Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Predicting Spatio-Temporal Propagation of Seasonal Influenza Using Variational Gaussian Process Regression

Understanding and predicting how influenza propagates is vital to reduce its impact. In this paper we develop a nonparametric model based on Gaussian process (GP) regression to capture the complex spatial and temporal dependencies present in the data. A stochastic variational inference approach was adopted to address scalability. Rather than modeling the problem as a time-series as in many studies, we capture the space-time dependencies by combining different kernels. A kernel averaging technique which converts spatially-diffused point processes to an area process is proposed to model geographical distribution. Additionally, to accurately model the variable behavior of the time-series, the GP kernel is further modified to account for non-stationarity and seasonality. Experimental results on two datasets of state-wide US weekly flu-counts consisting of 19,698 and 89,474 data points, ranging over several years, illustrate the robustness of the model as a tool for further epidemiological investigations.
A Factor Model of the Term Structure of Interest Rates and Risk Premium Estimation for Latvia's Money Market

The paper presents the analysis of risk premium of the interest rate term structure for the Latvian money market. On the back of the approach used by F. Diebold, G. Rudebusch and B. Aruoba, it has been assumed that the coefficients of the Nelson–Siegel model are unobservable therefore the model of this research paper has been estimated using the Kalman filter. The risk premium behaviour has been obtained for interest rates of different maturities and forecasting horizons between May 2000 and July 2005. The results obtained indicate that the amount of the risk premium was significant and its volatility substantial between 2000 and 2002. In post-2002 period, its behaviour gradually stabilised and was marked by a downward trend after 2004.
Activation of Ras in neurons modifies synaptic vesicle docking and release

We have recently demonstrated that constitutive activation of Ha-Ras in differentiated neurons induces structural remodeling of both axons and dendrites in a transgenic mouse model (referred as synRas mice). Here we show that this activation of neuronal Ras enhances docking of synaptic vesicles to active zones, thereby leading to an increase in the size of the readily releasable pool of vesicles, while the size of the total pool of synaptic vesicles remained unchanged. The morphological phenotype was associated with corresponding increases in the probability of glutamate release as revealed by changes in short-term synaptic plasticity. We, therefore, conclude that neuronal Ras activity contributes to the regulation of synaptic plasticity in adult mammalian brain at the presynaptic level.
Slice Sampling σ-Stable Poisson-Kingman Mixture Models

The article is concerned with the use of Markov chain Monte Carlo methods for posterior sampling in Bayesian nonparametric mixture models.In particular, we consider the problem of slice sampling mixture models for a large class of mixing measures generalizing the celebrated Dirichlet process. Such a class of measures, known in the literature as σ-stable Poisson-Kingman models, includes as special cases most of the discrete priors currently known in Bayesian nonparametrics, for example, the two-parameter Poisson-Dirichlet process and the normalized generalized Gamma process. The proposed approach is illustrated on some simulated data examples. This article has online supplementary material.
Marketing Culture and Business Performance in the Airline Industry

Abstract In recent years the airline industry has witnessed increased emphasis on the cultivation of a culture which fosters the effective implementation of marketing programmes. This growing attention stems from the belief that sound marketing practices provide an important source of competitive advantage in the service sector which is characterised by high levels of interaction between firms and their customers. Moreover, marketing academics and managers proclaim that a strong marketing culture leads to customer retention, which in turn, yields higher profitability. In this study an attempt is made to investigate empirically the relationship between UK airline firms' marketing culture and business performance. Our results indicate a strong relationship between marketing culture and business performance. To conclude, implications of the findings for airline managers and avenues for future research are discussed.
Routinisation and the Decline of the U.S. Minimum Wage

The U.S. minimum wage declined in real terms since the late 1970s. In the same time, the wage of the least skilled workers fell in real terms, while the wage of the highest skilled workers increased. To shed light on these issues, I use a simple model of routinisation. High-ability workers, after having received additional education, can substitute low-ability co-workers by machines. Technical progress results in more high-ability workers receiving additional education and in a declining wage for lowability workers. A government opposes both unemployment and wage inequality. I calibrate the model and show that technical progress induces the government to lower the minimum wage. Hence, the model contributes to understand the decline in the U.S. minimum wage.
Comparing the effects of derived relational training and computer coding on intellectual potential in school-age children.

