Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Measurement Error in Categorical Income Survey Data

Measurement error in the reportage of individuals’ gross labor income by means of a banded question is analyzed. Regression to the mean occurs in the income reported in the survey as against that obtained from the administrative file. Positive measurement errors are more common among low-income respondents and negative me asur ment errors are more common among those of high income. Consequently, Gini inde x based on income reported in the survey is by 10% lower than that measured on the ba sis of the same individuals’ income in the administrative file. Pooling the population in one model may introduce a bias in estimates.
HBV Integration-mediated Cell Apoptosis in HepG2.2.15

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the word. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection plays an important role in the development of HCC. However, the mechanisms by which HBV integration affects host cells remain poorly understood. HepG2.2. 15 cell line is derived from HCC cell line HepG2 with stable transfection HBV expression. In this study, HepG2.2. 15 cells showed decreased proliferation, G1 cell cycle arrest and increased apoptosis, when compared to HepG2 cells. HBV capture sequencing was conducted in both genome and transcriptome level, followed by RNA expression sequencing in HepG2.2. 15. Here, CAMSAP2/CCDC12/DPP7/OR4F3 were found to be targets for HBV integration in both genome and transcriptome level, accompanied by alteration in their expression when compared to HepG2. Among these genes, DPP7 was the only one gene with HBV integration into its exon, meanwhile DPP7 expression level was also downregulated in HepG2.2. 15 as compared to HepG2. Furthermore, DPP7 knockdown resulted in increased apoptosis through upregulation of the Bax/Bcl2 ratio in HepG2 cells. Our results suggest that HBV integration of DPP7 was involved in cell apoptosis.
Relative Error Bound Analysis for Nuclear Norm Regularized Matrix Completion

In this paper, we develop a relative error bound for nuclear norm regularized matrix completion, with the focus on the completion of full-rank matrices. Under the assumption that the top eigenspaces of the target matrix are incoherent, we derive a relative upper bound for recovering the best low-rank approximation of the unknown matrix. Although multiple works have been devoted to analyzing the recovery error of full-rank matrix completion, their error bounds are usually additive, making it impossible to obtain the perfect recovery case and more generally difficult to leverage the skewed distribution of eigenvalues. Our analysis is built upon the optimality condition of the regularized formulation and existing guarantees for low-rank matrix completion. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first relative bound that has been proved for the regularized formulation of matrix completion.
Heterogeneous Passthrough from TFP to Wages

In this paper, we use matched employer-employee data from Denmark to analyze the extent to which firms’ productivity shocks are passed to workers wages. The richness of our dataset allows us to separately study continuing and non-continuing workers (switchers), to correct for selection, and to investigate how the passthrough varies across narrow population groups. Our results show a much larger degree of passthrough from firms’ shocks to workers’ wages than reported in previous research. On average, an increase of one standard deviation in firm-level TFP commands an increase of 3.0% in annual wages ($1500 USD for the average worker). Furthermore, we find that the effect of productivity shocks on wage growth for switchers is of larger magnitude relative to workers that stay in the same firm. Finally, we find large differences in the passthrough of productivity shocks to wages for workers of different income levels, ages, industries, and working in firms of different productivity levels. In the second part of our paper, we estimate a stochastic process of income that captures the salient features of the relation between firm-level shocks and the passthrough to workers' wages. We then embed the estimated stochastic process into a life-cycle consumption savings model with incomplete markets in order to evaluate the welfare and distributional implications of the passthrough from firm's TFP shocks to worker's wages we observe in the data.
Test Application of Second Generation IMO Intact Stability Criteria on a Large Sample of Ships

This paper describes the application of level 1 and level 2 vulnerability criteria, as outlined in the current state of development, by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), of the second generation of intact stability criteria. In order to understand the functionality of the proposed level 1 and 2 criteria for problems related to righting lever variation (pure loss of stability and parametric roll) and surf-riding, numerical tools have been developed and tested on a large number of ships, covering a wide range of ship type, size and speed. In addition, an investigation has been started to identify groups of ships/ship characteristics which appear to be particularly vulnerable to the stability failure modes, according to these criteria. Comments on the applicability of these criteria from a regulatory/approval perspective, are presented.
Probabilistic Record Linkage with Elliptic Curve Operations

