Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Measuring Social and Externality Benefits of Influenza Vaccination

Vaccination represents a canonical example of externalities in economics, yet there are few estimates of their magnitudes. I estimate social and externality benefits of influenza vaccination in two settings. First, using a natural experiment, I estimate the impacts of aggregate vaccination rates on mortality and work absences in the United States. Second, I examine a setting with large potential externality benefits: vaccination mandates for healthcare workers. I find that the social benefits of vaccination are substantial, most of benefits operate through an externality, and the benefits of healthcare worker vaccination are particularly large.
Differentiation of rangeland vegetation and assessment of its status: field investigations and MODIS and SPOT VEGETATION data analyses

In the Syrian Steppe we carried out a field experiment using repeated hyperspectral measurements throughout the 2001 growing season to investigate the separability of vegetation types based on their temporal‐spectral signatures. We studied two different perennial shrubs and annual grasses showing differences in the length of their growing period. These differences cause seasonal variations in spectral plant reflectance, also giving hints to functional vegetation characteristics such as palatability, soil stabilization or certain hydro‐meteorological characteristics. By submitting biophysical and spectral data to statistical analyses we identified the dry season period as the most suitable to discriminate between the studied plants or their functional characteristics respectively. NDVI time series using MODIS or SPOT VEGETATION NDVI bands perform nearly as well as an optimum narrow banded index. For a balanced assessment of the biomass from different functional vegetation groups, our study recommends a narrow banded (9 nm width) vegetation index that uses the 630 nm band together with the 755 nm band. Its particular advantage, compared with indices calculated from MODIS and SPOT VEGETATION bands, is the better correlation with biomass from annual grasses. Conclusions from the field experiment were tested for their transferability to remote sensing conditions. Using the noise‐filtered shapes of NDVI cycles as a primary classifier, we identify the distribution and the fractional cover of species with an extended growing period. Pixels with a dominant cover of species with an extended growing period were classified by correlating a reference NDVI cycle with all image pixels, where the calculated correlation coefficient is the measure for shape similarity, and the corresponding slope value the measure for vegetation cover relative to the reference.
Tritrichomonas foetus infections in female beef cattle with abortion in Wyoming, USA

Introduction: Bovine trichomoniasis has been endemic in the USA since its discovery in the 1930s. Testing of bulls used for reproduction is currently mandated in 26 states to control spread of the disease. Although individual head prevalence in Wyoming has decreased since 2000 when the state's regulation started, the herd prevalence remains steady and the disease continues to have a wide geographic distribution. One factor neglected in current regulations is the role of infected cows/heifers in transmission. The latter may harbour Tritrichomonas foetus, the causative organism, up to a few weeks post‐abortion/parturition. This capacity enables them to spread the disease in spite of extensive bull testing. Case presentation: The purpose of the present study was to determine the prevalence among Wyoming beef cattle of detectable T. foetus infection in cows/heifers with a history of abortion for which samples had been tested. This retrospective study included all submissions to the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory between 2000 and 2010. Cows/heifers with a history of abortion among Wyoming producers were tested for trichomoniasis. Overall prevalence was 9.7 %. Furthermore, 4.5 % of aborted foetuses were positive. Conclusion: Our data collectively demonstrates that a percentage of cows/heifers that recently experienced abortion are positive for T. foetus and may play an important role in maintaining endemicity of bovine trichomoniasis.
How Strong is the Pull of the Past?

