Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intergenerational associations of the approximate number system in toddlers and their parents

From birth, humans are able to discriminate quantities using the approximate number system (ANS). However, previous methods have only been suitable to examine ANS functioning in infancy and older children. The goals of this study were twofold: first, to modify an existing method of assessing ANS functioning for toddlerhood; and second, to investigate individual differences in toddlers' ANS performance by examining correlations with their parents' ANS acuity. Using a preferential looking paradigm, we found that 1- to 3-year-olds (N = 46) looked significantly longer to numerically changing images compared to numerically constant ones suggesting that the paradigm is a suitable measure of ANS functioning in toddlerhood. Furthermore, we found a positive relation between toddlers' ANS performance and that of their parents (assessed using a non-symbolic number comparison task) independent of children's vocabulary or parents' perceived math ability or preference for math. These findings are consistent with a specific intergenerational transmission of the ANS. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? Past methods used to examine ANS functioning were only suitable for infants and older children. Little research has examined sources underlying individual difference in ANS acuity. What does this study add? We developed a preferential looking task to assess ANS functioning in toddlerhood. Individual differences in toddlers' ANS functioning are correlated with their parents' ANS acuity.
Complete Models with Stochastic Volatility

The paper proposes an original class of models for the continuous‐time price process of a financial security with nonconstant volatility. The idea is to define instantaneous volatility in terms of exponentially weighted moments of historic log‐price. The instantaneous volatility is therefore driven by the same stochastic factors as the price process, so that, unlike many other models of nonconstant volatility, it is not necessary to introduce additional sources of randomness. Thus the market is complete and there are unique, preference‐independent options prices.
PRICING COUPON‐BOND OPTIONS AND SWAPTIONS IN AFFINE TERM STRUCTURE MODELS

This paper provides a numerically accurate and computationally fast approximation to the prices of European options on coupon‐bearing instruments that is applicable to the entire family of affine term structure models. Exploiting the typical shapes of the conditional distributions of the risk factors in affine diffusions, we show that one can reliably compute the relevant probabilities needed for pricing options on coupon‐bearing instruments by the same Fourier inversion methods used in the pricing of options on zero‐coupon bonds. We apply our theoretical results to the pricing of options on coupon bonds and swaptions, and the calculation of “expected exposures” on swap books. As an empirical illustration, we compute the expected exposures implied by several affine term structure models fit to historical swap yields.
Habit-Formation and Political Behaviour: Evidence of Consuetude in Voter Turnout

The extensive literature on voter turnout has devoted relatively little attention to the hypothesis that casting a ballot in one election increases one's propensity to go to the polls in the future. This hypothesis is supported by voter turnout patterns in the 1972-4-6 and 1992-4-6 American National Election Studies panel surveys as well as published experimental research. The effects of past voter turnout on current voting propensities are sizeable and robust across a wide range of model specifications, including those that take into account the possibility of stable unobserved factors affecting both past and current turnout. We conclude by discussing the implications of consuetude for political and social behavior.
Bubbles and Investment Horizons

The current theoretical literature makes contradicting predictions regarding the impact of an investor’s horizon on his optimal trading strategy in the presence of bubbles. We analyze this relation empirically using a Regime Switching Model to identify bubbles and crashes. We base our analysis on industry returns and find high positive returns after bubbles at the one-month horizon. At intermediate horizons of 2-4 months our findings are mixed, but thereafter, for horizons up to five years, returns following a bubble are again more positive than returns in the absence of a bubble. We compare a mean-variance as well as a downside-risk averse investor’s portfolio allocation in the presence and absence of a bubble. The weight allocated to the bubbly asset is higher for horizons up to 5 years. These findings suggest that even for a rather unsophisticated trader who does not follow daily market news, riding bubbles is a more profitable strategy than refraining from investing in the bubbly asset. Given the broad range of horizons during which riding bubbles is the optimal strategy, our results question the idea that bubbles are zero-sum games.
Feature Combination Tracking

Multiple kernel learning methods have been successfully applied to visual tracking by finding the best combination of the kernels using boosting techniques. However, they are still not effective in tracking objects with large appearance variations and are not able to generate qualified combinations. In this paper, we propose a tracking framework by leveraging the multiple features via feature combination. By using multiple features combined with the LPBoost technique, our method is able to compute better combinations than others. This framework exploits both local and global features of image patches, thereby generating more accurate tracking results. In addition, a template update strategy is introduced to let the proposed framework more robust to partial occlusion. Experiments on challenging video sequences demonstrate that the proposed tracking algorithm outperforms several state-of-theart methods in both qualitative and quantitative evaluations.
Estimates of Scale and Scope Economies in the New Zealand Life Insurance Industry