Federated query processing for an electronic health record infrastructure enables large epidemiology studies using data integrated from geographically dispersed medical institutions. However, government imposed privacy regulations prohibit disclosure of patient’s health record outside the context of clinical care, thereby making it difficult to determine which records correspond to the same entity in the process of query aggregation. Privacy-preserving record linkage is an actively pursued research area to facilitate the linkage of database records under the constraints of regulations that do not allow the linkage agents to learn sensitive identities of record owners. In earlier works, scalability has been shown to be possible using traditional cryptographic transformations such as Pohlig-Hellman ciphers, precomputations, data parallelism, and probabilistic key reuse approaches. This work proposes further optimizations to improve the runtime of a linkage exercise by adopting elliptic curve based transformations that are mostly additive and multiplicative, instead of exponentiations. The elliptic curve operations are used to improve the precomputation time, eliminate memory intensive comparisons of encrypted values and introduce data structures to detect negative comparisons. This method of record linkage is able to link data sets of the order of a million rows within 15 minutes. The approach has been gauged using synthetic and real world demographics data with parametric studies. We have also assessed the residual privacy risk of the proposed approach.
Deserving Altruism : Type Preferences in the Laboratory Very preliminary . Comments welcome ! !

Recent and accumulating evidence has established that though people are not completely selfish, they are not as altruistic as might have been suggested by prior experimental results. These papers found decreased giving if the experiment was doubleblind, or allowed “silently exiting”. Evidence for positive reciprocity, where subjects give more than dictators with the same endowment, has always been rare. However, Lin and Ong 2011 found significant positive reciprocity in a double-blind trust game in which the 2 nd player knew that the 1 st player was unaware of the possibility of reciprocation. Furthermore, though 2 nd players could silently exit, none did. We test for the possibility that 1 st players‟ could better signal their “altruism type” in Lin and Ong‟s setup. We introduced a 3 rd player, again unknown to the 1 st player, who could give part of a now exogenously fixed endowment to the 1 st player after observing 1 st player giving to the 2 nd player. We found that 3 rd players‟ giving to 1 st players‟ were significantly correlated with 1 st players‟ giving to the 2 nd players, and not significantly correlated with endowment. Furthermore, our exogenous endowment allowed us to show that this result was not consistent with 1 st players exerting social influence on 3 rd players. Unlike prior studies, we show that the explicitness of double-blindness with silent exiting made a difference only for the lowest level of endowment. Our result supports prior results which showed that player characteristics, like their facial features, can be predictors of behavior. However, to our knowledge, our study is the first to identify the apparent altruism type of the recipient as the stimulus for other‟s giving to them. JEL Codes: C91, C72, D64
Detection and mitigation of SYN and HTTP flood DDoS attacks in software defined networks

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) constitutes major threat to both traditional and SDN networks. An attacker can launch a DDoS attack to exhaust either the controller or other network resources, such as switches, or both. There are different DDoS attacks such as UDP flood, SYN flood, Ping of death, ICMP flood and HTTP flood. Among these, SYN and HTTP flood are the most common attacks these days. In this thesis, we focus on developing a security scheme to alleviate the DDoS attacks with spoofed and non-spoofed IP addresses in the SDN environment. First we use a simple detection mechanism that utilizes a time series window-based traffic statistic measurement to detect possible SYN flood and/or HTTP flood DDoS attacks. To reduce false positives, further investigation of traffic is done based on valid source IP address scheme and single flow packet scheme to separate legitimate traffic from attack traffic. Once the attack is detected, the security scheme deploys a number of mitigation methods to alleviate the attack. For the SYN flood attack, the mitigation method of Source IP address filtering is used to permit traffic only with valid source IP addresses to enter the network. For HTTP flood attack mitigation, a mitigation method is used to identify the attack sources and discard the traffic from those sources. We test our proposed scheme with other DDoS attacks such as ICMP flood attack and UDP flood attacks. We also compare our scheme with other security schemes found in the literature. The result shows that our proposed scheme can effectively protect controller and other network resources from some common DDoS attacks, and that our scheme allows more legitimate traffic connections with less false positives in comparison with other schemes.
Determining the source of harmonic distortion with a single measuring device

In today's networks, full of nonlinear loads which generate higher current harmonics, it is important to determine who is the real source of harmonic disturbances. Even if one side has linear load, due to resonant impedance of its network, it can amplify individual current harmonic which are coming from other side. Supply voltage harmonics are mainly caused by higher nonlinear load current harmonics, which are connected to different voltage levels of the network. Various methods dealing with determining of harmonic distortion direction are summarized in two groups, as multi point and single point measurement. This paper presents application of two methods for determining direction of harmonic distortion by measurements taken in single point of common coupling (PCC). Two well know methods, active power method and method based on IEEE 14592000 will be used. As both methods do not need impedance values for their calculation, they are ideal for implementation directly into power quality analyzer. Active power method needs values for current and voltage amplitudes of each harmonic order, and phase angles between them. IEEE 1459-2000 method needs same data, with comparison of different reactive powers defined in standard IEEE 1459-2000. In some specific situations, both methods can have problem with generation of accurate results. Nevertheless in many situations they can give valuable informations and engineers can use them as first indication of harmonic distortion source. For measuring equipment advance programmable power quality analyzer will be used. Method algorithms will be implement directly on analyzer, so there will be no need of usage advance software package. Goal of this paper is to create, implement and test on board program for determination of harmonic source. For evaluation of this work, real test system with typical non linear load (six pulse converter) is developed.
Optimal Transit Service Design in a Linear Corridor Connecting Multiple Job Centers Considering Residential Location Choice

