29 key figures, including those involved in formulating and disseminating laws and also those affected by the accounting reforms from 1998 to 2009. Document collection and interviews were conducted at national and local levels. Findings - – This study shows that Indonesia has undertaken significant economic and political reforms for the intended purposes of fostering democracy, strengthening accountability, and creating transparency in relation to public sector practices. As part of these reforms, accrual accounting is now mandatory, independent audit is conducted, and disclosure is required by Government offices at central and local levels. Nonetheless, drawing from dialogic accounting principles, this study demonstrates the limitations of legislation and regulation in countering patterns that have long been laid down in history. Essentially, there is limited opportunity to question the elements of these reforms, and the study has also found that centralizing forces remain to serve vested interests. The root of the problem may lie in traditions of central control which have played out in how a dialogic form of accounting has failed to emerge from these important accounting reforms. Research limitations/implications - – The findings of this study should be understood from historical, political, and cultural backgrounds of the site of the study. Practical implications - – The implications of the findings should be taken into account by public sector policy makers, particularly in emerging economies – where political realities, economic, social, political, and cultural backgrounds set different historical patterns and result in unique circumstances that may tend to retain traditions of the past even under rules and regulations of the present. Originality/value - – A key contribution of this study is to show how the political traditions of a nation can permeate and divert the intent of, in this case, engaging a broader public in discourse about accounting reform in the public sector. In addition, this study also provides an understanding of public sector reform in the context of a diverse and unsettled nation which has been long subject to colonial, top-led, and military leadership. The findings demonstrate complexities and unintended outcomes that can emerge in public sector accounting reform and how, in this case, they appear to be influenced by historical traditions of centralized control.
Inter- and Intradigit Somatotopic Map of High-Frequency Vibration Stimulations in Human Primary Somatosensory Cortex

Abstract Although more about the somatotopic mapping of fingers continues to be uncovered, there is lack of mapping attempts regarding the integration of within-finger and across-finger somatotopic coordinates in Broadmann area (BA) 3. This study aimed to address the issue by finding an inter-/intradigit somatotopic map with high-frequency (250 Hz) vibrotactile stimulation. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data were acquired while stimulation was applied to 3 phalanxes (distal [p1], intermediate [p2], and proximal [p3] phalanx) of 4 fingers (index, middle, ring, and little finger) for a total of 12 finger–phalanx combinations for a human. Inter-, intra-, and inter-/intradigit distances were calculated from peak activation coordinates in BA 3 for each combination. With regard to interdigit dimensions, the somatotopic coordinates proceeded in the lateral-to-medial direction for the index, middle, ring, and little fingers consecutively. This trend is comparable to that generated from low-frequency stimulation modalities (flutter stimulation). The somatotopic distances between fingers were greatest when p1 was compared across fingers. From an intradigit perspective, stimulation on p1, p2, and p3 yielded BA 3 peak coordinates aligned along the anterior-to-posterior and inferior-to-superior directions for all fingers. An inter-/intradigit map exhibited a radially propagating trend of distances calculated with respect to index p1 as a reference point; this provided an integrated view of inter- and intradigit somatotopies, which are traditionally discussed separately. We expect such an inter-/intradigit somatotopic map approach to contribute in generating a comprehensive somatotopic model of fingers.
Sport, Culture and Advertising: Identities, Commodities and the Politics of Representation

1. Introduction: The Contemporary Landscape of Sport Advertising 2. Model Behavior? : Sporting Feminism and Consumer Culture 3. 'Knowing' the Hero: The Female Athlete and Myth at Work in Nike Advertising 4. Women's sport in postmodern America: Body politics and the corporo-empowerment of "Everyday Athletes" 5. Enligtened racism and celebrity feminism in contemporary sports advertisements 6. Race, Representation, and the Promotional Culture of the NBA: Canadian Case" 7. Sport, sexuality and representation in advertising: Political Economy of the Pink Dollar 8. Fitting Images: Advertising, Sport & Disability 9. Close Encounters of Another Kind: Nationalism, Media Representations and Advertising in New Zealand Rugby 10. Global Gaming: Cultural Toyotism, Transnational Corporatism & Sport 11. I'm Afraid of American's: Globalisation, Advertising and Cultural Resistance 12. Cursed or Carefree? : A Historical View of Menstrual Product Advertisements and Feminine Physical Activity 13. That's Me in the Mirror: Fitness & the Marketing of the Self 14. Staging identity through consumption: Exploring the social uses of sporting goods
Duress in Contracts: An Economic Analysis

This paper is forthcoming as a chapter in Contract Law and Economics, ed. Gerrit de Geest (Cheltenham: Elgar 2009) [Elgar Encyclopedia of Law and Economics 2nd ed.] and its goal is to provide an overview of the economic analyses of contractual duress. The focus is on distinctive features of the economic perspective on the duress doctrine, as developed in the theoretical literature of law and economics. Before discussing the results of economic analysis, the legal background and some non-economic theories of duress are briefly presented.