Recent multi-product statistical studies of production in life insurance industries in North America and the UK have produced mixed findings with regard to economies of scale and scope. This study presents results for the life insurance industry in New Zealand, which has a small economy where the industry is comparatively unregulated. A total of 135 pooled observations for the population of non-bank life insurance companies for the period 1988-92 are used in a two-input two-output generalized translog model. Product-specific economies of scale are measured in a variety of ways including two new ones, using what we have called "quasi average incremental cost" and "partial average cost". We find that while small companies could benefit from economies of scale, the optimum firm size is modest, and that medium- and large-sized companies experience approximately constant returns to scale. In contrast, small- and medium-sized companies experience diseconomies of scope, while the large-sized companies have neither economies nor diseconomies of scope. Copyright 2001 by Blackwell Publishers Ltd and The Victoria University of Manchester
Evidence for associations among somatoform dissociation, psychological dissociation and reported trauma in patients with chronic pelvic pain

This study investigates somatoform as well as psychological dissociation, somatization and reported trauma among patients with chronic pelvic pain (CPP). Women with CPP (n = 52) who were newly referred to a gynecology department, or whose pain had resisted treatment, completed standardized self-report questionnaires and received a structured interview for DSM-IV dissociative disorders. The prevalence of dissociative disorders in the sample was very low. As hypothesized, self-reported somatoform dissociation was positively correlated with self-reported psychological dissociation and features of DSM-IV dissociative disorders; women who reported more serious psychic trauma, in particular sexual and physical abuse, experienced more somatoform and psychological dissociation than women reporting less trauma, or no trauma at all; and the association of somatoform dissociation and reported trauma was stronger than the association of psychological dissociation and trauma. Physical abuse/life threat posed by a person predicted somatoform dissociation best. The results are consistent with findings among psychiatric patients, and, therefore, strengthen the thesis that somatoform dissociation, (features of) dissociative disorder, and reported trauma are strongly intercorrelated phenomena.
Landscaping Attributes and Property Buyers' Profiles: Their Joint Effect on House Prices

This paper investigates the effect of environmental features on house values while focusing on the interactions between landscaping attributes and home buyers' profile. The originality of this study rests on the assumption that, while neighbourhood characteristics translate into distinct sub-markets and primarily set the structure of house prices, individual home buyers' preferences, under specific market conditions, also affect values. The study benefits from two distinct, although related data sets on the single-family segment of Quebec City's housing market: while landscaping features were obtained via an extensive field survey of houses sold between 1993 and 2000, a detailed phone survey of related homeowners' family status, age and income profiles is being conducted since 2000. Findings suggest that household profile and structure do shape landscaping preferences and that utility patterns of homeowners may be best understood by looking at interactions between the two sets of variables. Considering that population aging is a major issue for economic and social planners, such a conclusion should be accounted for in housing policy design.
CEO Compensation Structure and Firm Performance

The relation between CEO compensation and firm performance has been extensively documented in the literature to date. However, this relation has not been explored in a setting where CEO's, even in the same industry, receive either cash-based compensation only or cash-based and equity-based compensation. Australia provides such a setting. Our objective is twofold. First, we provide evidence on the performance of firms where CEO's receive cash-based compensation only versus the performance of firms where executives received equity-based compensation. Second, we estimate a model of 'efficient' compensation structure on the basis of firm characteristics, and test the performance consequences of deviation from the efficient compensation structure. Our results are based on 696 firm years for the period of 1999-2001. We have two key findings. First, we show that on average, firm performance does not differ between firms offering cash-based compensation only and those using both cash- and equity-based compensation. Second, we find some evidence that a firm's performance is lower when a firm is using the 'wrong' compensation structure. We test the sensitivity results with respect to alternative sub-samples and variable specifications, but our results remain the same. Overall, our study provides some important new insight into the links between CEO compensation and firm performance.
Labor Force Participation of Married Women in Punjab (Pakistan)

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to highlight the factors that influence the decision of married women (in the age group of 16-60 years) to participate in labor force activities. Design/methodology/approach - This is an empirical study employing the non-linear maximum likelihood probability (probit) function on primary data (3,911 observations). Findings - Besides other variables it has been observed that poverty remains an important determinant of female labor participation. Research limitations/implications - On the basis of this paper, a socio-economic policy can be formulated for a developing country like Pakistan. Practical implications - A development policy (especially considering the gender aspects) can be formulated on the basis of this research for the enhancement of human resource development for a developing and an orthodox economy like Pakistan. Originality/value - This paper is beneficial to researchers, policy makers, and social scientists for the enhancement of the level of social welfare and equity through its findings.
Nitrate pollution risk assessment : from the model to the indicator

