Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fiscal Policy and the Mehra-Prescott Puzzle: On the Welfare Implications of Budget Deficits When Real Interest Rates Are Low

Historically, average real returns on U.S. government debt have been far below the rate of economic growth, allowing the U.S. government to roll over its debt at a rather low cost. At the same time, the rate of return on capital has generally been above the growth rate, suggesting that the U.S. economy is dynamically efficient. The paper shows that the welfare implications of budget deficits in this scenario depend critically on why interest rates have been so low. If the government can offer low returns on its debt because of some unique ability to create default-free claims, persistent primary budget deficits may be unproblematic. But if low interest rates are due to high risk aversion, policies that exploit the low cost of government debt to run frequent budget deficits will impose significant risks on future taxpayers. In essence, safe government debt is safe for the debt holders, but it is very risky for the taxpayers who are implicitly taking a short position in the safe security.
Direct sampling on surfaces for high quality remeshing

Isotropic point distribution is crucial in remeshing process to generate a high-quality mesh. In this paper, we present a novel algorithm of isotropic sampling on two-manifold mesh surface. Our main contribution lies in the successful generalization of a 2D fast Poisson disk sampling algorithm, which makes it able to directly sample 3D mesh surfaces, including feature edges. We adopt geodesic distance as the distance metric for sampling algorithm in 3D to better capture the geometry information. Given a density function over the surface, we derive a close analytic form of the available boundary, which makes our algorithm support efficient adaptive sampling. To further improve the isotropy of point distribution, Lloyd relaxation is performed locally to optimize the location of sampling points. The whole process guarantees that new vertices lie on the original surface. Mutual tessellation is utilized to reconstruct the connectivity of new vertices, which guarantees the fidelity and validity of topology. Experiments show that our algorithm is able to remesh an arbitrary closed manifold into a high-quality mesh with large minimal angles and small number of irregular vertices.
Statistical entropy of a stationary dilaton black hole from the Cardy formula

With Carlip's boundary conditions, a standard Virasoro subalgebra with a corresponding central charge for a stationary dilaton black hole obtained in the low-energy effective field theory describing string is constructed at a Killing horizon. The statistical entropy of a stationary dilaton black hole yielded by the standard Cardy formula agrees with its Bekenstein-Hawking entropy only if we take the period T of function $v$ as the periodicity of the Euclidean black hole. On the other hand, if we consider a first-order quantum correction then the entropy contains a logarithmic term with a factor $\ensuremath{-}\frac{1}{2},$ which is different from that of Kaul and Majumdar, $\ensuremath{-}\frac{3}{2}. $ We also show that the discrepancy is not just for the dilaton black hole, but for any one whose corresponding central charge takes the form ${c/12=(A}_{H}/8\ensuremath{\pi}G)(2\ensuremath{\pi}/\ensuremath{\kappa}T). $
User Interaction Experience for Semantic Web Information

The Semantic Web project [2] aims to add semantics to the existing World Wide Web. We propose an extension of the Web’s user interaction experience to take advantage of the added semantics. This user experience maintains the Web’s original navigation paradigm, although all URIs, not just URLs, can be used to address information objects. URIs form the superset of URLs and can name resources other than just those with retrievable contents. Information is displayed in webpage-like presentations in which each UI element is associated with the information object that the element represents. UI elements serve as proxies through which the user can manipulate information objects. Uniform support for direct manipulation complements the Web’s navigation paradigm to create an informationcentric environment for interacting with information. In addition, we advocate the use of small cooperative tools over large standalone applications to further promote this information-centric paradigm.
Vocabulary Conversion: Performance with Controlled and Uncontrolled Terms and Tags

Controlled and uncontrolled indexing terminology and metadata may be converted from one to another. Decision criteria are developed that can be used to determine which terms should be assigned when converting vocabularies. Methods are developed for computing the parameters of these systems, as well as means for estimating the parameters when given limited information. These conversion techniques may be applied to thesaurus terminology, gene ontologies, topic maps, uncontrolled natural language terms, folksonomies, tags and labels on web pages, the presence or absence of a specific hyperlink, as well as to metadata. Rules are provided suggesting circumstances when controlled vocabularies are always superior to using uncontrolled vocabularies.
The negotiation of the relationship between home and school in the mind of grade 6 students in an international school in Qatar