ABSTRACT Marketers frequently evoke personal nostalgia in their advertising. To date, scales have been developed to measure the propensity to get nostalgic but not the actual dimensions of personal nostalgia. Results from four studies show that advertising-evoked personal nostalgia comprises four correlated but distinct dimensions: past imagery, positive emotions, negative emotions, and physiological reactions. This multidimensional scale showed a high level of validity and reliability. Moreover, due to careful choice of sampling frames, the study demonstrates a high level of external generalizability. Evaluating nostalgia-based advertising using the study's multidimensional scale may provide marketers with strategic insights for developing and fine-tuning advertising aimed at inducing nostalgia among consumers.
Nontrivial decay of aftershock density with distance in Southern California

The decay of the aftershock density with distance plays an important role in the discussion of the dominant underlying cause of earthquake triggering. Here, we provide evidence that its form is more complicated than typically assumed and that in particular a transition in the power law decay occurs at length scales comparable to the thickness of the crust. This is supported by an analysis of a very recent high‐resolution catalog for Southern California (SC) and surrogate catalogs generated by the Epidemic‐Type Aftershock Sequence (ETAS) model, which take into account inhomogeneous background activity, short‐term aftershock incompleteness, anisotropic triggering, and variations in the observational magnitude threshold. Our findings indicate specifically that the asymptotic decay in the aftershock density with distance is characterized by an exponent larger than 2, which is much bigger than the observed exponent of approximately 1.35 observed for shorter distances ranging from the main shock rupture length up to a length scale comparable to the thickness of the crust. This has also important consequences for time‐dependent seismic hazard assessment based on the ETAS model.
Assessing Impervious Surface Connectivity and Applications for Watershed Management 1

Abstract: Although total impervious area (TIA) is often used as an indicator of urban disturbance, recent studies suggest that the subset of impervious surfaces that route stormwater runoff directly to streams via stormwater pipes, called directly connected impervious area (DCIA), may be a better predictor of stream ecosystem alteration. We evaluated the differences between TIA and DCIA in the Shepherd Creek catchment, a small (1.85‐km2), suburban basin in Cincinnati, Ohio. Imperviousness determinations were calculated based on publicly available geographic information system (GIS) data and parcel‐scale field assessments, and these direct assessments were compared to DCIA calculated from published, empirical relationships. Impervious and semi‐impervious area comprised 13.1% of the catchment area, with 56.3% of the impervious area connected. When summarized by subcatchments (0.26‐1.85 km2), TIA measured in the field (11‐23%) was considerably higher than that calculated from the National Land Cover Data Imperviousness Layer (7‐18%). In contrast, TIA calculated based on aerial photos was similar to TIA calculated from field assessments, thus indicating that photo interpretation may be adequate for catchment‐scale (>25 ha) TIA determinations. While these GIS data sources can be used to calculate TIA, on‐site assessments were necessary to accurately determine DCIA within residential parcels. There was a wide variation in percent connectivity across parcels, and, subsequently, DCIA was not accurately predicted from empirical relationships with TIA. We discuss applications of DCIA data that highlight the importance of parcel‐scale field assessments for managing suburban watersheds.
Seasonal dynamics of bacterial biofilms on the kelp Laminaria hyperborea

Seasonal variations of the cell density and bacterial community composition in biofilms growing on the surface of the kelp Laminaria hyperborea from 2 sites on the southwestern coast of Norway were investigated using total cell enumeration and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) fingerprinting. The major taxonomical groups of bacteria inhabiting the biofilms were iden- tified by DGGE band sequence classification. The microbial cell density of the biofilm appeared to be highly affected by the seasonal growth cycle of the kelp and was found to be lowest on growing kelp in March (minimum 8.3 × 10 2 cells cm -2 ), while on non-growing kelp in July to February, it was around 1.0 × 10 7 cells cm -2 with large fluctuations. The composition of the bacterial community of the biofilm followed a continuous seasonal succession that may be explained by the influence of both biotic factors such as seasonal changes in the kelp substrate and abiotic factors such as seawater tem- perature. Planctomycetes and Alphaproteobacteria were frequently detected throughout the year, while Verrucomicrobia, Cyanobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, and Bacter- oidetes were more sporadically detected. The bacterial communities of the biofilm on kelp showed little overlap with that of the surrounding seawater.
A Contingent Model of Network Utilization in Early Financing of Technology Ventures