BACKGROUND Previous research found that pre-teenage ability to derive arbitrary 'same', 'opposite', 'more', and 'less' relations correlated with measured intelligence quotient (IQ) and that training this derived relational responding (DRR) skill produced substantial IQ rises. AIMS This study extended previous work by comparing the effects of DRR training (using strengthening mental abilities with relational training [SMART], an automated online training protocol) with the effects of a similar quantity of training in 'Scratch' computer coding. SAMPLE Twenty-eight children (13 girls) aged 10-11 (M = 10.34) participated, all members of the same class in a primary school in Co. Limerick, Ireland. METHODS Participants were tested before and after training for DRR ability as well as on standardized tests of IQ and academic attainment. Training time was limited to 29 hrs over two academic semesters in twice-weekly 1-hr instalments. RESULTS Significant improvements were seen in measures of overall intellectual performance; in digit span and letter/number sequencing; and in academic attainment, including spelling, reading, and numerical operations, in the SMART/DRR group alone, and there was significantly more improvement on these measures in the SMART/DRR group than in the Scratch group. CONCLUSIONS These findings extend the evidence that training DRR can produce improvements in intellectual and academic ability.
Testing for Cumulative Abnormal Returns in Event Studies with the Rank Test

Because of non-normality of stock returns nonparametric rank tests are gaining incremental popularity over parametric tests in event studies. In rank tests multiple day cumulative abnormal returns (CARs) are replaced by cumulated ranks. We propose modifications to the existing approach that improve robustness to event induced volatility, give accurate large sample distribution of the statistic, and improve small sample approximation of the distribution. Simulations with actual returns show that the proposed rank test is well specified in testing CARs, is robust, and exhibits superior (empirical) power relative to popular parametric tests.
Determinants of Economic and Social Outcomes from a Life-Wide Learning Perspective in Canada

The notion that the knowledge and skills embodied in individuals contribute to the creation of economic and social benefits is not a new concept. But in practice little is known about the extent and relative influence of how different learning activities contribute to the formation of one's knowledge and skills, and in turn their relative influence in generating different kinds of benefits. Studies either focus on one form of learning or the other, and for the most part they tend to focus on indicators of formal education. To improve the understanding of how education and learning lead to the creation of economic and social benefits, a comprehensive approach drawing on all the potential sources of knowledge and skills should be applied. Accordingly, the primary objective of the present article is to measure the relative influence of engaging in various learning activities--Aspanning the 'life-wide' spectrum of learning--Aon economic and social benefits. The study presents a conceptual framework and uses data from the Canadian Adult Literacy Survey to estimate corresponding structural models. The findings provide support for the hypotheses formulated; namely, that the relationship between formal education and economic and social outcomes is complex, with confounding effects. The results indicate that different types of learning activities taken for different reasons lead to different kinds of benefits. The latter finding suggests a potential trade-off between attaining economic and social benefits through different types of learning activities that are taken for either job-related or personal interest-related reasons. The article concludes that further in-depth analyses are required to improve the understanding of the complex relationship between various learning activities and the benefits they generate.
‘Hardly Likely to Make the Japanese Tremble’

Little has been published on the types of businesses started by graduates, and on how far they are meeting the needs of the ‘knowledge driven’ economy. This article re-examines and compares data from surveys conducted in the late 1980s on the entrepreneurial career aspirations and destinations of university and college graduates. Recent graduates, when left to their own devices, tend to develop small and unimaginative businesses. The nature of the business started is significantly determined by the nature of the course taken, and is often professionally and traditionally orientated. Although targeted support improves business professionalism and performance, the improvement is relatively small, and well short of the expectations of Government that the graduates from the university sector should be producing a steady stream of high quality wealth-creating businesses.
SECTORAL EFFECTS OF RINGGIT DEPRECIATION SHOCKS

The paper seeks to address two important questions-namely, is exchange rate depreciation expansionary or contractionary and are there distributional consequences of exchange rate shocks for the case of Malaysia? In the paper, we consider the relations between aggregate output as well as eight sectoral outputs and real effective exchange rate in multivariate setting. Applying multivariate cointegration test, we find evidence for cointegration among the variables for all sectors. More importantly, both real output (aggregate output as well as all sectoral output) and real exchange rate contribute significantly to the cointegration space, affirming the presence of long run relations between the two focused variables. In most cases, the estimated cointegrating vectors suggest expansionary currency depreciation. Our simulated dynamics using generalized impulse responses further substantiate this finding especially over longer horizons. Over shorter horizons, however, exchange rate depreciation can be contractionary for certain sectors particularly for the construction sector. Lastly, we also find evidence indicative of the differential effects of the currency shocks. Comparatively, the manufacturing sector, transport, storage and communication sector, and finance, insurance, real estates and business services sector seem to be affected more by exchange rate fluctuations.
No Benefit Adding Eleutherococcus senticosus to Stress Management Training in Stress-Related Fatigue/Weakness, Impaired Work or Concentration, A Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract Introduction: Plant adaptogens are traditionally used for stress-related symptoms, but clinical evidence is inconsistent. This trial explored the effects of 120 mg/day Eleutherococcus senticosus root extract (ES), 2-day professional stress management training (SMT) and a combination of both (COM). Methods: 144 participants suffering from asthenia and reduced working capacity related to chronic stress were randomized to the treatments. Validated scales and tests were used to investigate cognitive performance; feeling stressed; fatigue and exhaustion; alertness, restlessness and mood; quality of life and sleep; physical complaints and activities; and physiological stress parameters including cortisol awakening response (CAR), at baseline, after 2 and 8 weeks of treatment (German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00000692). Results: Almost all parameters improved significantly over time without group differences. Significant differences were found in mental fatigue and restlessness, both in favor of COM vs. ES. COM was not superior to SMT in any parameter at week 8. An attenuation of the CAR was seen at week 2 without group differences. All treatments were well tolerated. Discussion: Effects of adding ES to SMT are, if any, negligible.
Policies for Local Development: An Evaluation of Italy's 'Patti Territoriali'