This paper aims at deepening the understanding of how the relation between home and school is negotiated in the mind of Grade 6 students attending an International Baccalaureate (IB) school in Qatar. Students reported mainly frustration and confusion. The Thematic Coding Analysis used in the study revealed two strategies students use to negotiate between the different settings, including submitting to parental authority and raising their parents’ awareness about IB. The analysis also highlighted the importance of student voice in bridging the gap between home and school.
Money and risk aversion in a DSGE framework

In this paper, we set up and test a model of the Euro zone, with a special emphasis on the role of money. The model follows the New Keynesian DSGE framework, money being introduced in the utility function with a non-separability assumption. By using Bayesian estimation techniques, we shed light on the determinants of output and inflation, but also of the interest rate, real money balances, flexible-price output and flexible-price real money balances variances. The role of money is investigated further. We find that its impact on output depends on the degree of agents' risk aversion, increases with this degree, and becomes significant when risk aversion is high enough. The direct impact of the money variable on inflation variability is essentially minor whatever the risk aversion level, the interest rate (monetary policy) being the overwhelming explanatory factor.
Correcting Response Failure Errors in Multi-Objective Optimisation in Unreliable Distributed Computing Environments

Population-based, multi-objective optimisation algorithms are increasingly making use of distributed, parallel computing environments. In these cases it is a commonsense precaution to consider the possibility of a variety of failures. In particular, errors caused by response failures are more prone to arise than in homogeneous parallel computers. While masking errors using redundant computation is simple and reasonably reliable, it is expensive in terms of the computing resources required. An alternative approach is presented that uses a Byzantine agreement methodology, utlising only results already computed. In computational experiments it has a demonstrated ability to correct errors, and salvage useable results from unreliable, distributed computing environments. With increasing reliance on computing resources provided and operated by external agencies, error detection and correction can be expected to become more important to a range of applications.
Performance Study of Active Contour Model Based Character Segmentation with Nonlinear Diffusion

In this paper, we present the combined character segmentation algorithm based on the active contour model and nonlinear diffusion techniques. The active contour model is used to perform segmentation of printed characters. The coherence enhancing diffusion technique is proposed to smooth out artifacts and background noises without destroying the edges. The performance of the two character segmentation methods: i) the combined ACM-FGM and CED algorithm, and ii) the ACM-FGM algorithm have been validated using a large scale printed documents in Hindi, Malayalam and Telugu text. The combined algorithm achieves an average segmentation accuracy of 89.08% whereas the ACM-FGM algorithm alone had an average accuracy of 52.63%. The whole character segmentation process time is lesser than that of the ACM-FGM algorithm alone. Experiments show that the combined algorithm provides promising results under scanned documents with different font-size and fond-style characters, and the different artifacts and background noises caused by the aging of the paper and diffusion.
Functional mammalian spliceosomal complex E contains SMN complex proteins in addition to U1 and U2 snRNPs

Spliceosomes remove introns from primary gene transcripts. They assemble de novo on each intron through a series of steps that involve the incorporation of five snRNP particles and multiple non-snRNP proteins. In mammals, all the intermediate complexes have been characterized on one transcript (MINX), with the exception of the very first, complex E. We have purified this complex by two independent procedures using antibodies to either U1-A or PRPF40A proteins, which are known to associate at an early stage of assembly. We demonstrate that the purified complexes are functional in splicing using commitment assays. These complexes contain components expected to be in the E complex and a number of previously unrecognized factors, including survival of motor neurons (SMN) and proteins of the SMN-associated complex. Depletion of the SMN complex proteins from nuclear extracts inhibits formation of the E complex and causes non-productive complexes to accumulate. This suggests that the SMN complex stabilizes the association of U1 and U2 snRNPs with pre-mRNA. In addition, the antibody to PRPF40A precipitated U2 snRNPs from nuclear extracts, indicating that PRPF40A associates with U2 snRNPs.
Association of sleep deprivation with speech volume and pitch

