Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Making Candidates Count: The Logic of Electoral Alliances in Two-Round Legislative Elections

Electoral systems have been shown to influence strategic voting and the development of party systems but the focus has rarely been on the strategies that parties adopt to take advantage of the electoral system under which they compete. Electoral pacts form one such strategy. We present a theory about the formation of electoral pacts in majority run-off elections and pay special attention to the consequences of the presence of extremist parties. Analyzing the 2002 French legislative elections we find that the Socialists and the Greens were more likely to form an alliance (and to agree on a common candidate) in closely contested constituencies and where there was a potential of coordination failure on the right. Finally, we show that the agreement primarily benefited the larger party.
Haptic feedback for improved robotic arm control during simple grasp, slippage, and contact detection tasks

This paper explores the use of haptic and visual feedback during routine object-manipulation tasks. We conducted tests of slippage detection, contact detection, and grasp control, with the help of twelve human participants. During the tests, the subjects controlled the robotic arm of a UR5 Universal Robot that was mounted with a three-finger robotic gripper and equipped with tactile sensors. The participants used either their visual feedback, vibrotactile feedback, or pressure feedback to assess the movements of the robotic fingers as they attempted to complete each task. We analyzed their performance with each type of feedback in order to evaluate how haptic feedback may be used to reduce the need for visual attention, and thus improve the lives of upper-limb amputees.
Familial migration of the Neolithic contrasts massive male migration during Bronze Age in Europe inferred from ancient X chromosomes

Dramatic events in human prehistory, such as the spread of agriculture to Europe from Anatolia and the Late Neolithic/Bronze Age (LNBA) migration from the Pontic-Caspian steppe, can be investigated using patterns of genetic variation among the people that lived in those times. In particular, studies of differing female and male demographic histories on the basis of ancient genomes can provide information about complexities of social structures and cultural interactions in prehistoric populations. We use a mechanistic admixture model to compare the sex-specifically-inherited X chromosome to the autosomes in 20 early Neolithic and 16 LNBA human remains. Contrary to previous hypotheses suggested by the patrilocality of many agricultural populations, we find no evidence of sex-biased admixture during the migration that spread farming across Europe during the early Neolithic. For later migrations from the Pontic steppe during the LNBA, however, we estimate a dramatic male bias, with ~5-14 migrating males for every migrating female. We find evidence of ongoing, primarily male, migration from the steppe to central Europe over a period of multiple generations, with a level of sex bias that excludes a pulse migration during a single generation. The contrasting patterns of sex-specific migration during these two migrations suggest a view of differing cultural histories in which the Neolithic transition was driven by mass migration of both males and females in roughly equal numbers, perhaps whole families, whereas the later Bronze Age migration and cultural shift were instead driven by male migration, potentially connected to new technology and conquest.
Analyzing Ontology as a Facilitator During Global Requirements Elicitation

Global software development projects deal with a variety of challenges, particularly those concerning communication and language differences. Bearing this in mind, processes that are crucially based on communication, such as requirements elicitation, must be specially rethought to minimize critical situations. Since effective communication would help to reduce misunderstandings among stakeholders, and therefore help to achieve more committed requirements, we propose a framework for global requirements elicitation focused on minimizing the most frequent problems in GSD. Both the proposal and the preliminary results of a controlled experiment are presented in this paper.
Meaningful use and meaningful curricula: a survey of health informatics programmes in the USA

The introduction of the US government's Meaningful Use criteria carries with it many implications including the training curriculum of healthcare personnel. This study examines 108 health informatics degree programmes across the USA. First, the courses offered are identified and classified into generic classes. Next, these generic groupings are mapped to two important frameworks: the Learning to Manage Health Information (LMHI) academic framework; and the Meaningful Use criteria policy framework. Results suggest that while current curricula seemed acceptable in addressing Meaningful Use Stage 1 objective, there was insufficient evidence that these curricula could support Meaningful Use Stage 2 and Stage 3. These findings are useful to both curriculum developers and the healthcare industry. Curriculum developers in health informatics must match curriculum to the emerging healthcare policy goals and the healthcare industry must now recruit highly trained and qualified personnel to help achieve these new goals of data-capture, data-sharing and intelligence.
JPEG Quantization Step Estimation and Its Applications to Digital Image Forensics

The goal of this paper is to propose an accurate method for estimating quantization steps from an image that has been previously JPEG-compressed and stored in lossless format. The method is based on the combination of the quantization effect and the statistics of discrete cosine transform (DCT) coefficient characterized by the statistical model that has been proposed in our previous works. The analysis of quantization effect is performed within a mathematical framework, which justifies the relation of local maxima of the number of integer quantized forward coefficients with the true quantization step. From the candidate set of the true quantization step given by the previous analysis, the statistical model of DCT coefficients is used to provide the optimal quantization step candidate. The proposed method can also be exploited to estimate the secondary quantization table in a double-JPEG compressed image stored in lossless format and detect the presence of JPEG compression. Numerical experiments on large image databases with different image sizes and quality factors highlight the high accuracy of the proposed method.
Authority vs. Power: Preference for Control Among Selected Church Structures.

