Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Essays in Experimental Economics and Corporate Finance

The first chapter experimentally examine repeated partnerships with imperfect monitoring, where participants can unilaterally sever partnerships at any time. The experiment examines effects from changes in the value of an outside-the-partnership option. We find four main results where partners have access to the same outside option: i) the presence of a dissolution option increases cooperation; ii) the use of dissolution is dictated by individual rationality; iii) where dissolution is used as a punishment, subjects increases lenience, but are still forgiving; iv) overall efficiency is non-monotone in the outside option. An extension examines asymmetric outside options finding: advantages to terminating first-movers creates highly inefficient outcomes; a last-mover advantage is less inefficient but reduces forgiveness; while an arbitrator-mechanism assigning higher payoffs to ``more-deserving'' parties increases efficiency. The second chapter experimentally investigates the effects from adding a simple and intuitive stage before the start of a repeated partnership, where agents communicate about strategies they intend to play. Varying the bindingness of the message sent in the preplay communication, I examine the efficiency gain of adding these two communication institutions and behavior of senders and receivers in each of them. I find that adding both forms of preplay communication increases cooperation and efficiency in the ensuing repeated partnership. In particular, when the communication is binding, i.e. senders formulate specify strategies as contracts, the efficiency of the repeated partnership is highest. Moreover, I find that more cooperative and lenient strategies are sent and receivers are more cooperative in partnerships governed by contracts. The third chapter analyzes the sales method for a sample of 575 M\&A deals announced between 1998 and 2012 and find that targets use auctions to increase the probability of finding bidders that can relax their financial constraints rather than to create operational synergies. Auctions, compared to negotiated deals, are associated with significantly higher target announcement returns, especially for relatively small targets. Bidder returns are positively related to auctions for bidders acquiring relatively small targets, not for the full sample. Taking into account size differences, we find that auctions, decrease target gains and increase bidder gains expressed in dollars.
Research-in-progress: reframing a knowledge level framework

In this paper, we present a research-in-progress study where we are revisiting a well known knowledge-level framework of understanding (i.e. knowledge) of a system proposed by Olfman et al. (2006). The catalyst for this relook was the anomalies and incongruencies that surfaced when we tried to apply this framework in another study whose aim was to examine how hermeneutic reflection helps in learning. While the framework proved a useful vehicle to carry out hermeneutic analysis, it also proved inadequate in accounting for some significant aspects of what constitutes understanding of a system. A closer look at the data revealed that other theoretical premises could not only provide a better interpretation but also that these premises can potentially enhance the knowledge level framework. We are currently reinterpreting the data using three interpretive lenses, namely, practice lens, socio-materiality and genres. Our goal is to reconceptualize what constitutes understanding or knowledge of a system and propose a revised knowledge level framework.
Arabic-English translation improvement by target-side neural network language modeling

The quality of translation, produced by Statistical Machin e Translation (SMT) systems, crucially depends on generali zation, provided by the statistical models involved into translation proces s. In this study we present the n-gram based translation system (i.e. the UPC SMT system), enhanced with a continuous space language mode l (LM), estimated with a neural network (NN). In the framewor k of the study, we use NN LM on the rescoring step, reevaluating the N -best list of complete translations hypothesis. Different word history length included in the model ( n-gram order) and distinct continuous space representation (i.e. including words, appearing in the training corpus more thank times) are considered in the paper. We report result for an Ar abic-English translation task, improving Arabic-English translation accuracy by better target language model repre s ntation in contrast with the state-of-the-art approach. T e experimental results are evaluated by means of automatic evaluation metr ics correlated with fluency and adequacy of the generated tra nslations.
Gender equality and occupational segregation in Nordic labour markets

Part 1 Description of occupational segregation and labour market differentials by sex: impact of occupational segregation "the Nordic model" statistical comparisons on women's status literature review of occupational segregation Nordic policies to enhance gender equality legal framework and national machinery. Part 2 Statistical analysis of occupational segregation by sex in Nordic labour markets: patterns in the Nordic labour markets in 1990 women's share in the labour market indices of inequality gender-dominated occupations largest "female" occupations typical "female" and "male" occupations effect of occupational structure on segregation in 1990 monetization of household work and provision of public services women and men in higher and lower status occupations.
B-raf Alternative Splicing Is Dispensable for Development but Required for Learning and Memory Associated with the Hippocampus in the Adult Mouse

