Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The theory of externalities, public goods, and club goods: Alternative mechanisms for provision of public goods

The systematic tendency toward underprovision of a public good that seems to be implied by the model of Nash-Cournot equilibrium has encouraged extensive analysis of alternative allocative mechanisms and their evaluation against the yardstick provided by the set of Pareto-efficient allocations. The aim of this chapter, which is necessarily highly selective, is to review some of this large and varied literature. We begin with a closer look at the set of Pareto-efficient, or Paretooptimal, allocations. Pareto-optimal provision of public goods In the public goods economy, just as in its private goods counterpart, the optimality criterion typically identifies not one, but an infinite number of allocations – all the points on the utility possibilities frontier between R and S in Figure 7.1. Any discussion of “the optimum” must presuppose either a very special structure, so that there is, indeed, a single optimal level of Q associated with every allocation along the frontier RS , or else the introduction of some kind of social welfare function that enables us to rank optima and pick out the optimum optimorum. Economists have, however, often expressed and relied upon the hope that certain allocation decisions can be made without reference to distributional considerations. In the present context, this is reflected in many treatments that refer to the optimal level of provision of a public good without any explicit assumption concerning the distribution of private goods and hence of utility.
CONTROL OF ESTRUS AND OVULATION IN BEEF COWS

Estrus synchronization and artificial insemination (AI) remain the most important and widely applicable reproductive biotechnologies available for cattle (Seidel, 1995). Although hormonal treatment of heifers and cows to group estrous cycles has been a commercial reality now for over 30 years, beef producers until now have been slow to adopt this management practice. Perhaps this is because of past failures, which resulted when females that were placed on estrus synchronization treatments failed to reach puberty or to resume normal estrous cycles following calving. In addition, early estrus synchronization programs failed to manage follicular waves, resulting in more days in the synchronized period, which ultimately precluded fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) with acceptable pregnancy rates. The development of convenient and economical protocols to synchronize estrus and ovulation to facilitate use of FTAI with resulting high fertility has resulted in increased adoption of these important management practices (Patterson et al., 2003). Research conducted over the past 10 to 15 years has focused on the development of methods that effectively synchronize estrus in postpartum beef cows and replacement beef heifers by decreasing the period of time over which estrus detection is required, thus facilitating the use of FTAI.
The potential impact of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in Africa: Considerations and early lessons learned from the South African experience

The introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) into the South African public immunization program since 2009 adopted a novel vaccination schedule of 3 doses at 6, 14 and 40 weeks of age. Over the past 5 y it has been shown that infant PCV immunization in South Africa is effective in reducing the burden of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) among HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected children. Furthermore, indirect protection of unvaccinated age-groups (including high risk groups such as HIV-infected adults) against IPD was demonstrated despite the absence of any substantial catch-up campaign of older children. This indirect effect against IPD is corroborated by the temporal reduction in vaccine-serotype colonization among age-groups targeted for PCV immunization as well as unvaccinated HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected adults, which was evident within 2 y of PCV introduction into the immunization program. Vaccine effectiveness has also been demonstrated in children against presumed bacterial pneumonia. The evaluation of the impact of PCV in South Africa, however, remains incomplete. The knowledge gaps remaining include the evaluation of PCV on the incidence of all-cause pneumonia hospitalization among vaccinated and unvaccinated age-groups. Furthermore, ongoing surveillance is required to determine whether there is ongoing replacement disease by non-vaccine serotypes, which could offset the early gains associated with the immunization program in the country.
Wave-based device scaling concept for brain-like energy efficiency and integration

Aiming at achieving brain-like capabilities and efficiencies with nano-scale integration, this paper proposes a new scaling concept for wave-based neuromorphic devices. Our scaling approach shows that vg the group velocity of a signaling wave is one of the essential parameters that can account for the orders-of-magnitude gaps in the efficiency of the human brain and VLSIs for cognitive tasks.
Zooming into the micro-level of experience : an approach for understanding and treating psychopathology

• A submitted manuscript is the version of the article upon submission and before peer-review. There can be important differences between the submitted version and the official published version of record. People interested in the research are advised to contact the author for the final version of the publication, or visit the DOI to the publisher's website. • The final author version and the galley proof are versions of the publication after peer review. • The final published version features the final layout of the paper including the volume, issue and page numbers.
An Evaluation of Recent Evidence on Stock Market Bubbles

Several recent studies have attributed a large part of asset price volatility to self-fulfilling expectations. Such an explanation is unattractive to many since it allows allocations that need bear no particular relation to those implied by the economist's standard kit ofmarket fundamentals. We examine the evidence presented in some of thesestudies and find (i) that all of the bubble evidence can equally well beinterpreted as evidence of model misspecification and (ii) that a slight extension of standard econometric methods points very strongly toward model misspecification as the actual reason for the failure of simple models of market fundamentals to explain asset price volatility.
Antigenic Pattern of Human Brain Glycoproteins as Described by Monoclonal Antibodies