Preference for hierarchical control (PHC) was studied among Catholic priests and religious (ordained and lay) and Baptist ministers in Louisiana and Gulf Coast area (n = 240). Groups represented decreasing strength of hierarchical church structure based on criteria of Mackey (1972). Strength of PHC, as measured by Cochran’s (1975) Hierarchical Control Scale, should be influenced by the subject’s membership involvement in church structure and his age. The Job Description Index (Smith, et al., 1969) measured job satisfaction (JS) as it related to PHC in the descending order of church structures. Because perceptions differ, JS was analyzed again as a function of the person's own perception of power in his group/church and his PHC. Lastly, the 16 Personality Factor Test (Cattell, et al., 1970) measured personalities of high and low PHC scorers. Results indicated groups were different in PHC but not as hypothesized. PHC scores here were higher than all others reported in the literature except for policemen. Baptist ministers scored highest, followed by Catholic brothers and diocesan priests. Religious priests scored significantly lowest. Except for the last two groups, the order was essentially opposite than predicted. Age had a significant effect with older persons scoring higher on PHC. JS was not influenced when analyzed in relation to PHC and theoretical structure of church groups. JS was also not influenced when analyzed in relation to PHC and the person’s own perception of power in his group/church. Perception of power by groups, however, did match that proposed in the research design and was negatively correlated with PHC and overall JS. Those who had high PHC scores tended to be less assertive, less tenderminded, less imaginative, quite conscientious, more socially polished and more controlled. They had a significantly higher level of leadership qualities. Low PHC scorers were more assertive, imaginative, forthright, expedient and undisciplined. Questions were raised about PHC scale, conceptualization of group structures and homogeneity of groups. Clarification of the PHC construct to include preference to be the controller as well as endorse control from above, explained present and past data. Further research was suggested to study questions implied in
Finite Sample Limited Information Inference Methods for Structural Equations and Models With Generated Regressors

We propose exact tests and confidence sets for various structural models typically estimated by IV methods, such as models with unobserved regressors, which remain valid despite the presence of identification problems or weak instruments. Two approaches are considered: (1) an instrument substitution method, which generalizes the Anderson-Rubin procedure, and (2) a sample-split method, that allows the use of "generated regressors. " Projection techniques are also proposed for inference on general parameter transformations. The asymptotic theory of the tests under weaker assumptions is discussed. Simulation results are presented. The suggested techniques are applied to a model of Tobin's q and to a model of academic performance.
DiLiA - a Digital Library Assistant - A New Approach to Information Discovery through Information Extraction and Visualization

This paper presents preliminary results of our current research project DiLiA (Digital Library Assistant). The goals of the project are are twofold. One goal of the project is the development of domain-independent information extraction methods. The other goal is the development of information visualization methods that interactively support researchers at time consuming information discovery tasks. We first describe issues that contribute to high cognitive load during exploration of unfamiliar research domains. Then we present a domain-independent approach to technical term extraction from paper abstracts, describe the architecture of the DiLiA, and illustrate an example co-author network visualization.
Civic and moral disangagement, weak personal beliefs and unhappiness: A survey study of the "famiglia lunga" phenomenon in Italy

In Italy, the transition from adolescence to adulthood has lately increased. There is disagreement about whether this is a healthy adaptation to current socioeconomic conditions or a sign of excessive dependency and insecure anxious attachment (Flett, Endler, & Besser, 2009; Maione & Franceschini, 1999; Scabini & Cigoli, 1997; Scabini & Marta, 1996). We present a study of 1570 Italian undergraduates at the University of Padova, exploring relations between: living choice; attachment style; religious, spiritual, and personal beliefs; civic and moral disengagement; and perceived happiness. Living on one’s own was associated with avoidant or secure attachment, being more engaged in society, and stronger personal and spiritual beliefs. Both living with parents and in other living situations was associated with anxious attachment, weaker personal beliefs but stronger religious beliefs, greater civic and moral disengagement, and greater unhappiness. Regardless of living arrangements, anxious attachment was related to civic and moral disengagement, weaker personal beliefs, and greater unhappiness. Insecure avoidant attachment was instead related to civic and moral disengagement and weaker religious and spiritual beliefs.
2 ORGANIZATIONAL FORM AND PRODUCT MARKET COMPETITION ARE FOCUSED FIRMS WEAK COMPETITORS ?