The B-raf proto-oncogene exerts essential functions during development and adulthood. It is required for various processes, such as placental development, postnatal nervous system myelination and adult learning and memory. The mouse B-raf gene encodes several isoforms resulting from alternative splicing of exons 8b and 9b located in the hinge region upstream of the kinase domain. These alternative sequences modulate the biochemical and biological properties of B-Raf proteins. To gain insight into the physiological importance of B-raf alternative splicing, we generated two conditional knockout mice of exons 8b and 9b. Homozygous animals with a constitutive deletion of either exon are healthy and fertile, and survive up to 18 months without any visible abnormalities, demonstrating that alternative splicing is not essential for embryonic development and brain myelination. However, behavioural analyses revealed that expression of exon 9b-containing isoforms is required for B-Raf function in hippocampal-dependent learning and memory. In contrast, mice mutated on exon 8b are not impaired in this function. Interestingly, our results suggest that exon 8b is present only in eutherians and its splicing is differentially regulated among species.
Successful Resolution of Preretinal Haemorrhage with Intravitreal Ranibizumab

We would like to report two cases of preretinal haemorrhage from two different aetiology courses of bleeding being treated with intravitreal ranibizumab and its outcome. Our first case was a 39-year-old man with a diagnosis of severe aplastic anaemia that presented with bilateral premacular haemorrhages in both eyes. His right eye vision was 6/45 and it was counting finger in the left eye. He was treated with intravitreal ranibizumab once to the right eye and twice to the left eye. Right eye showed complete resolution of premacular haemorrhage and minimal residual premacular haemorrhage in the left eye at 3 months after initial presentation. Our second case was a 32-year-old healthy teacher that presented with preretinal haemorrhage at superotemporal region extending to macular area in left eye secondary to valsalva retinopathy. Her left vision was counting finger. She was treated with single intravitreal ranibizumab to the left eye. There was significant reduction of premacular haemorrhage and her left eye vision improved to 6/6 at 10 weeks after injection. Both cases had favourable outcome with intravitreal ranibizumab and can be considered as nonsurgical treatment option in treating premacular haemorrhage.
A framework to characterize performance of LASSO algorithms

In this paper we consider solving \emph{noisy} under-determined systems of linear equations with sparse solutions. A noiseless equivalent attracted enormous attention in recent years, above all, due to work of \cite{CRT,CanRomTao06,DonohoPol} where it was shown in a statistical and large dimensional context that a sparse unknown vector (of sparsity proportional to the length of the vector) can be recovered from an under-determined system via a simple polynomial $\ell_1$-optimization algorithm. \cite{CanRomTao06} further established that even when the equations are \emph{noisy}, one can, through an SOCP noisy equivalent of $\ell_1$, obtain an approximate solution that is (in an $\ell_2$-norm sense) no further than a constant times the noise from the sparse unknown vector. In our recent works \cite{StojnicCSetam09,StojnicUpper10}, we created a powerful mechanism that helped us characterize exactly the performance of $\ell_1$ optimization in the noiseless case (as shown in \cite{StojnicEquiv10} and as it must be if the axioms of mathematics are well set, the results of \cite{StojnicCSetam09,StojnicUpper10} are in an absolute agreement with the corresponding exact ones from \cite{DonohoPol}). In this paper we design a mechanism, as powerful as those from \cite{StojnicCSetam09,StojnicUpper10}, that can handle the analysis of a LASSO type of algorithm (and many others) that can be (or typically are) used for "solving" noisy under-determined systems. Using the mechanism we then, in a statistical context, compute the exact worst-case $\ell_2$ norm distance between the unknown sparse vector and the approximate one obtained through such a LASSO. The obtained results match the corresponding exact ones obtained in \cite{BayMon10,DonMalMon10}. Moreover, as a by-product of our analysis framework we recognize existence of an SOCP type of algorithm that achieves the same performance.
The OpenPonk modeling platform

In this paper we present OpenPonk: a free, open-source, simple to use platform for developing tools for conceptual modeling: diagramming, DSLs, and algorithms operating on the models and diagrams, such as automatic layouting, model transformations, validations, etc. This project differentiates itself from the current efforts by providing completely free and open-source live development environment, which is simple to learn, use, and extend. There are already several plugins and extensions that bring several notations and algorithms, some of which are presented in this paper, alongside the overview of the core of the platform, and how they integrate with each other. We also present a comprehensive project case study utilizing OpenPonk.
Combining Phylogeography with Distribution Modeling : Multiple Pleistocene Range Expansions in a Parthenogenetic Gecko from the Australian Arid Zone