The diffuse nature of nitrate pollution makes it difficult to evaluate existing or planned measures to reduce it. Tools have therefore been developed to assess this pollution, ranging from simple indicators to complex models. The aim of this paper is to compare indicators and models by analysing results obtained from their individual application to the same area. The pros and cons of each approach are evaluated in terms of both the conditions of their implementation and the results obtained. This comparison helps to guide the choice of a methodology. Rules governing that choice are set in relation to the nature of the diagnosis to perform and the characteristics of the area under study.
On the Role of the Board of Statutory Auditors in Italian Listed Companies

This paper discusses the role of the board of statutory auditors as a monitoring device within the prevailing Italian corporate governance system, characterised by the presence of a strong blockholder. We describe the structure and functioning of the board of statutory auditors in the listed companies in terms of size, composition, method of appointment, powers, and duties after the changes due to the Draghi reform and the Preda Code of conduct.
Transformations in Trade Politics: Participatory Trade Politics in West Africa

This book examines the evolution and application of participatory trade politics in West Africa and discusses the theoretical implications for political economy and global governance approaches to trade policy-making. The author traces the involvement of a network of West African global justice Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO), local NGO and movement platforms, and trade unions in the negotiations for an Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union. Building on this empirical analysis, she develops a theoretical framework of trade policy formation that is not limited to conceptualizing trade as a policy field aimed exclusively at regulating exporting and importing activities in the global economy. Instead, she analyzes how material and ideational spheres interact in the way in which communities set the rules that enable them to trade across long distances. Attempting to reconcile demands for inclusivity with current economic policy-making, the author reframes the way in which we theoretically pose questions of who makes trade policy decisions, through which mechanisms and why trade policy-making practices change, or resist change. Transformations in Trade Politics will be of interest to students and scholars of International Political Economy, Global Governance, Social Movement Studies, International Economic Relations, International Trade Relations, African Politics, The Politics of African/International Development, EU politics and EU-African Relations.
A New Heterotrophic Dinoflagellate from the North‐eastern Pacific, Protoperidinium fukuyoi: Cyst–Theca Relationship, Phylogeny, Distribution and Ecology

The cyst–theca relationship of Protoperidinium fukuyoi n. sp. (Dinoflagellata, Protoperidiniaceae) is established by incubating resting cysts from estuarine sediments off southern Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, and San Pedro Harbor, California, USA. The cysts have a brown‐coloured wall, and are characterized by a saphopylic archeopyle comprising three apical plates, the apical pore plate and canal plate; and acuminate processes typically arranged in linear clusters. We elucidate the phylogenetic relationship of P. fukuyoi through large and small subunit (LSU and SSU) rDNA sequences, and also report the SSU of the cyst‐defined species Islandinium minutum (Harland & Reid) Head et al. 2001. Molecular phylogenetic analysis by SSU rDNA shows that both species are closely related to Protoperidinium americanum (Gran & Braarud 1935) Balech 1974. Large subunit rDNA phylogeny also supports a close relationship between P. fukuyoi and P. americanum. Three subgroups in total are further characterized within the Monovela group. The cyst of P. fukuyoi shows a wide geographical range along the coastal tropical to temperate areas of the North‐east Pacific, its distribution reflecting optimal summer sea‐surface temperatures of ~14–18 °C and salinities of 22–34 psu.
The employment and retirement of older men in England and Wales, 1881-1981

of older men have attracted little attention from historians.3 This is surprising given the magnitude of the recorded decline in the proportion of men aged over 65 in the labour force from almost 75 per cent in i88i to under I1 per cent in i98i. The economic impact of this development is potentially large-if males over 65 in England and Wales in i98i had shown the same participation rates as this age group did in i88i, the male population who were economically active would have been greater by i.9 million, or almost I4 per cent. This article presents the results of a preliminary investigation of this trend, based on data from the decennial censuses of England and Wales. Section I outlines a variety of modern hypotheses about the causes
Expressed Emotion in relatives of persons with dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Objectives: Expressed Emotion (EE) refers to a number of key aspects of interpersonal relationships which have been shown to relate to outcomes in relatives of people with health conditions. Design: A systematic review and meta-analysis of EE and outcomes in relatives of persons with dementia is reported. Potential research studies were identified via a search of three electronic databases; PsychINFO, MEDLINE and the Web of Science between 1960 and 2015. Results: We reviewed 12 studies investigating correlations between EE and well-being in relatives of patients with dementia. Factors hypothesised to influence EE including attributions, social support, coping strategies and relationship quality were also reviewed. Conclusion: High-EE relatives were found to have increased levels of burden (Z = 6.967, P < 0.001) and greater levels of depression (Z = 5.842, P < 0.001). Compared to low-EE relatives, high-EE relatives were more likely to attribute the patient's problems to factors that were personal to and controllable by the patient. Relatives with less social support, inefficient coping strategies and a poor relationship with the patients, were more likely to be classified as high-EE.
Persistent Trade Effects of Large Exchage Rate Shocks