Most of the entrepreneurship literature has addressed the benefits and necessity of using social network ties as opposed to market methods in early venture finance, but it has largely understated the potential limitations and costs of doing so. Specifically, very sparse research has examined the factors that influence entrepreneurs’ choice between using networks versus market methods. In this study, we propose a contingent model of network utilization when approaching initial investors, based on the dimensions of human capital of the entrepreneurs. We test this model with primary field survey data from 226 new high–tech ventures in Singapore and Beijing. The results show that high occupational status and relevant industrial work experience are positively associated with the entrepreneurs’ propensity to utilize existing networks by enhancing the resourcefulness of their network ties (social capital); however, such influences are alleviated by entrepreneurs’ marketing or managerial experience, which increases the entrepreneurs’ ability to interact with strangers (an aspect of social competence).
Addiction Recovery Through Photovoice: Qualitative Study

Drug addiction is a major public health problem and relapse is common. Addiction relapse rates are higher than some chronic illnesses like diabetes and slightly better than others including hypertension and asthma. The focus of this study was to illuminate the recovery experience from the unique perspective of the recovering addict, to identify what helps one choose recovery and avoid relapse. A flexible platform was created in cyberspace, using photovoice, an empowering participatory action research strategy, often used in marginalized and stigmatized populations to promote change. Six recovering addicts voluntarily captured in photos the story of their recovery process and met online to discuss the significance of the pictures to their recovery experience. Confidentiality was guarded through the use of a webmaster, on a secured encrypted server. Identities of participants were unknown to the researchers and each other. All selected their own pseudonyms. The recovery process was described as a journey with a series of phases including: initiation into recovery, self destructive behaviors, impaired control, stigma and the need to change dysfunctional thinking. This recovery journey evoked multiple emotions triggered by experiences with a recognized need to change over time. Two themes were identified: 1- Recovery as an emotional journey away from dysfunctional thinking, impaired control and destructive behaviors. 2- The journey toward recovery as initiated by self and supported by others to change over time through reflection, realization and reduction of chaos. Limitations and recommendations for the future are discussed.
Transport diffusivities of fluids in nanopores by non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulation

We present a method to study fluid transport through nanoporous materials using highly efficient non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. A steady flow is induced by applying an external field to the fluid particles within a small slab of the simulation cell. The external field generates a density gradient between both sides of the porous material, which in turn triggers a convective flux through the porous medium. The heat dissipated by the fluid flow is released by a Gaussian thermostat applied to the wall particles. This method is effective for studying diffusivities in a slit pore as well as more natural, complex wall geometries. The dependence of the diffusive flux on the external field sheds light on the transport diffusivities and allows a direct calculation of effective diffusivities. Both pore and fluid particle interactions are represented by coarse-grained molecular models in order to present a proof-of-concept and to retain computational efficiency in the simulations. The application of the method is demonstrated in two different scenarios, namely the effective mass transport through a slit pore and the calculation of the effective self-diffusion through this system. The method allows for a distinction between diffusive and convective contributions of the mass transport.
EQUILIBRIUM UNEMPLOYMENT AS A WORKER INSURANCE DEVICE. Wage setting in worker owned enterprises

Extending Shapiro and Stiglitz’s (1984) analysis of unemployment as a worker discipline device, we evidence how an economy populated by worker owned firms (WOFs), by overcoming information asymmetry on the employee side in the presence of employer opportunism (as embodied in moral hazard, hidden action and abuse of authority), can decrease, not increase equilibrium wages, while employment is necessarily higher in the presence of WOFs. Within the Shapiro and Stiglitz framework, our analysis evidences that the non-shirking constraint (NSC) for WOFs is lower for any employment and wage level than in investor owned firms (IOFs). By factoring bi-later asymmetric information and opportunism in the employment relation, our model implies that the Shapiro and Stiglitz (1984) results represent special cases in the wider analysis of equilibrium wages and employment in market economies. Relatedly, the potential for unemployment reduction and efficiency gain of worker ownership (as especially embodied in worker co-operatives, and employee-owned companies) has generally been understudied and empirical evidence coherent with this results need to be more thoroughly analysed.
Population ageing and labour market in Slovenia and European Union

