Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Is ‘More’ Enough?: Reassessing the Impact of Growth on Inequality and Poverty

The relationship between economic growth and human development is complex, and even the relatively simple links between economic growth and people not having sufficient money for basic essentials such as food and medicines (known as income poverty) are not well understood. Increasingly urgent environmental considerations militate against the pursuit of unconstrained growth, while at the same time making more pressing the need to ensure that growth deliversreductions in income poverty.The impact on poverty partly hinges on whether or not economic growth is likely to reduce or exacerbate income inequality, making it a more or a less powerful instrument against poverty. It has been suggested that if growth generally reduces or does not affect inequality, then policymakers can simply pursue growth as a development strategy – in other words, pursuing ‘more’ could be enough.Advances in econometric technique have brought new results and new interpretations for policymakers, but this critical review suggests that there are no clear results that can be relied upon. Instead, our own analysis leads us to conclude that there is much variation in the relationship between income and inequality – inequality may either fall or rise as a result of growth. Moreover, we find that other aspects of development, such as health and education, may be more important than levels of income in determining the effect of growth on inequality and should therefore be given more attention by policymakers.At a minimum, these findings imply that policy recommendations concerning growth need to be based on careful analysis of country-specific development indicators. Seeking to maximise growth is unlikely to be appropriate development policy unless fairly specific conditions and policies are in place – and there is much more to understand about how these factors will change the impact ofgrowth on inequality. Future research should aim to identify the preconditions and complementary policies necessary for growth to be of more benefit in reducing income poverty.
Dual-Phase Tapped-Delay-Line Time-to-Digital Converter With On-the-Fly Calibration Implemented in 40 nm FPGA

This paper describes two novel time-to-digital converter (TDC) architectures. The first is a dual-phase tapped-delay-line (TDL) TDC architecture that allows us to minimize the clock skew problem that causes the highly nonlinear characteristics of the TDC. The second is a pipelined on-the-fly calibration architecture that continuously compensates the nonlinearity and calibrates the fine times using the most up-to-date bin widths without additional dead time. The two architectures were combined and implemented in a single Virtex-6 device (ML605, Xilinx) for time interval measurement. The standard uncertainty for the time intervals from 0 to 20 ns was less than 12.83 ps-RMS (root mean square). The resolution (i.e., the least significant bit, LSB) of the TDC was approximately 10 ps at room temperature. The differential nonlinearity (DNL) values were [-1.0, 1.91] and [-1.0, 1.88] LSB and the integral nonlinearity (INL) values were [-2.20, 2.60] and [-1.63, 3.93] LSB for the two different TDLs that constitute one TDC channel. During temperature drift from 10 to 50°C, the TDC with on-the-fly calibration maintained the standard uncertainty of 11.03 ps-RMS.
Pediatric emergency health care providers' knowledge, attitudes, and experiences regarding emergency contraception.

OBJECTIVES The objective was to describe knowledge, attitudes, and experiences regarding emergency contraception (EC) among pediatric emergency health care providers (HCPs). METHODS This multicenter, focus group study elicited thoughts and experiences from pediatric emergency HCPs about EC. Participants were physicians, nurse practitioners (NPs), and nurses in one of three urban, geographically distinct, pediatric emergency departments (EDs). A professional moderator used a semistructured format for sessions, which were audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed for recurrent themes. Participants provided demographic information and completed a written survey evaluating EC knowledge. RESULTS Eighty-five HCPs (41 physicians, eight NPs, and 36 nurses) participated in 12 focus groups. Overall knowledge about EC was poor. Participants identified barriers including cost, privacy, knowledge, and provider refusal. Provision of EC for adolescents was supported by the majority of physicians and NPs; however, many nurses were not supportive, especially following consensual intercourse. The authors identified use of social judgment by nurses as a novel barrier to EC provision. The majority of HCPs did not support screening for potential EC need. The majority of physicians and NPs felt obligated to provide adolescents with all contraceptive options, while more nurses supported provider refusal to provide EC. CONCLUSIONS This study identified important HCP perceptions and barriers about EC provision in the pediatric ED. These findings may inform future efforts to improve EC provision for adolescents. Specifically, future studies to evaluate the differences in attitudes between nurses, physicians, and NPs, and the use of social judgment in EC provision, are warranted.
What Can We Learn From Review Data ?