Research was conducted to determine if alterations in the acoustical characteristics of voice occur after moderate cumulative sleep deprivation. Eight subjects participated in the study. Sleep deprivation was obtained by prescribing four nights of reduced sleep (6 hrs instead of 8). Speech data were obtained with sociometric badges, cognitive and subjective fatigue data were also collected. Speech volume and pitch were found to be significantly different when subjects were sleep deprived. Secondary circadian effects were not observed. The results support the proposition that speech can be used to measure the fatigue state of individuals.
AXIN2 is Associated With Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Background: Findings of recent studies have demonstrated a rapid increase of the incidence of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), which accounts for nearly 80% of thyroid cancers. Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the association between AXIN2 gene polymorphism and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Patients and Methods: 106 blood samples (56 PTC patients and 50 healthy controls) were drawn from China-Japan Union Hospital in Jilin province, China, during October 2010 to March 2011. A case-control study was designed to examine the association between AXIN2 and PTC. Seven tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (tag SNPs) in AXIN2 were selected and genotyped. Frequencies of different genotypes and alleles were analyzed between the patients and the controls, using the R × C column contingency table χ2 test. The possible association of haplotypes constructed by the combined effects of two or more loci with PTC was analyzed through the UNPHASED 3.1. 4 program. Results: Rs11655966, rs3923086 and rs7591 of AXIN2 showed significant associations with PTC (P < 0.05). The result of haplotypes analysis showed that rs11655966-rs3923086-rs4791169 had statistically significant differences between the two groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Together with the functions of the target genes, we further elucidated that AXIN2 is associated with papillary thyroid carcinoma in the Chinese Han population.
On the Number of Galaxies at High Redshift

The number of galaxies at a given flux as a function of the redshift, z, is derived when the z-distance relation is non-standard. In order to compare different models, the same formalism is also applied to the standard cosmology. The observed luminosity function for galaxies of the zCOSMOS catalog at different redshifts is modeled by a new luminosity function for galaxies, which is derived by the truncated beta probability density function. Three astronomical tests, which are the photometric maximum as a function of the redshift for a fixed flux, the mean value of the redshift for a fixed flux, and the luminosity function for galaxies as a function of the redshift, compare the theoretical values of the standard and non-standard model with the observed value. The tests are performed on the FORS Deep Field (FDF) catalog up to redshift z = 1.5 and on the zCOSMOS catalog extending beyond z = 4. These three tests show minimal differences between the standard and the non-standard models.
Calculation force control based on linearization feedback model of separate meter in and separate meter out control system

The components and work principle of Separate Meter In and Separate Meter Out(SMISMO) load sensing control system are introduced. In the novel system, the traditional proportional valve is replaced by the Separate Meter In and Separate Meter Out valve element which is used to control velocity of piston in the asymmetric cylinder. Nonlinear simulation model of the novel system is built to study the trajectory tracking performance, Linearization Feedback technology is used to linearization the nonlinear system, Calculation Force Control strategies is used for trajectory tracking, simulation and experiment show the tracking performance is good, and the controller is better than pid control strategy, it is promising for industrial application.
The Impact of Parental Stress and Social Support on Behavioral Outcomes of Children in African American Single-Mother Households

The purpose of current study was to assess the relationship between parental stress, social support, and child behavior outcomes among single African American mothers. Mean differences and standard multiple regression analyses were employed to test the associations among parental stress, social support, and child behavior. Results indicated that parental stress and social support are related to internalized and externalized behaviors for African American children. Additionally, social support was found to moderate the relationship between parental stress and child behaviors. These results have implications for future research and interventions with single African American mothers and their children.
Structure of the Solar Core: Effect of Asymmetry of Peak Profiles

Recent studies have established that peaks in solar oscillation power spectra are not Lorentzian in shape but have a distinct asymmetry. Fitting a symmetric Lorentzian profile to the peaks, therefore, produces a shift in frequency of the modes. Accurate determination of low-frequency modes is essential to infer the structure of the solar core by inversion of the mode frequencies. In this paper we investigate how the changes in frequencies of low-degree modes obtained by fitting symmetric and asymmetric peak profiles change the inferred properties of the solar core. We use data obtained by the Global Oscillations at Low Frequencies (GOLF) project on board the SOHO spacecraft. Two different solar models and inversion procedures are used to invert the data in order to determine the sound speed in the solar core. We find that for a given set of modes no significant difference in the inferred sound speed results from taking asymmetry into account when fitting the low-degree modes.
Fast Learning and Prediction for Object Detection using Whitened CNN Features

We combine features extracted from pre-trained convolutional neural networks (CNNs) with the fast, linear Exemplar-LDA classifier to get the advantages of both: the high detection performance of CNNs, automatic feature engineering, fast model learning from few training samples and efficient sliding-window detection. The Adaptive Real-Time Object Detection System (ARTOS) has been refactored broadly to be used in combination with Caffe for the experimental studies reported in this work.
Risk-Taking, Trust, and Traumatization Among Syrian Refugees in Jordan – A Lab-in-The-Field Experiment