We examine product market behavior of retailers to determine if diversified or focused firms behave as weak competitors and are perceived as such. We do so in three distinct ways. We first test pricing predictions of a simple switching cost model of market competition, that weaker firms charge higher prices in equilibrium (and sacrifice market share). Not surprisingly, we find higher average prices in cities with a larger proportion of high debt and low efficiency firms. Surprisingly, the same result holds for cities with a larger proportion of focused firms. Our second test documents that firms with these characteristics are more likely to exit after facing a negative shock to their city, again suggesting that like high debt, low efficiency, and focused firms are weak competitors. Given that certain characteristics are associated with weakness, and these characteristics are observable, stronger competitors should be able to take advantage of firms with such characteristics. We model the optimal location decision of a new entrant into a city with existing incumbent stores. The prediction is the entrant locates closer to a weaker incumbent. We document a new entrant locates closer to high debt as well as focused firms suggesting that at least in the retail industry, focused firms are perceived as weak competitors. JEL Classification: D43, G31, G32
Dynamical properties of random Schrödinger operators

We study dynamical properties of random Schr\"odinger operators $H^{(\omega)}$ defined on the Hilbert space $\ell^2(\bbZ^d)$ or $L^2(\bbR^d)$. Building on results from existing multi-scale analyses, we give sufficient conditions on $H^{(\omega)}$ to obtain the vanishing of the diffusion exponent $$ \sigma_{\rm diff}^+ := \limsup_{T\rightarrow\infty } \frac{\log \bbE \left(\la\la\vert X \vert^2\ra\ra_{T,f_I(H^{(\omega)})\psi}\right) }{\log T}=0. $$ Here $\bbE$ is the expectation over randomness, $f_{I}$ is any smooth characteristic function of a bounded energy-interval $I$ and $\psi$ is a state vector in the domain of $H^{(\omega)}$ with compact spatial support. The quantity $\la\la |X|^2 \ra\ra_{T,\varphi}$ denotes the Cesaro mean up to time $T$ of the second moment of position $\la |X|^2\ra_{t,\varphi}$ at times $0\le t\le T$ of an initial state vector $\varphi$. If the Hilbert space is $\ell^2(\bbZ^d)$, the method of proof can be strengthened to yield dynamical localization. Under weaker assumptions, we also prove a theorem on the absence of diffusion. The results are applied to a randomly perturbed periodic Schr\"odinger operator on $L^2(\bbR^d)$, to a simple Anderson-type model on the lattice and to a model with a correlated random potential in continuous space.
Effects of the Girl Squad Curriculum on Grade 5 Females' Transition to Middle School

Abstract The study measured the impact of a gender-specific school counseling curriculum, Girl Squad (GS), on Grade 5 females' (n = 151) perceptions of relational aggressive, prosocial behaviors, and connectedness. Results from an analysis of covariance revealed participants in the treatment group (n = 85) who received the GS curriculum perceived less relational aggression after participation when compared to the comparison group (n = 66) who did not receive the intervention. Recommendations for future research are discussed.
Operational slack and venture survival

Slack can act as a double-edged sword. While it can buffer against environmental threats to help ensure business continuity, slack can also be costly and reduce profitability. In this study we focus on operational slack, the form related to the firm’s production processes. We investigate the role of operational slack on firm survival during its venture stage when its survival is significantly challenged by environmental threats. Specifically, we explore how change in three types of environmental uncertainty, namely dynamism, complexity, and lack of munificence, affect the relationship between operational slack and venture survival. Results suggest that with an increase in environmental uncertainty, operational slack lowers the likelihood of venture failure.
RacGAP50C directs perinuclear γ-tubulin localization to organize the uniform microtubule array required for Drosophila myotube extension

The microtubule (MT) cytoskeleton is reorganized during myogenesis as individual myoblasts fuse into multinucleated myotubes. Although this reorganization has long been observed in cell culture, these findings have not been validated during development, and proteins that regulate this process are largely unknown. We have identified a novel postmitotic function for the cytokinesis proteins RacGAP50C (Tumbleweed) and Pavarotti as essential regulators of MT organization during Drosophila myogenesis. We show that the localization of the MT nucleator γ-tubulin changes from diffuse cytoplasmic staining in mononucleated myoblasts to discrete cytoplasmic puncta at the nuclear periphery in multinucleated myoblasts, and that this change in localization depends on RacGAP50C. RacGAP50C and γ-tubulin colocalize at perinuclear sites in myotubes, and in RacGAP50C mutantsγ -tubulin remains dispersed throughout the cytoplasm. Furthermore, we show that the mislocalization of RacGAP50C in pavarotti mutants is sufficient to redistribute γ-tubulin to the muscle fiber ends. Finally, myotubes in RacGAP50C mutants have MTs with non-uniform polarity, resulting in multiple guidance errors. Taken together, these findings provide strong evidence that the reorganization of the MT network that has been observed in vitro plays an important role in myotube extension and muscle patterning in vivo, and also identify two molecules crucial for this process.
On the Normalization of the Cosmic Star Formation History