Abstract: A battery of monoclonal antibodies was raised against a preparation of lentil lectin‐binding membrane glycoproteins from human brain. Out of 26 established hybrid‐omas, nine produced antibodies against the human Thy‐1 antigen. For the remaining 17 lines, reactivity with at least six other antigens could be identified after immunoprecipi‐tation and immunoblotting. Several of the antigens were di‐or trimeric, mainly in the molecular weight range of 60–120 kDa. Two of the antibodies were reactive with high‐molecular‐weight aggregates and four targets for the antibody reactivity were not identifiable by immunoprecipita‐tion of iodinated antigens. Three of the identified antigens were shown by quantitative enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay tests on various human tissues to be specifically expressed in the brain.
User-Centric Feedback for the Development and Review of a Unique Robotic Glove Prototype to Be Used in Therapy

Disability can be a great impediment to daily living in later life and is often the result of illness or trauma. Modern thoughts on treatment are orientated towards the use of robotics; however, these are often designed without consultation with the user. This paper used a 5-point questionnaire to ask former therapy patients what they felt needed further improvements from potential robotics and what features of such a system were the most important. Significant emphasis was placed on helping them to grasp (M = 4.63) as well as having a functional use. They also desired a system with clearly distinguished (M = 4.22) and easy to operate controls (M = 4.44) whilst allowing them some freedom to move around independently (M = 4.44). This provided the rationale for a prototype dual-layered vacuum glove that was sampled by healthcare staff to provide feedback that forms the basis for future improvements.
A framework for learning analytics in moodle for assessing course outcomes

Assessment of course learning outcomes is a fundamental measure of student learning success in a course. This assessment is core measure for educational effectiveness required by any specialized accreditation body. Learning analytics is a powerful mean to inform learners, instructors and educational institutions about the student's performance and the progress of the learning process and to support the student success. Many useful LA tools are available in different LMS platforms such as Moodle. They are used to report student performance in specific activity. However there is a lack of integrated LA tool that can assess course learning outcomes and predict the student performance and achievement against specific outcomes. In this paper, we propose a new framework for developing learning analytics tool to assess these outcomes in the well-known open source LMS Moodle. Our framework is based on direct measure of the course learning outcomes through embedded examination of each outcome and its associated LMS activities, then to analyze the result in order to evaluate the achievement of program outcomes and to propose improvement for the coming semester where the studied course will be offer.
Validity of a Squash-Specific Test of Multiple-Sprint Ability

Wilkinson, M, McCord, A, and Winter, EM. Validity of a squash-specific test of multiple-sprint ability. J Strength Cond Res 24(12): 3381-3386, 2010-We examined the validity and reproducibility of a squash-specific multiple-sprint test. Eight male squash and 8 male soccer players performed Baker's 8 × 40-m sprints and a squash-specific-multiple-sprint test on separate days. The sum of individual sprint times in each test was recorded. Six squash and 6 soccer players repeated the tests 7 days later to assess reproducibility using intraclass correlation. In addition, 2 England Squash coaches independently ranked the squash players using knowledge of the player and recent performances in local leagues. Performance on the squash-specific (r = 0.97 and 0.90) and Baker's test (r = 0.95 and 0.83) was reproducible in squash and soccer players, respectively, and did not differ on Baker's test (mean ± SD 72.9 ± 3.9 and 72.9 ± 2.8 seconds for squash and soccer players, p = 0.969, effect size = 0.03). Squash players (232 ± 32 seconds) outperformed soccer players (264 ± 14 seconds) on the squash-specific test (p = 0.02, effect size = 1.39). Performance on Baker's and the squash-specific test were related in squash players (r = 0.98, p < 0.001) but not in soccer players (r = −0.08, p = 0.87). Squash-player rank correlated with performance on the squash-specific (ρ = 0.79, p = 0.02) but not the Baker's test (ρ = 0.55, p = 0.16). The squash-specific test discriminated between groups with similar non-sport-specific multiple-sprint ability and in squash players. In conjunction with the relationship between test performances, the results suggest that the squash-specific test is a valid and reproducible measure of multiple-sprint ability in squash players and could be used for assessing and tracking training-induced changes in multiple-sprint ability.
Policy by the Way: When Policy is Incidental to Making Other Policies