Phylogenetic and geographic evidence suggest that many parthenogenetic organisms have evolved recently and have spread rapidly. These patterns play a critical role in our understanding of the relative merits of sexual versus asexual reproductive modes, yet their interpretation is often hampered by a lack of detail. Here we present a detailed phylogeographic study of a vertebrate parthenogen, the Australian gecko Heteronotia binoei, in combination with statistical and biophysical modeling of its distribution during the last glacial maximum. Parthenogenetic H. binoei occur in the Australian arid zone and have the widest range of any known vertebrate parthenogen. They are broadly sympatric with their sexual counterparts, from which they arose via hybridization. We have applied nested clade phylogeographic, effective migration, and mismatch distribution analyses to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences obtained for 319 individuals sampled throughout the known geographic ranges of two parthenogenetic mitochondrial lineages. These analyses provide strong evidence for past range expansion events from west to east across the arid zone, and for continuing eastward range expansion. Parthenogen formation and range expansion events date to the late Pleistocene, with one lineage expanding from the northwest of its present range around 240,000 years ago and the second lineage expanding from the far west around 70,000 years ago. Statistical and biophysical distribution models support these inferences of recent range expansion, with suitable climatic conditions during the last glacial maximum most likely limited to parts of the arid zone north and west of much of the current ranges of these lineages. Combination of phylogeographic analyses and distribution modeling allowed considerably stronger inferences of the history of this complex than either would in isolation, illustrating the power of combining complementary analytical approaches.
Modeling Efficient Multi-chained Stream Signature Protocol Using Communicating Sequential Processes

Communicating Sequential Processes (CSP) is a process algebra, designed for modeling and analyzing the behavior of concurrent systems. Several security protocols are modeled with CSP and verified using model-checking or theorem proving techniques successfully. Unlike other authentication protocols modeled using CSP, each of the Efficient Multi-chained Stream Signature (EMSS) protocol messages are linked to the previous messages, forming hash chains, which introduces difficulties for modeling and verification. In this paper, we model the EMSS stream authentication protocol using CSP and verify its authentication properties with model checking, by building an infinite state model of the protocol which is reduced into a finite state model.
Advanced Prediction of Pulsed Extraction Column Performance using LLECMOD

A bivariate population balance model (the base of LLECMOD program) for the dynamic simulation of liqu id extraction columns is extended to simulate pulsed a nd sieve extraction columns. The model is programmed using v isual digital FORTRAN and then integrated into the LLECMOD program. In addition pulsed and sieve tray columns, LLECMOD simulates stirred two types of agitated columns (RD C & Kühni). As a case study, LLECMOD is used to simulate the steady state performance of a pulsed extraction column. Two chemical test systems recommended by the EFCE are used in the sim ulation. Model predictions are successfully validated agains t steady state and dynamic experimental data, where good agreement s with the experimental data are achieved.
Simulation of a scalar field on a fuzzy sphere

The ϕ4 real scalar field theory on a fuzzy sphere is studied numerically. We refine the phase diagram for this model where three distinct phases are known to exist: a uniformly ordered phase, a disordered phase, and a nonuniformly ordered phase where the spatial SO(3) symmetry of the round sphere is spontaneously broken and which has no classical equivalent. The three coexistence lines between these phases, which meet at a triple point, are carefully located, with particular attention paid to the one between the two ordered phases and the triple point itself. In the neighborhood of the triple point all phase boundaries are well approximated by straight lines which, surprisingly, have the same scaling. We argue that unless an extra term is added to enhance the effect of the kinetic term the infinite matrix limit of this model will not correspond to a real scalar field on the commutative sphere or plane.
Descriptive Modeling of the Web Mapping Systems Users Behavior

Web mapping systems and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in general are widely used nowadays. However, there is a lack of models that describe how users interact with this kind of application and the workload imposed on servers. These models are important for performance evaluation and to direct the focus of the development to the points that will affect the most used operations and the most users of the system. In this paper, we propose a descriptive model of the web mapping systems users’ behavior. The model can be used as a starting point for the creation of workload generators to make performance evaluations in this kind of application. As a case study we created a workload generator and we applied it in a web tile server. We show that adding user features can significantly change the workload imposed on the server.
Rapamycin prevents endothelial cell migration by inhibiting the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition and matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9: An in vitro study