An unprecedented number of refugees from Syria has sought refuge in both the Middle East as well as in Europe since the beginning of the civil war in Syria in 2011. Refugees do not only bring patterns of behavior they have acquired over their childhood and adolescence with them but also the – possibly traumatic – civil war experience. In this paper, we inquire whether traumatization affects behavior. We report the results of experiments run in Jordan in March and May 2017 among both Syrian refugees and Jordanians. More specifically, we report results regarding risk preferences, trust, and altruism. It turns out that the choices made by Syrian students are often statistically indistinguishable from the choices made by Jordanian students whereas there are significant differences in behavior between Syrian non-students and both of our student samples. The degree of traumatization has some effects on behavior in these games. It is driven by having experienced the loss of close relatives in Syria and by having spent some time in refugee camps in Jordan.
Performance analysis of android-based real-time message dissemination in VANETs

Message dissemination issue in Vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) has been extensively studied both by computer simulations and experimental testbeds. Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) technology has been standardized and used extensively as the main mechanism to support the message dissemination in VANETs. Nevertheless, other alternatives such as 3G/4G and WLAN have also been proposed to further assist with the message dissemination in VANETs. Due to the ubiquity of the smartphones, in this paper, we propose to leverage the use of smartphone to disseminate message in VANETs. An android-based system that uses WLAN ad-hoc technology is proposed. The feasibility and performance of the proposed system are investigated by simulations and the evaluation results show that given the high penetration of smartphones, the message dissemination can be done via the smartphones. Although the delay performance of the proposed system is inferior to DSRC-based system, the proposed system could still be very useful especially during the deployment stage of the DSRC technology (when the penetration rate of the technology is low).
Genome Analysis of Cytochrome P450s and Their Expression Profiles in Insecticide Resistant Mosquitoes, Culex quinquefasciatus

Here we report a study of the 204 P450 genes in the whole genome sequence of larvae and adult Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes. The expression profiles of the P450 genes were compared for susceptible (S-Lab) and resistant mosquito populations, two different field populations of mosquitoes (HAmCq and MAmCq), and field parental mosquitoes (HAmCq G0 and MAmCqG0) and their permethrin selected offspring (HAmCq G8 and MAmCqG6). While the majority of the P450 genes were expressed at a similar level between the field parental strains and their permethrin selected offspring, an up- or down-regulation feature in the P450 gene expression was observed following permethrin selection. Compared to their parental strains and the susceptible S-Lab strain, HAmCqG8 and MAmCqG6 were found to up-regulate 11 and 6% of total P450 genes in larvae and 7 and 4% in adults, respectively, while 5 and 11% were down-regulated in larvae and 4 and 2% in adults. Although the majority of these up- and down-regulated P450 genes appeared to be developmentally controlled, a few were either up- or down-regulated in both the larvae and adult stages. Interestingly, a different gene set was found to be up- or down-regulated in the HAmCqG8 and MAmCqG6 mosquito populations in response to insecticide selection. Several genes were identified as being up- or down-regulated in either the larvae or adults for both HAmCqG8 and MAmCqG6; of these, CYP6AA7 and CYP4C52v1 were up-regulated and CYP6BY3 was down-regulated across the life stages and populations of mosquitoes, suggesting a link with the permethrin selection in these mosquitoes. Taken together, the findings from this study indicate that not only are multiple P450 genes involved in insecticide resistance but up- or down-regulation of P450 genes may also be co-responsible for detoxification of insecticides, insecticide selection, and the homeostatic response of mosquitoes to changes in cellular environment.
Métamorphe: augmenting hotkey usage with actuated keys

Hotkeys are an efficient method of selecting commands on a keyboard. However, these shortcuts are often underused by users. We present Métamorphe, a novel keyboard with keys that can be individually raised and lowered to promote hotkeys usage. Métamorphe augments the output of traditional keyboards with haptic and visual feedback, and offers a novel design space for user input on raised keys (e.g., gestures such as squeezing or pushing the sides of a key). We detail the implementation of Métamorphe and discuss design factors. We also report two user studies. The first is a user-defined interface study that shows that the new input vocabulary is usable and useful, and provides insights into the mental models that users associate with raised keys. The second user study shows improved eyes-free selection performance for raised keys as well as the surrounding unraised keys.