A continuum approximation (CA) model is formulated in this study for a long-term transit corridor design considering residential location choices. The modeled region is a linear corridor connecting multiple job centers (of which the traditional monocentric model becomes a special case), and households are continuously located along the corridor. The derived travel demand is split to the job centers according to the proximity of their residential locations to the centers. This paper optimizes the transit system design with respect to the combinations of shortand long-haul lines, the location-varying stop density, and service headways under the constraint of housing market equilibrium in a long run. The optimization problem is solved by a two-stage approach integrating the Direct Iteration method and the Lagrange Multiplier Method with the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker condition. Numerical results show that: (i) as opposed to the conventional transit design models (that are mostly built in a monocentric corridor), the proposed model reveals substantially different results regarding to the household distribution and the optimal design of the transit system; (ii) it is found that the optimal transit system is mainly influenced by the distance between centers as well as their attractions (quantified by travel demand split ratios of households); and (iii) different transit modes (e.g., bus and metro) may lead to various long-term development patterns in the corridor in terms of the transit configuration, corridor boundaries, as well as household distribution.
Managing the internal IT function ’ s changing role when outsourcing

This thesis investigates the changing role of the internal IT function when IT services/capabilities are outsourced to one or more external vendors. More closely we analyze how the process of outsourcing affects several dimensions of the IT function, such as strategic alignment, organizational structures, governance, innovation, capabilities and vendor management. The chosen method is of explorative/inductive nature and the selected research approach is in-depth qualitative interviews with nine different companies within a range of different industries. Our findings show that for a successful outsourcing outcome, a large degree of management’s focus and attention must also be put on handling the internal IT function and its people and processes. Business orientation, leadership skills, sourcing skills and the ability to create a trustful relationship were all crucial factors. Standardization and formalization of processes were concluded to be prerequisites when outsourcing, but also reduced the company’s flexibility and innovation capacity to some extent. The contract and service level agreements was found to only be factors making the outsourcing possible, but not making it a success. A challenge that IT managers need to pay extra attention to is to know what processes and capabilities to outsource. Loosing critical competence was a major risk that many managers faced after the deal, resulting in confusion and poor performance. The thesis also found that the organizational structure, including the forum structures, did not tend to change in any significant way. The reason was identified as a willingness to reduce the transitional risks that an outsourcing deal brings along. Furthermore, it was only in a few cases that the organizations had implemented new roles and functions.
STABILITY OF SCHWERTMANNITE AND COBALT SUBSTITUTED SCHWERTMANNITE IN MINING ENVIRONMENTS

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a problematic source of water pollution worldwide (Hudson-Edwards 2003; Antelo et al. 2013). Some trace metals (e.g., Cu, Co, Mn) found in AMD are useful micronutrients for organisms until they reach toxic concentrations (Romero et al. 2011). Fortunately, trace metals may be naturally removed from solution in mining environments through association with secondary minerals (e.g. jarosite, geothite, schwertmannite, etc.) formed due to weathering of mine waste. When trace metals adsorb onto the secondary minerals, the trace metals sit on the surface of the mineral due to a weak electrostatic bond (Regenspurg and Peiffer 2005). With coprecipitation, the trace metal is incorporated into the secondary mineral structure in a supposedly more stable form.
Impact of differential access to credit on long and short term livelihood outcomes : group-based and individual microcredit in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam

This paper investigates the differential impact of access to formal microcredit on household livelihood indicators for a case study in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam. The paper compares two different modes of household access to formal credit (individual loans and group based lending) and the effects of each system on indicators of household livelihood such as total income and expenditure (short term outcome indicators) and households’ total assets, educational costs, healthcare costs, and food consumption (long term effects). For these indicators a comparison is made between borrowers (individual and group based) and non-borrowers in a sample of 325 households using propensity score matching methods. The findings confirm the impact of microcredit on household welfare for borrowers, both group-based and individual, and on long term livelihood aspects (expenditure levels on education and health care). Income and expenditure levels were significantly higher for group based borrowers than for non-borrowers. Group based borrowers are generally much less land-endowed and have a lower income than individual borrowers. This is due to the targeting of the formal credit institution, but interestingly, it also has an influence on the impact of the microcredit. Key-words: Formal credit, propensity score matching, household livelihoods, individual and group based lending. JEL: E5, G2, I3, O2
DEM Working Paper Series Stakeholder Pressures , EMS Implementation , and Green Innovation in MNC Overseas