My aim is to explore an important feature of public policy that has been somewhat neglected: many policies are largely made by the way of making other polices. To examine this idea and tentatively explore some of its implications, I shall employ the notion of ‘policy by the way’. What I wish to convey with the help of this concept is the reality of many areas of concern which are touched by public policy entirely or primarily by the way of focusing on other areas of concern. The notion of ‘policy by the way’ is anticipated in some key concepts of policy research and policy analysis, but its specific features still seem to deserve more focused attention. I gradually build up the notion of policy by the way with the help of well-known contributions to the field and a few examples from Israel, albeit no claim is made that Israel is in any way representative of other western democracies. It is quite possible, however, that the reality of public policy as a byproduct, which I believe is universal, is more easily discerned due to the special politics of Israel, basically, a fragile coalition government with strong turf orientation and weak coordination.
A 46-ppm/°C temperature and process compensated current reference with on-chip threshold voltage monitoring circuit

A CMOS current reference circuit has been developed in 0.35-mum CMOS process. The circuit consists of a voltage reference circuit, a noninverting amplifier, and an output MOS transistor. The circuit generates a reference current independent of temperature and process variations. Temperature- and process-compensation were achieved by utilizing the zero temperature coefficient bias point of a MOSFET. Theoretical analyses and experimental results showed that the circuit generates a quite stable reference current of 18.4 muA on average. The temperature coefficient, load sensitivity, and process sensitivity (sigma/mu) of the circuit were 46-ppm/sigmaC, 1.5%/V, and 4.4%, respectively. The circuit can be used as a current reference circuit for high precision analog circuit systems.
Manufacturing Consent in Cyberspace: China's “Fifty-Cent Army”

Studies on public expression in China tend to focus on how the state and internet users (netizens) struggle over the limits of online expression. Few have systematically traced discourse competition within state-imposed boundaries, particularly how the authoritarian state has adapted to manage, rather than censor, online expression. This paper explores and evaluates the state's attempts to manipulate online expression without resorting to censorship and coercion by examining the role of internet commentators, known as the “fifty-cent army”, in Chinese cyberspace. To cope with the challenge of online expression, the authoritarian state has mobilized its agents to engage anonymously in online discussions and produce apparently spontaneous pro-regime commentary. However, due to a lack of proper motivation and the persistence of old propaganda logic, this seemingly smart adaptation has proven ineffective or even counterproductive: It not only decreases netizens’ trust in the state but also, ironically, suppresses the voices of regime supporters.
Citizens’ knowledge and perceptions of legislatures in Canada, Britain and the United States

This study has two major parts. The first uses survey data to reveal what citizens in Britain, Canada and the United States know about their national legislatures and what factors ‐ including cognitive ability, opportunity, motivation and media exposure ‐ affect that knowledge. We find that US citizens are the least knowledgeable. The second part of the study looks at whether the level of knowledge in each country has any importance for understanding levels of public support for the national legislature. In the United States, the more knowledgeable citizens are less likely to support Congress, in sharp contrast to the tendency of knowledgeable Canadian citizens to be more supportive of their parliament. Knowledge is not a significant predictor of support in the British model. Some implications of the findings are discussed.
The General Medical Council’s Performance Procedures: peer review of performance in the workplace

The General Medical Council procedures to assess the performance of doctors who may be seriously deficient include peer review of the doctor’s practice at the workplace and tests of competence and skills. Peer reviews are conducted by three trained assessors, two from the same speciality as the doctor being assessed, with one lay assessor. The doctor completes a portfolio to describe his/her training, experience, the circumstances of practice and self rate his/her competence and familiarity in dealing with the common problems of his/her own discipline. The assessment includes a review of the doctor’s medical records; discussion of cases selected from these records; observation of consultations for clinicians, or of relevant activities in non‐clinicians; a tour of the doctor’s workplace; interviews with at least 12 third parties (five nominated by the doctor); and structured interviews with the doctor. The content and structure of the peer review are designed to assess the doctor against the standards defined in Good Medical Practice, as applied to the doctor’s speciality. The assessment methods are based on validated instruments and gather 700–1000 judgements on each doctor. Early experience of the peer review visits has confirmed their feasibility and effectiveness.
Mitochondrial DNA from the eradicated European Plasmodium vivax and P. falciparum from 70-year-old slides from the Ebro Delta in Spain