Online reviews of tourism services provide valuable resources of knowledge not only for travelers but also for companies. Tourism operators are more and more aware that user related data should be seen as an important asset. This work-in-progress analyzes free text reviews as well as numerical ratings of group tours with the aim to characterize their relations. This is done with the help of statistical models. On the one hand, these models comprise textual attributes and sentiment scores of the reviews, based on text mining techniques and sentiment analysis respectively. On the other hand, non-textual attributes such as meta data about the tours and user related factors are included. First results imply a very moderate relationship between sentiment scores and ratings; the non-textual attributes appear to have a higher impact.
Ion channel–transporter interactions

Abstract All living cells require membrane proteins that act as conduits for the regulated transport of ions, solutes and other small molecules across the cell membrane. Ion channels provide a pore that permits often rapid, highly selective and tightly regulated movement of ions down their electrochemical gradient. In contrast, active transporters can move moieties up their electrochemical gradient. The secondary active transporters (such as SLC superfamily solute transporters) achieve this by coupling uphill movement of the substrate to downhill movement of another ion, such as sodium. The primary active transporters (including H+/K+-ATPases and Na+/K+-ATPases) utilize ATP hydrolysis as an energy source to power uphill transport. It is well known that proteins in each of these classes work in concert with members of the other classes to ensure, for example, ion homeostasis, ion secretion and restoration of ion balance following action potentials. More recently, evidence is emerging of direct physical interaction between true ion channels, and some primary or secondary active transporters. Here, we review the first known members of this new class of macromolecular complexes that we term “chansporters”, explore their biological roles and discuss the pathophysiological consequences of their disruption. We compare functional and/or physical interactions between the ubiquitous KCNQ1 potassium channel and various active transporters, and examine other newly discovered chansporter complexes that suggest we may be seeing the tip of the iceberg in a newly emerging signaling modality.
Nonlinearities in exchange rate: evidence from smooth transition regression model

The purchasing power parity puzzle, exchange rate disconnection to macroeconomic fundamentals and pricing to market are central issues of international macroeconomics. Recent research has suggested that these issues can be presented by nonlinear behaviour. In this dissertation, we examine and explain the nonlinearities in the form of regime switching behaviour in real exchange rate series, exchange rate and macroeconomic fundamentals relation and exchange rate pass-through into consumer and import prices. Overall, we find evidence that nonlinearities are important in analysing empirical exchange rate models. The dissertation consists of four self-contained empirical studies. In chapter 2 we examine whether the Markov switching models and exponential smooth transition autoregressive models can give any additional insights into real exchange rate behaviour for several OECD countries. The results show that there are long swings in the real exchange rate series, which can be characterize as a depreciation and an appreciation regime. These regimes are very persistent, although the processes are eventually mean reverting. We estimate a multivariate smooth transition autoregressive model for the euro/dollar exchange rate in chapter 3. The significant point of our analysis is the possibility that a nonlinear specification for the exchange rate series might reveal aspects of the exchange rate dynamics that cannot be picked up by linear models. We find that the euro/dollar exchange rate may display random walk or near random walk behaviour within a certain range but the ability of the exchange rate to wander without any bound is limited by long-term government bond interest rate differentials. In chapter 4 we examine nonlinear relationships between macroeconomic fundamentals and exchange rate for G-7 countries. We estimate a smooth transition error correction model that allows for parameter variation in the error correction form and interest rate differentials. The nonlinearity is determined by the inflation rate differentials between countries. We find significant error correction terms in monetary models. Our findings suggest the importance of nonlinear dynamics for examining deviations from the long-run equilibrium. We examine whether the degree of exchange rate pass-through is dependent on importing country inflation rate in chapter 5. Our model shows that import prices respond differently to exchange rate changes when we are in a high inflation regime compared to a low inflation regime. We also present empirical evidence by estimating pass-through elasticises for several OECD countries. We find that consumer prices are not very sensitive to exchange rate changes. For aggregate import prices, we find partial or full exchange rate pass-throughs. The tested nonlinear regime specific models proved appropriate for testing exchange rate dynamics for several currency pairs. Furthermore, we were able to present that macroeconomic fundamentals are important predictors of exchange rates.
Global Stochastic Properties of Dynamic Models and Their Linear Approximations

The dynamic properties of micro based stochastic macro models are often analyzed through a linearization around the associated deterministic steady state. Recent literature has investigated the errors made by such a deterministic approximation. Complementary to this literature we investigate how the linearization affects the stochastic properties of the original model. We consider a simple real business cycle model with noisy learning by doing. The solution has a stationary distribution that exhibits moment failure and has an unbounded support. The linear approximation, however, yields a stationary distribution with possibly a bounded support and all moments finite.
Financial structures of the manufacturing corporate sector of Thailand around economic crisis : a decomposition measure approach