In this paper we investigate the influence and importance of population ageing for labour market. Particularly we focus on unemployment, salaries and population education level. After reviewing some of the previous research on the influence of demographic ageing on labour market, we set three hypotheses, referring to the three above mentioned specific aspects of labour market, which were tested using multivariate regression analysis. Based on demographic and socio-economic panel data on Slovenian municipalities, we separately tested the three hypotheses in case of Slovenia; and using panel data on European Union countries we separately tested the three hypotheses in case of European Union and compared the results. Based on data for Slovenia and European Union we found out that population ageing increases unemployment and decreases population education level, however in case of analysis of salaries the results are somehow ambiguous.
On elliptic curves of prime power conductor over imaginary quadratic fields with class number 1

The main result of this paper is to extend from Q to each of the nine imaginary quadratic fields of class number 1 a result of [Serre, Duke Math. J. 54 (1987) 179–230] and [Mestre–Oesterlé, J. reine. angew. Math. 400 (1989) 173–184], namely that if E is an elliptic curve of prime conductor, then either E or a 2‐, 3‐ or 5‐isogenous curve has prime discriminant. For four of the nine fields, the theorem holds with no change, while for the remaining five fields the discriminant of a curve with prime conductor is (up to isogeny) either prime or the square of a prime. The proof is conditional in two ways: first that the curves are modular, so are associated to suitable Bianchi newforms; and second that a certain level‐lowering conjecture holds for Bianchi newforms. We also classify all elliptic curves of prime power conductor and non‐trivial torsion over each of the nine fields: in the case of 2‐torsion, we find that such curves either have CM or with a small finite number of exceptions arise from a family analogous to the Setzer–Neumann family over Q .
Atypical Sense of Self in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Neuro- Cognitive Perspective

The concept of self is notoriously difficult to define and different notions and theories of the self have been proposed by a variety of disciplines all interpreting concepts of self and iden‐ tity in various ways. We adopt the definition advanced by neuroscientists Kircher and Da‐ vid [1] who interpret the self as ‘the commonly shared experience, that we know we are the same person across time, that we are the author of our thoughts/actions, and that we are dis‐ tinct from the environment’ (p.2). In cognitive neuroscience literature, operational defini‐ tions of the self are used which are measurable by experimental methods including self recognition, self and other differentiation, body awareness, awareness of other minds, awareness of self as expressed in language and important concepts such as autobiographical memory and self narrative. There is significant interest in the role of the self and possible abnormalities associated with the self, as causally implicated in autism. In this paper we re‐ view developmental perspectives of self and self-related functions with reference to their neuroanatomical basis and investigate the possible causes for atypical self-development in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).
Impact of Different Plant Secondary Metabolites Addition: Saponin, Tannic Acid, Salicin and Aloin on Glucose Anaerobic Co-Digestion

Vegetal waste and some wastewater of agro-food industries contain plant secondary metabolites (PSMs). It was showed in nutritional researches that these substances such as saponins and tannins reduced the methane production in the rumen. To our knowledge no study was done in the waste treatment domain to evaluate the inhibitory effect of the principal glycosidic metabolites from the wastewater or vegetal waste on their own methaneproducing anaerobic digestion. Therefore in this paper BMP tests were carried out at 30°C with four commercial PSMs (CPSMs) in mixture with glucose monohydrate (Gl) used as control sample. These CPSMs were saponin from Quilaja saponaria Molina Pract (Sap), tannic acid (Tan), salicin (Sal) and aloin from Curacao Aloe (Alo) representing respectively saponins, tannins, alcoholic glycosides and anthraquinones sources. Acidogenesis and acetogenesis were recorded for all the mixtures of Gl and CPSMs; however their conversion rates decreased with the increase of the concentrations of CPSMs. By contrast, the methanogenesis was inhibited at concentrations of CPSMs above 0.3 g/l. The inhibition degree for aromatic compounds on the anaerobic biodegradation of Gl seemed directly to depend on the numbers of benzene rings in the medium and the synergism. Thus, the highest inhibition of the biogas production from Gl was recorded for Alo, followed by Sap, Tan and Sal. However, the highest inhibition of the methane production from Gl was recorded with Sap, Alo, Tan and Sal. It was supposed that the toxicity potentials of these PSMs on their own biomethanization would be in following decreasing order: Sap or Alo, Tan and Sal. Therefore, the concentration of PSMs alone or in mixture in a digester should be below 0.3 g/l for a better methanization.
DROUGHT STRESS IMPACT ON VEGETABLE CROP YIELDS IN THE ELBE RIVER LOWLAND BETWEEN 1961 AND 2014