This paper presents a theoretical basis fcr the srgunent that large exchange rate shocks - such as the rise of the dollar from 1980 to 1985 - may shift historical relationships between exchange rates and trade flows. We begin with partial models in which large exchange rate fluctuations lead to entry or exit decisions that are not reversed when the currency returns to its previous level. When we develop a simple model of the feedback from "hysteresis" in trade to the exchange rate itself. Here we see that a large capital inflow, which leads to an initial appreciation, can result in a persistent reduction in the exchange rate consistent with trade balance.
Leukoencephalopathy after whole‐brain radiation therapy plus radiosurgery versus radiosurgery alone for metastatic lung cancer

As systemic therapies improve and patients live longer, concerns mount about the toxicity of whole‐brain radiation therapy (WBRT) for treatment of brain metastases. Development of delayed white matter abnormalities indicative of leukoencephalopathy have been correlated with cognitive dysfunction. This study assesses the risk of imaging‐defined leukoencephalopathy in patients whose management included WBRT in addition to stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). This risk is compared to patients who only underwent SRS.
Atypical Antipsychotics and Metabolic Dysregulation: Evaluating the Risk/Benefit Equation and Improving the Standard of Care

Abstract: Atypical antipsychotics are a major advance in the management of schizophrenia. The reevaluation of widely held risk/benefit assessments of the various atypical antipsychotics provides an opportunity to improve treatment patterns. The best available clinical trial evidence indicates that efficacy among the atypical antipsychotics (at equivalent doses) is very similar, but safety and tolerability profiles differ significantly. Atypical antipsychotics differ markedly in their potential to cause metabolic disturbances, including obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and the metabolic syndrome; clozapine and olanzapine carry the greatest risks, atypical antipsychotics like risperidone and quetiapine have lower risks, and newer agents like ziprasidone and aripiprazole are associated with minimal metabolic risks. Results from the Atypical Antipsychotic Therapy and Metabolic Issues (AtAMI) survey define important opportunities for improving medical and psychiatric outcomes during atypical antipsychotic therapy. (See accompanying article by Newcomer et al) Additional educational and research efforts are required to increase understanding of common conditions such as the metabolic syndrome, increase awareness of uncommon but serious events like diabetic ketoacidosis, and pancreatitis, and identify appropriate strategies for monitoring the risks/benefits of atypical antipsychotic therapy. As clinicians refine practice patterns regarding the atypical antipsychotics, they may require additional knowledge and resources to fully incorporate risk/benefit considerations and optimize long-term psychiatric and medical outcomes.
Towards low-latency real-time detection of gravitational waves from compact binary coalescences in the era of advanced detectors

Electromagnetic (EM) follow-up observations of gravitational wave events will help shed light on the nature of the sources, and more can be learned if the EM follow-ups can start as soon as the gravitational wave event becomes observable. In this paper, we propose a computationally efficient time-domain algorithm capable of detecting inspiral gravitational waves from coalescing binaries of compact objects with nearly no further delay in addition to the time required to condition the data into a time series of calibrated gravitational-wave strain. Our algorithm, if can be expanded to include sky localization, will serve as the first step towards triggering EM observation before the merger. The key to the efficiency of our algorithm arises from the use of chains of so-called infinite impulse response filters, which filter time-series data recursively. Computational cost is further reduced by a template interpolation technique that requires filtering only done for a “coarse bank”, much sparser than the “fine bank” normally required to sufficiently recover the optimal signal-to-noise ratio: the filter chain of each coarse-bank template is divided into several sections, filtering output from these sections are combined appropriately to reconstruct the output of each of the nearby fine-bank templates. The filter construction and interpolation techniques are illustrated in this paper using Newtonian-chirp waveforms, although these will be generalizable to more accurate post-Newtonian waveforms. Towards future detectors with sensitivity extending to lower frequencies, our algorithm’s computational cost is shown to increase rather insignificantly compared to the conventional time-domain correlation method using finite impulse response filters.