In Italy, Patti Territoriali (Territorial Pacts) are one of the main government-sponsored programmes to foster growth in disadvantaged areas. A territorial pact is an agreement among the local authorities and representatives of civil society (mainly entrepreneurs and trade unions) of a number of neighbouring municipalities that is subsequently endorsed by the central government. It consists in a fully-fledged development plan, including a series of private and public investments for which public funding is provided. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of territorial pacts by comparing the economic performance, in terms of employment and number of plants, of participating municipalities with a sample of municipalities not involved in the policy. The results suggest that the programme has been largely ineffective in stimulating growth.
Second-Look Arthroscopic Findings and Clinical Outcomes after Microfracture for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus

Background Arthroscopic microfracture is frequently used to repair osteochondral lesions of the talus. However, despite the popularity of this technique, no study has been conducted on cartilage repair after microfracture by second-look arthroscopy. Purpose The purpose of the present study was to evaluate cartilage repair in osteochondral lesions of the talus by second-look arthroscopy and to compare arthroscopic findings with clinical outcomes 12 months postoperatively. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods Second-look arthroscopies were performed in 20 ankles of 19 patients at 12 months postoperatively. Arthroscopic findings were classified using the Ferkel and Cheng staging system, and cartilage repair was assessed using the International Cartilage Repair System (ICRS). Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale. Results According to the Ferkel and Cheng staging at second-look arthroscopy, 7 of the 20 ankles (35%) showed incomplete healing (stage D). In terms of ICRS overall repair grades, 8 ankles (40%) were abnormal (grade III). Mean AOFAS scores for Ferkel and Cheng stages A to C (n 5 13) and stage D (n 5 7) were 88.5 and 82.0 points, and those for ICRS repair grades I and II (n 5 12) and grade III (n 5 8) were 88.7 and 82.5, respectively. Good correlations were found between AOFAS scores and Ferkel and Cheng stages and ICRS grades. Overall, 90% of ankles achieved an excellent or good AOFAS score of over 80 points. Conclusion Second-look arthroscopic findings at 12 months postoperatively after microfracture for osteochondral lesions of the talus revealed that 40% of lesions were incompletely healed. Nevertheless, the majority of patients achieved a good clinical outcome. Furthermore, postoperative clinical scores were found to be correlated with ICRS repair grades.
What Factors Affect the Persistence of an Innovation Advantage?

type="main"> Factors that affect a firm's ability to achieve an advantage may differ from those that affect its ability to sustain that advantage. Moreover, if advantage is a relative concept then studies that relate resource stocks to ‘absolute’ outcomes say little about how resources contribute to enduring differences among firms. We explore these issues in the global semiconductor industry by analyzing how a firm's resource stocks contribute to the persistence of an innovation advantage (a relative outcome). The findings demonstrate that a firm's own production experience and the experience held by its partners contribute to temporary innovation advantages. The results also show that a firm's own production experience yields a more durable innovation advantage as compared to the experience held by a firm's partners and that the experience held by a firm's partners provides a more enduring advantage than a firm's patent stock.
Differential detection of Rhizoma coptidis by capillary electrophoresis electrospray ionization mass spectrometry with a nanospray interface

A lab prototype CE‐nanospray‐MS platform with a high sensitivity porous sprayer was successfully applied in differential identification of Rhizoma coptidis in this paper. To obtain a stable and reliable nanospray, detailed optimizations about emitter geometry, buffer composition, emitter position, and spray voltage, as well as emitter cleanliness were discussed. Results showed that the reproducibility and sensitivity for separations of alkaloid standards were satisfactory using CE‐nanospray‐MS, which were also compared to ultra‐HPLC (UHPLC)‐MS. Their signal responds were at the same order of magnitude (intensities: 0.8 − 1.5 × 108 vs. 3.8 − 6.2 × 108), even though a 2 nL injection for CE was 2500‐fold lower than UHPLC (5 μL injection). The absolute LOD results of CE‐MS showed a remarkable superiority (18–24 fg), equal to 1000‐fold lower than that of UHPLC‐MS. Principal component analysis (PCA) of adulterated R. coptidis showed that this protocol had the ability to profile and qualify complex herb medicines, which also created a great potential for evaluation and qualification of rare and valuable Chinese medicines in future.
Index Investment and the Financialization of Commodities