Significance Previous studies have attempted to unravel the complex phylogeographic patterns of the malaria parasites Plasmodium vivax and Plasmidium falciparum diversity and also to understand its evolutionary affinities. However, all these studies are constrained by the lack of evidence from the eradicated European strains that could be central to some dispersals. This study successfully retrieves massive genetic data from old slides treated with traditional staining techniques to be observed under the microscope, thus providing a new material source for the study of past pathogens that could place value in historical medical collections. We generated sequence data from the eradicated European malaria parasites and shed light on the genetic diversity patterns of P. vivax and P. falciparum. Phylogenetic analysis of Plasmodium parasites has indicated that their modern-day distribution is a result of a series of human-mediated dispersals involving transport between Africa, Europe, America, and Asia. A major outstanding question is the phylogenetic affinity of the malaria causing parasites Plasmodium vivax and falciparum in historic southern Europe—where it was endemic until the mid-20th century, after which it was eradicated across the region. Resolving the identity of these parasites will be critical for answering several hypotheses on the malaria dispersal. Recently, a set of slides with blood stains of malaria-affected people from the Ebro Delta (Spain), dated between 1942 and 1944, have been found in a local medical collection. We extracted DNA from three slides, two of them stained with Giemsa (on which Plasmodium parasites could still be seen under the microscope) and another one consisting of dried blood spots. We generated the data using Illumina sequencing after using several strategies aimed at increasing the Plasmodium DNA yield: depletion of the human genomic (g)DNA content through hybridization with human gDNA baits, and capture-enrichment using gDNA derived from P. falciparum. Plasmodium mitochondrial genome sequences were subsequently reconstructed from the resulting data. Phylogenetic analysis of the eradicated European P. vivax mtDNA genome indicates that the European isolate is closely related to the most common present-day American haplotype and likely entered the American continent post-Columbian contact. Furthermore, the European P. falciparum mtDNA indicates a link with current Indian strains that is in agreement with historical accounts.
Learning Reactive Robot Navigation Policies from Predictive Trajectory Planning

Humans are used to move in environments, where other humans are present. Due to this fact it is easier for humans to predict the path of a robot, if the robot navigates human-like. In this thesis we present a reactive navigation method to create human-like paths to navigate mobile robots. There are two basic approaches for social navigation of mobile robots. The first group are reactive approaches which create commands based on potentials. On the one hand reactive methods have low computational costs, but one the other hand they often do not create human-like paths. The second group are predictive approaches. Most of the predictive methods better reproduce human paths, but they tend to be computational more involved. In this thesis we aim to combine the benefits of both approaches. We propose a reactive method, which uses locally weighted regression and training data from a predictive path planning method to create acceleration commands to navigate a mobile robot. The use of a non-parametric regression method results in more flexibility to represent the training data compared to the use of a parametric representation. To use locally weighted regression efficiently we reduce the state space, which we use to represent the potentials. In order to do this, we first we represent the behavior, which we aim to learn, by to individual potentials, one for approaching the target and one which represents the cooperative collision avoidance between two agents. We further reduce the state space by taking advantage of symmetries and additional assumptions. In the experiments we demonstrate, that despite of these reductions, we are able to reproduce the paths generated by the predictive path planning method, which we use to create training data. In our experiments with a Pioneer III robot and multiple humans we demonstrate that this method can be used to drive a mobile robot successfully through an environment with pedestrians.
Climbing out of poverty, falling back in: low income stability in Spain

The study of the probability of entering or escaping a low income spell is not sufficient to fully describe a household's experience in deprivation. If poverty spells are recurrent in time, the persistency of poverty for a given household is not completely described unless the household's likelihood of a fall back into deprivation shortly after exit is considered. It is found that by combining the re-entry equation results with those of the exit equation, one can discuss, in a comprehensive way, which household characteristics promote welfare stability or instability and poverty persistence or transience. Results indicate that one-third of households who manage to leave poverty in Spain return to it shortly after exit. This upward income mobility, if maintained for a year, appears to enable a state of non-poverty for a lengthy period. Better-educated households and households with a spouse are more stable in their income level. Also, the point reached in the income distribution after a jump out of poverty is more a determinant for reducing the household's re-entry probability than is the duration out of poverty.
A PLDA Approach for Language and Text Independent Speaker Recognition

There are many factors affecting the variability of an i -vector extracted from a speech segment such as the acoustic content, segment duration, handset type and background noise. The state-of-the-art Probabilistic Linear Discriminant Analysis (PLDA) aims at modelling all these sources of undesirable variability within a single covariance matrix. Although techniques such as source normalization have been proposed to reduce the effect of different sources of variability as a pre-processing for PLDA, still the performance of speaker recognition is affected under cross-source evaluation condition. This study aims at proposing a language-independent PLDA training algorithm in order to reduce the effect of language on the performance of speaker recognition. An accurate estimation of speaker and channel subspaces from a multilingual training data set which are void of language variability can assist PLDA to work independent of the language. When evaluated on the NIST 2008 speaker recognition multilingual trials, our proposed solution demonstrates relative improvement of up to 10% in equal error rate (EER) and 6.4% in minimum DCF.