Purpose To evaluate the influence of rapamycin on endothelial-mesenchymal transition and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) secretion by human umbilical vein endothelial cell line EA.hy926 and explore rapamycin’s angiogenesis inhibition mechanism. Methods EA.hy926 cells were cultivated in vitro. After the cells attained complete confluency, an artificial scratch was made through the monolayer with a sterile plastic 100 μl micropipette tip. Cell morphology changes were observed. The expression of vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin, vimentin, and Twist protein were examined by immunofluorescence. After scratching, the cells were treated with 10, 100, and 1,000 ng/ml rapamycin for durations of 24, 48, and 72 h. Cell proliferation was then assessed using methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay. Cell migration ability was examined, and the expression of VE-cadherin, vimentin, and the Twist transcription factor in mRNA levels was evaluated with reverse transcriptase PCR. The expression of gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) was examined using gelatin zymography. Results After scratching, the endothelial cells were able to migrate via an endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition, which was related to Twist expression. Finally, mesenchymal cells transitioned into endothelial cells and reached cell confluency again. The growth of EA.hy926 cells was not affected by rapamycin concentrations of 10 ng/ml or 100 ng/ml during treatment periods of 1, 2, and 3 days; however, cell growth was inhibited by 1,000 ng/ml rapamycin with a three-day treatment period. Rapamycin successfully inhibited cell migration at concentrations of 10 ng/ml, 100 ng/ml, and 1,000 ng/ml for a treatment period of up to 8 h. Different concentrations of rapamycin induced the expression of VE-cadherin, inhibited vimentin and Twist expression in the endothelial cells, and inhibited endothelial cell secretion of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Conclusions Rapamycin inhibited cell migration and extracellular matrix degradation by inhibiting endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition and the endothelial cell secretion of MMP-2 and MMP-9; these may be possible mechanisms for the inhibition of angiogenesis by rapamycin.
A Formally-Verified Decision Procedure for Univariate Polynomial Computation Based on Sturm's Theorem

Sturm's Theorem is a well-known result in real algebraic geometry that provides a function that computes the number of roots of a univariate polynomial in a semiopen interval. This paper presents a formalization of this theorem in the PVS theorem prover, as well as a decision procedure that checks whether a polynomial is always positive, nonnegative, nonzero, negative, or nonpositive on any input interval. The soundness and completeness of the decision procedure is proven in PVS. The procedure and its correctness properties enable the implementation of a PVS strategy for automatically proving existential and universal univariate polynomial inequalities. Since the decision procedure is formally verified in PVS, the soundness of the strategy depends solely on the internal logic of PVS rather than on an external oracle. The procedure itself uses a combination of Sturm's Theorem, an interval bisection procedure, and the fact that a polynomial with exactly one root in a bounded interval is always nonnegative on that interval if and only if it is nonnegative at both endpoints.
A Study of Physiological Signals-based Emotion Recognition Systems

The use of physiological signals is relatively recent development in human emotion recognition. Interest in this field has been motivated by the unbiased nature of such signals, which are generated autonomously from the central nervous system. Generally, these signals can be collected from the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, electrodermal activities, muscular system and brain activities. This paper presents an overview of emotion recognition using physiological signals. The main components of a physiological signals-based emotion recognirion system are explained, including discussion regarding the concepts and problems about the various stages involved in its framework.
Hybrid Method to Analyze Cryptography in Software

Cryptography reversing of software has playing an important role in malware detecting and vulnerability mining recently. This paper has proposed a four-level cryptography reversing model which contains crypto algorithms recognition, crypto mechanism reversing, wrong/weak implement, vulnerability mining. Both dynamic and static analysis technology takes its shortage, for solving this problem, we have brought forward a hybrid method based on the assumption that static disassemble result is correct, and have studied the density of arithmetic and bit wise operation, crypto dynamic constants and entropy value of memory operation data to filter the cryptography primitives.
N-BODY SIMULATION OF PLANETESIMAL FORMATION THROUGH GRAVITATIONAL INSTABILITY AND COAGULATION. II. ACCRETION MODEL

The gravitational instability of a dust layer is one of the scenarios for planetesimal formation. If the density of a dust layer becomes sufficiently high as a result of the sedimentation of dust grains toward the midplane of a protoplanetary disk, the layer becomes gravitationally unstable and spontaneously fragments into planetesimals. Using a shearing box method, we performed local N-body simulations of gravitational instability of a dust layer and subsequent coagulation without gas and investigated the basic formation process of planetesimals. In this paper, we adopted the accretion model as a collision model. A gravitationally bound pair of particles is replaced by a single particle with the total mass of the pair. This accretion model enables us to perform long-term and large-scale calculations. We confirmed that the formation process of planetesimals is the same as that in the previous paper with the rubble pile models. The formation process is divided into three stages: the formation of nonaxisymmetric structures; the creation of planetesimal seeds; and their collisional growth. We investigated the dependence of the planetesimal mass on the simulation domain size. We found that the mean mass of planetesimals formed in simulations is proportional to L3/2y, where Ly is the size of the computational domain in the direction of rotation. However, the mean mass of planetesimals is independent of Lx, where Lx is the size of the computational domain in the radial direction if Lx is sufficiently large. We presented the estimation formula of the planetesimal mass taking into account the simulation domain size.