In this paper, we address the issue of green innovation in the overseas subsidiaries of multinational corporations (MNCs). Drawing upon institutional theory and stakeholder theory, we argue that MNC subsidiaries need to embrace local stakeholders’ expectations in order to achieve social legitimacy, and that this prompts them to undertake green (product and process) innovation. We test our hypotheses using primary questionnaire data from a sample of 123 North American and European subsidiaries of Japanese MNCs, and confirm that regulatory stakeholder pressures do lead to green innovation, but that these pressures are mediated by the implementation of local EMS initiatives.
GENETIC ANALYSIS OF SOME POLYGENIC TRAITS FOR DROUGHT TOLERANCE IN GOSSYPIUM HIRSUTUM L

The present study was conducted to develop high yielding cotton genotypes having desirable fiber quality traits under water stress conditions. Ten upland cotton genotypes were identified as drought tolerant whereas six as drought susceptible based on root and shoot related traits. These sixteen genotypes were grown in the field conditions and crossed following line ×tester mating fashion. In the next cotton season, these sixty hybrids along with parents were grown in the field conditions. Analysis of variance revealed the presence of significant differences among the genotypes for all of the traits i.e., boll weight, ginning out turn, fiber length, fiber strength and fiber fineness. Further, the lines i.e., NIAB-111, CP-15/2, CIM-482 and CIM-446, and testers i.e., CIM-506, FH-1000 and MNH-129 had better performance under drought conditions. The cross combinations viz., CIM-707 × S-12, CIM-707 × NIAB Karishma, CIM-707, CIM446 × NIAB Karishma, CIM-446 × S-12, and CRIS-134 × S-12 were also identified as best specific combinations and superior for yield contributing parameters. These cross combinations may be exploited on large scale for the development of new germplasm of upland cotton suitable for planting under drought conditions of the Punjab.
The impact of air-sea coupling and ocean biases 1 on the seasonal cycle of southern West African

The biannual seasonal rainfall regime over the southern part of 10 West Africa is characterised by two wet seasons, separated by the ‘Little Dry 11 Season’ in July-August. Lower rainfall totals during this intervening dry sea12 son may be detrimental for crop yields over a region with a dense population 13 that depends on agricultural output. Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 14 Phase 5 (CMIP5) models do not correctly capture this seasonal regime, and 15 instead generate a single wet season, peaking at the observed timing of the 16 Little Dry Season. Hence, the realism of future climate projections over this 17 region is questionable. Here, the representation of the Little Dry Season in 18 coupled model simulations is investigated, to elucidate factors leading to this 19 misrepresentation. The Global Ocean Mixed Layer configuration of the Met 20 Office Unified Model is particularly useful for exploring this misrepresentation, 21 as it enables separating the effects of coupled model ocean biases in different 22 ocean basins while maintaining air-sea coupling. Atlantic Ocean SST biases 23 cause the incorrect seasonal regime over southern West Africa. Upper level 24 descent in August reduces ascent along the coastline, which is associated with 25 the observed reduction in rainfall during the Little Dry Season. When cou26 pled model Atlantic Ocean biases are introduced, ascent over the coastline is 27 deeper and rainfall totals are higher during July-August. Hence, this study 28 indicates detrimental impacts introduced by Atlantic Ocean biases, and high29 Caroline M. Wainwright Department of Meteorology, University of Reading, Reading, UK E-mail: c.wainwright@reading.ac. uk Caroline M. Wainwright · Richard P. Allan · Emily Black Department of Meteorology, University of Reading, Reading, UK Caroline M. Wainwright · Linda C. Hirons · Nicholas P. Klingaman · Emily Black · Andrew G. Turner NCAS-Climate, University of Reading, Reading, UK Richard P. Allan National Centre for Earth Observation (NCEO) 2 Caroline M. Wainwright et al. lights an area of model development required for production of meaningful 30 climate change projections over the West Africa region. 31
University of Birmingham Quantitative verification of numerical stability for Kalman filters

Kalman ﬁlters are widely used for estimating the state of a system based on noisy or inaccurate sensor readings, for example in the control and navigation of vehicles or robots. However, numerical instability may lead to divergence of the ﬁlter, and establishing robustness against such issues can be challenging. We propose novel formal veriﬁcation techniques and software to perform a rigorous quantitative analysis of the eﬀectiveness of Kalman ﬁlters. We present a general framework for modelling Kalman ﬁlter implementations operating on linear discrete-time stochastic systems, and techniques to systematically construct a Markov model of the ﬁlter’s operation using truncation and discretisation of the stochastic noise model. Numerical stability properties are then veriﬁed using probabilistic model checking. We evaluate the scalability and accuracy of our approach on two distinct probabilistic kinematic models and several implementations of Kalman ﬁlters.