Strong constraints on the cosmic star formation history (SFH) have recently been established using ultraviolet and far-infrared measurements, refining the results of numerous measurements over the past decade. The data show a compellingly consistent picture of the SFH out to redshift z ≈ 6, with especially tight constraints for z ≲ 1. We fit these data with simple analytical forms and derive conservative uncertainties. Since the z ≲ 1 SFH data are quite precise, we investigate the sequence of assumptions and corrections that together affect the SFH normalization to test their accuracy, both in this redshift range and beyond. As lower limits on this normalization, we consider the evolution in stellar and metal mass densities, and supernova rate density, finding it unlikely that the SFH normalization is much lower than indicated by our direct fit. As a corresponding upper limit on the SFH normalization, we consider the Super-Kamiokande limit on the electron antineutrino (e) flux from past core-collapse supernovae, which applies primarily to z ≲ 1. We find consistency with the SFH only if the neutrino temperatures from supernova events are relatively modest. Constraints on the assumed initial mass function (IMF) also become apparent. The traditional Salpeter IMF, assumed for convenience by many authors, is known to be a poor representation at low stellar masses (≲1 M☉), and we show that recently favored IMFs are also constrained. In particular, somewhat shallow, or top-heavy, IMFs may be preferred, although they cannot be too top-heavy. To resolve the outstanding issues, improved data are called for on the supernova rate density evolution, the ranges of stellar masses leading to core-collapse and type Ia supernovae, and the antineutrino and neutrino backgrounds from core-collapse supernovae.
Fast Approximation Algorithms for the Knapsack and Sum of Subset Problems

Given a positive integer M and n pairs of positive integers (p~, cD, , (p. , c.), maximize the s u m ~ ~p~ subject to the cons t ramts~ ~c, < M and ~, = 0 or 1 This is the well-known 0/1 knapsack problem An algorithm is presented which finds for any 0 < e < 1 an approximate solution P satisfying (P* P)/P* < ~, where P* is the desired optimal sum Moreover, for any fixed e, the algorithm has time complexity 0(n log n) and space complexity O(n) Modification of the algorithm for the unbounded knapsack problem where the ~,'s can be any nonnegative integer results in a O(n) computing time A hnear-time algorithm is also obtained for a special class of 0/1 knapsack problems having the property that p,/c, is the same for all 1 < z < n
The Q Exactive HF, a Benchtop Mass Spectrometer with a Pre-filter, High-performance Quadrupole and an Ultra-high-field Orbitrap Analyzer*

The quadrupole Orbitrap mass spectrometer (Q Exactive) made a powerful proteomics instrument available in a benchtop format. It significantly boosted the number of proteins analyzable per hour and has now evolved into a proteomics analysis workhorse for many laboratories. Here we describe the Q Exactive Plus and Q Exactive HF mass spectrometers, which feature several innovations in comparison to the original Q Exactive instrument. A low-resolution pre-filter has been implemented within the injection flatapole, preventing unwanted ions from entering deep into the system, and thereby increasing its robustness. A new segmented quadrupole, with higher fidelity of isolation efficiency over a wide range of isolation windows, provides an almost 2-fold improvement of transmission at narrow isolation widths. Additionally, the Q Exactive HF has a compact Orbitrap analyzer, leading to higher field strength and almost doubling the resolution at the same transient times. With its very fast isolation and fragmentation capabilities, the instrument achieves overall cycle times of 1 s for a top 15 to 20 higher energy collisional dissociation method. We demonstrate the identification of 5000 proteins in standard 90-min gradients of tryptic digests of mammalian cell lysate, an increase of over 40% for detected peptides and over 20% for detected proteins. Additionally, we tested the instrument on peptide phosphorylation enriched samples, for which an improvement of up to 60% class I sites was observed.
Effector-Mining in the Poplar Rust Fungus Melampsora larici-populina Secretome

The poplar leaf rust fungus, Melampsora larici-populina has been established as a tree-microbe interaction model. Understanding the molecular mechanisms controlling infection by pathogens appears essential for durable management of tree plantations. In biotrophic plant-parasites, effectors are known to condition host cell colonization. Thus, investigation of candidate secreted effector proteins (CSEPs) is a major goal in the poplar–poplar rust interaction. Unlike oomycetes, fungal effectors do not share conserved motifs and candidate prediction relies on a set of a priori criteria established from reported bona fide effectors. Secretome prediction, genome-wide analysis of gene families and transcriptomics of M. larici-populina have led to catalogs of more than a thousand secreted proteins. Automatized effector-mining pipelines hold great promise for rapid and systematic identification and prioritization of CSEPs for functional characterization. In this review, we report on and discuss the current status of the poplar rust fungus secretome and prediction of candidate effectors from this species.