The authors found that, concurrent with the rapidly growing index investment in commodity markets since the early 2000s, prices of non-energy commodity futures in the United States have become increasingly correlated with oil prices; this trend has been significantly more pronounced for commodities in two popular commodity indices. This finding reflects the financialization of the commodity markets and helps explain the large increase in the price volatility of non-energy commodities around 2008.
Stimulation of Type-X Collagen Gene Transcription by Retinoids Occurs in Part Through the BMP Signaling Pathway

Background: Chondrocyte maturation and hypertrophy during endochondral bone formation are stimulated by both retinoids and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). The type-X collagen gene, which is expressed only in hypertrophic chondrocytes, provides an excellent marker for chondrocyte maturation. We previously identified a 651-base-pair region of the type-X collagen promoter that is essential for its activation by BMP. We examined the relationship between the retinoid and BMP signaling pathways in transcriptional stimulation of the type-X collagen gene to determine whether they act independently or interact to regulate endochondral bone formation.Methods: Prehypertrophic chondrocytes from embryonic chick sterna cultured in the presence or absence of retinoic acid or BMP-2 were transiently transfected with plasmids containing various mutations of the type-X collagen promoter directing expression of a luciferase reporter gene. In addition, real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to examine the effects of retinoic acid on expression of genes encoding BMP-2, 4, and 6.Results: The previously identified BMP-responsive region of the type-X collagen promoter also mediated stimulation by physiological concentrations of retinoic acid in prehypertrophic chondrocytes. Systematic deletion mutagenesis of the BMP/retinoid-responsive region of the type-X collagen promoter identified distinct regions that are responsible for promoter stimulation by retinoids and BMP. Retinoic acid rapidly and dramatically stimulated accumulation of BMP-2 and BMP-6 messenger RNAs.Conclusions: These results suggest that, while retinoic acid appears to stimulate type-X collagen gene transcription in part by stimulating the BMP signaling pathway, it also acts in part through mechanisms that are independent of BMP.Clinical Relevance: Retinoids are essential for chondrocyte maturation during endochondral bone formation, but at high concentrations vitamin A is a potent teratogen; thus, both excessive and deficient vitamin A cause skeletal abnormalities by mechanisms that are not well understood. Since synthetic derivatives of vitamin A are widely used therapeutic agents for the treatment of several types of diseases, it is important to understand their effects on endochondral bone formation.
Chaos Encryption Based DWT-SVD Watermarking

The progress in computer network technology, processing, reproducing and distribution of digital images has becomes very easy. Apart from its advantages, it also gives an opportunity to the attacker or illegal user. Two major approaches available to protect digital images are watermarking technique and encryption technique. This paper presents a combined watermarking and encryption method to further improve the security of the images. It uses Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) - Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) watermarking technique and chaotic encryption method. After embedding the two watermark images into the host image it is encrypted and transmitted. At the receiver side it is decrypted and the watermarks are recovered. Simulation results prove that the proposed method is simple and more secure.
Regional development platforms and related variety: Exploring the changing practices of food tourism in North Jutland, Denmark

There has been growing interest in regional policies that stimulate interactions between different sectors, often based on the concept of ‘related variety’. The identification and development of new cross-sectoral growth trajectories has been described elsewhere as building ‘regional development platforms’. This article contributes to conceptual debates about cross-sectoral regional development platforms and provides an empirical analysis of attempts to create and develop such a platform. From a conceptual perspective we argue that the notion of related variety can help policymakers to identify potential combinatorial platform opportunities, but may overestimate the ability of ‘related’ actors to collaborate together in innovative ways, because knowledge is embedded in practice and the process of ‘combining’ knowledge in new activities is therefore challenging. The paper illuminates the development of cross-sectoral platforms by examining the creation of new activities from a practice perspective that directs attention to the everyday activities, routines and understandings that constitute the ‘doing’ of economic development. We explore the development of a cross sectoral platform in the North Jutland region of Denmark, which integrates actors from the food and tourism sectors into a new food-tourism platform. We identify the dominant forms of the practices of producing food, retailing, catering, and promoting tourism, and then consider the ways in which these have changed in response to new cross-sectoral initiatives. The analysis shows that some aspects of practice are easier to change than others, and we conclude that an analytical approach inspired by practice theory can identify the requirements in terms of micro-level change in the practices of actors that is required for an initiative to succeed.