The study is focused on drought stress that is detrimental to yield formation of ﬁeld-grown vegetables in the lowland regions of the Czech Republic. Extensive vegetable yield losses are attributed to drought, often in combination with heat or other stresses. The objective of this research was to investigate, under field conditions, the effect of drought stress quantified by the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) on yield variability of key vegetable crops growing in the Elbe River lowland, representing central European agriculture conditions. Additionally, we also tried to determine the period of crop with the highest sensitivity to drought (PCSD) of vegetable crops over the Elbe River lowland. Historical climate datasets for a regular gridded network with a high horizontal resolution of 10 km (CZGRIDS) and 305 climatological stations from the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute were applied. The SPEI at 1-, 3-, and 6-month lags was calculated for the period 1961-2014 based on precipitation and input dataset for the reference evapotranspiration (ET r ) by the Penman-Monteith (PM) method. Moreover, the difference between daily precipitation and crop evapotranspiration (ETc) has been used to calculate the mean crop water balance (D) per main growth stages, as an indicator of plant stress. This improvement increased the applicability of the SPEI in agriculture drought impact on rainfed and/or irrigated field crops grown under various agronomic management systems. To understand how the SPEI, over the period 1989-2014, controlled the yield variation, we calculated the percentage of yield losses and gains for each crop. When the value of SPEI at 3-month lag–as a measure of the balance between the water availability and the atmospheric water demand–for PCSD was between -1.49 and 0.99, the yield moderately increased for Fruiting vegetables (e.g. tomatoes, cucumber). Conversely, when the SPEI-3 in the key development stage dropped below -3.0, the yield losses were about -30% and a negative influence is apparent from threshold of the SPEI≤-1.5. The effect of the SPEI on yield formation of vegetable cultivars grown under filed conditions was achieved up to 62% in the study region.
Effect of rhizobial inoculation on nodulation and plant growth of faba bean in Tunisian farmer ’ s field test

1Agronomic techniques and sciences laboratory, Institut National des Recherches Agronomiques de la Tunisie, Hédi Karray Street, 2080 Ariana, Tunisia. 2Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte 3Carthage University, Tunisia 4Institut national des recherches agronomiques, 2 place pierre Viala, 34060, Montpellier, France 5Faculté des Sciences de la Nature et de la Vie & des Sciences de la Terre. Université Djilali Bounaama de Khemis Miliana. Route Thniet El Had, Soufay 44225 Ain Defla, Algeria.
Secularization and Long‐Run Economic Growth

This paper integrates a simple theory of identity choice into a framework of endogenous economic growth to explain how secularization can be both cause and consequence of economic development. A secular identity allows an individual to derive more pleasure from consumption than religious individuals, leading secular individuals to work harder and to save more in order to experience this pleasure from consumption. These activities are conducive to economic growth. Higher income makes consumption more affordable and increases the appeal of a secular identity for the next generation. An extension of the basic model investigates the Protestant Reformation as an intermediate stage during the take-off to growth. Another extension introduces intergenerationally dependent religious preferences and demonstrates how a social multiplier amplifies the speed of secularization.