This paper describes an investigation into the financial structure of the manufacturing corporate sector of Thailand before and after the economic crisis. The structure is important for financial statement analysts who are often concerned with changes over time in the relative shares of the financial statement items. Decomposition analysis has been used for measuring the relative shares. It is found that he decomposition measures are higher after the economic crisis. The total liabilities decomposition measure was found higher as compared to the total assets decomposition measure before the crisis and lower in many cases after the crisis. Industry variations do not provide any systematic explanations for this variation.
The attentional blink and ADHD: A new interpretation

Objective: The phenomenon of attentional blink (AB) has been explained with the help of different theories based on empirical work. AB refers to period of impairment in rapid presentation of stimuli where the participants are unable to identify a target. This period follows the identification of the first target in the presentation stream and lasts for 400600 milliseconds. The AB theories do not seem to work well when it comes to explaining the deficits which the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) population, show on the AB task. The use of the AB paradigm with the ADHD population can shed light on the nature of problems, which this group has and thus would be useful for the purpose of rehabilitation. Data Selection: What follows is a review of work done with ADHD and the theories of AB. Data Synthesis: The review suggests that the underlying problems in the disorder might be faulty top-down control of attention rather than a shortage of attentional capacity. In addition, the brain areas implicated in the problem are also discussed. Conclusions: A new cognitive model which includes both top-down and bottom up processes that better accounts for the deficits in the disorder is also suggested. The framework of the model gives a new perspective to understand the deficits and interventions for ADHDs (German J Psychiatry 2007;10: 122-125).
Study on the service-oriented model for civil engineering management based on semantic web

Civil Engineering Management plays an important role in any project for saving money and utilizing time efficiently. With growing number of methods and tools for civil engineering management, need for an integrated environment to facilitate project planning, execution and control according to project stages seems crucial. Management of changes that happen in various stages of project is another challenge of civil engineering management. In this paper, we propose a semantic web service-oriented model for civil engineering management, aiming to integrate different civil engineering management-related web services and provide flexible project management by using a central decision making component. The proposed model is based on Web Service Modeling Ontology and its execution environment (WSMX), furthermore we use PROMONT as our reference ontology to represent project management domain.
Self-Compassion and Life Satisfaction in Gay Men

Studies have shown that gay men are at increased risk for anxiety and depression due to social oppression; research suggests that self-compassion is positively associated with life-satisfaction and emotional resilience. In a sample of 68 gay men (M age = 39.7 yr., SD = 16.3), the influence of self-compassion on satisfaction with life was examined while controlling for age, income, and openness about sexual orientation. Analysis of the data revealed that self-compassion was a significant predictor of satisfaction with life. Implications of this finding were discussed.
A new approach to predictive maintenance of high voltage switching devices

Predictive maintenance of high voltage devices is a major issue for all power providers, due to costs and complexity. This article provides some theoretical and experimental principles which can be useful for all maintenance operations performed on high voltage switching devices and some simple methods applicable for assessing the status of all their contacts. Some of the aspects described here are applicable to other high voltage devices like insulators, surge-arresters etc. An original model based on fuzzy-logic algorithms is performed in order to determine the main elements and issues of the predictive maintenance. All these algorithms are integrated into powerful software tools for all types of high voltage equipment maintenance. It could prove the idea of obtaining a higher service efficiency for existing pieces of equipment, with very low costs.
Swedish women with coeliac disease in remission use more health care services than other women: a controlled study

Abstract Objective . To examine whether the perceived poor outcome of dietary treatment makes Swedish women with coeliac disease (CD) prone to use more health care services than other women. Material and methods. The health care consumption over 36 consecutive months was examined for 137 Swedish women aged 20–80 years with CD in remission after living on a gluten-free diet for a median of 4 years (range 1–8 years). Comparisons were made with the health care consumption of 411 women in the general population matched for age and residence. Results. The results show that women with CD use health care services annually a median of 5.0 times (range 0–76) that is more than female controls 3.6 (0–311) (p < 0.05) mainly in primary care and for complaints related to mental and behavioral disorders (ICD F), diseases of the digestive system (ICD K) and diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (ICD M). Conclusions. Women with CD used health care services in keeping with studies indicating reduced health-related quality of life of people with this condition. The results provide evidence that women with CD in remission suffer from co-morbidities that may signal a need for a multidisciplinary follow-up of subjects with CD in Sweden.
A self-powered sensor module using vibration-based energy generation for ubiquitous systems

A new architecture for ubiquitous sensor modules using vibration-based energy generation is proposed and the CMOS implementation of the proposed architecture is presented. The sensor module only scavenges vibration-based energy as energy source by using piezoelectric element to realize no batteries operation. The sensor module is used to supervise the vibration of machines and transfer the vibration signal discontinuously. Based on the proposed new architecture, the sensor module can sense signal and scavenge energy from the same piece of piezoelectric element and can avoid the long time start-up time. The sensor module also realizes short range (about ten meters) wireless transmission
Metabolic Engineering of a Phosphoketolase Pathway for Pentose Catabolism in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

ABSTRACT Low ethanol yields on xylose hamper economically viable ethanol production from hemicellulose-rich plant material with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A major obstacle is the limited capacity of yeast for anaerobic reoxidation of NADH. Net reoxidation of NADH could potentially be achieved by channeling carbon fluxes through a recombinant phosphoketolase pathway. By heterologous expression of phosphotransacetylase and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase in combination with the native phosphoketolase, we installed a functional phosphoketolase pathway in the xylose-fermenting Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain TMB3001c. Consequently the ethanol yield was increased by 25% because less of the by-product xylitol was formed. The flux through the recombinant phosphoketolase pathway was about 30% of the optimum flux that would be required to completely eliminate xylitol and glycerol accumulation. Further overexpression of phosphoketolase, however, increased acetate accumulation and reduced the fermentation rate. By combining the phosphoketolase pathway with the ald6 mutation, which reduced acetate formation, a strain with an ethanol yield 20% higher and a xylose fermentation rate 40% higher than those of its parent was engineered.
A combined proteomic and genetic analysis identifies a role for the lipid desaturase Desat1 in starvation-induced autophagy in Drosophila

Autophagy is a lysosomal-mediated degradation process that promotes cell survival during nutrient-limiting conditions. However, excessive autophagy results in cell death. In Drosophila, autophagy is regulated nutritionally, hormonally and developmentally in several tissues, including the fat body, a nutrient-storage organ. Here, we use a proteomics approach to identify components of starvation-induced autophagic responses in the Drosophila fat body. Using cICATTM labeling and mass spectrometry, differences in protein expression levels of normal compared to starved fat bodies were determined. Candidates were analyzed genetically for their involvement in autophagy in fat bodies deficient for the respective genes. One of these genes, Desat1, encodes a lipid desaturase. Desat1 mutant cells fail to induce autophagy upon starvation. The desat1 protein localizes to autophagic structures after nutrient depletion and is required for fly development. Lipid analyses revealed that Desat1 regulates the composition of lipids in Drosophila. We propose that Desat1 exerts its role in autophagy by controlling lipid biosynthesis and/or signaling necessary for autophagic responses.
Effects of Tai Chi and Western exercise on physical and cognitive functioning in healthy community-dwelling older adults.

OBJECTIVE To compare the effects of Tai Chi (TC, n = 37) and Western exercise (WE, n = 39) with an attention-control group (C, n = 56) on physical and cognitive functioning in healthy adults age 69 +/- 5.8 yr, in a 2-phase randomized trial. METHODS TC and WE involved combined class and home-based protocols. Physical functioning included balance, strength, flexibility, and cardiorespiratory endurance. Cognitive functioning included semantic fluency and digit-span tests. Data were analyzed using intention-to-treat analysis. RESULTS At 6 mo, WE had greater improvements in upper body flexibility (F = 4.67, p = .01) than TC and C. TC had greater improvements in balance (F = 3.36, p = .04) and a cognitive-function measure (F = 7.75, p < .001) than WE and C. The differential cognitive-function improvements observed in TC were maintained through 12 mo. CONCLUSION The TC and WE interventions resulted in differential improvements in physical functioning among generally healthy older adults. TC led to improvement in an indicator of cognitive functioning that was maintained through 12 mo.
Facilitating the creation of natural interactions for live audiovisual performances: an authoring-by-demonstration approach

In this paper an approach for creating natural interactions is discussed, which can be used to facilitate the authoring of interactive live audiovisual performances. The approach is supported by flexible, yet simple software tools and combines spatial mapping, gesture following and fuzzy logic in a way that enables the configuration and authoring of complex interactive mechanisms by demonstration. Due to the connectivity properties of the tools, the approach can be easily incorporated in almost any workflow for creating interactive installation or live performance applications, utilizing sensor and tracking data and combining it with other real-time parameters to drive the behavior of elements, which performers can interact with. This approach was used to facilitate the creation of a gestural interface for a conductor, which enabled him to control a virtual pianist during a live music performance by moving his hands in a natural manner. This gestural interface was configured by letting the conductor demonstrate the desired gestures and by feeding the resulting tracking data to the tools. The advantages and shortcomings of using such an approach are presented and discussed.