Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
China and Natural Resource Curse in Developing Countries: Empirical Evidence from a Cross‐Country Study

China's rising demand for natural resources and its growing presence in many poor and resource-rich countries have been criticized for promoting neo-colonialism in the 21st century. Using panel data for 135 developing countries from 1995 to 2007, the present paper empirically evaluates the validity of such claims. Our findings do not support the resource curse thesis in the areas of industrialization and economic growth. Moreover, the effect of resources is conditional on the initial quality of political institutions in a country.
Large-Area Self Assembled Monolayers of Silica Microspheres Formed by Dip Coating

Abstract : Formation by dip coating of highly ordered and closely packed, self assembled monolayers (SAMs) of microsized silica spheres has been reported. Under optimized coating conditions, SAMs were formed with 2 micron diameter silica spheres on record-breakingly large areas, measuring 3x10 mm2 on silicon substrates and 1.5x11 mm2 on glass substrates. The SAMs structure and their spatial extension were significantly influenced by the concentration of the solution, withdrawal speed, immersion time, relative humidity, types of solvent and substrate material. The SAMs of silica microspheres provide a glimpse into the wide range of photonic applications for dip coating such as surface texturing and anti-reflection coatings.
Electrolytic Capacitorless Current-Fed Single-Phase Pulsating DC Link Inverter

This paper proposes a current-fed single-phase inverter without constant intermediate DC link. It eliminates electrolytic capacitor from the DC-link and introduces an intermediate pulsating DC bus. The proposed topology is modular with three full-bridges making it scalable for high-power applications. New pulsating-DC-modulation for back-end pulsating DC-link inverter and secondary modulation (SM) for front-end DC-to-pulsating DC converter is proposed. Soft-switching and device voltage clamping of both primary side and secondary side devices of front-end current-fed full-bridge converter is realized. A rotating partial hybrid pulsewidth modulation has been introduced. One leg of inverter is commutated at a low switching frequency, while the other leg is operated at a high switching frequency for partial period of a line frequency cycle. Thus, switching losses of the back-end inverter are considerably reduced. Rotating mechanism is used to equalize the switching losses of four switches of the inverter. This paper presents detailed operation and analysis of the topology with a proposed modulation scheme. Simulation and experimental results validate the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed modulation scheme as well as soft-switching and performance of the converter.
Bounty Hunters as Dynamic Traveling Repairmen

Vehicle routing problems such as the multiagent Dynamic Traveling Repariman Problem (DTRP) are of interest to many fields and of increasing practical importance in light of advances in autonomous vehicles. DTRP is NP-hard, making approximation methods attractive. However current heuristic approaches do not adequately consider issues special to DTRP, such as fairness and variance, discontiguous-space scenarios, or approaches to equitably partitioning the task space. We tackle this problem in a novel way, using a multiagent task allocation technique called bounty hunting. In bounty hunting, agents compete to perform tasks non-exclusively in return for reward, and rapidly learn which agents are more adept at various tasks than others, divvying up the task space. We demonstrate that bounty hunting can perform efficiently in discontiguous environments, and can improve the bias and variance of the system while minimally affecting average waiting time. We show that Bounty Hunting Pareto dominates the current state-ofthe-art heuristic, and is particularly good in large-scale scenarios.
Monitoring Earthquake through MEMS Sensors (MEMS project) in the town of Acireale (Italy)

We introduce the realization of the first European real-time urban seismic network based on Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology. The project is called Monitoring Earthquake through MEMS Sensors (MEMS) and encompass the installation of about 100 seismic station in the municipality of Acireale (Sicily, Italy). The stations, specifically designed and assembled, are equipped with a triaxial MEMS accelerometer, and gyroscope and GPS. In this paper we present the characteristics of the station and of the network. The main objective of the network is a rapid, post-earthquake disaster assessment through the automatic production of shake maps. The network also allow the implementation of an automatic recognition system for damage assessment from remotely piloted aircraft, and of a site-specific Earthquake Early Warning system.
Prize-sharing rules in collective rent-seeking

We review our knowledge as to how different ways of sharing a prize among the members of a group in collective rent-seeking affect individuals' incentives to contribute to their group's aggregate effort. Starting with Nitzan (1991), the literature has considered both exogenous and endogenous sharing rules, while it has assumed that the choice of such rules may occur under either public or private information. In turn, group sharing rules affect the extent of total rent dissipation, the occurrence of the group size paradox, group formation, and the choice between productive and appropriative activities.
An Inside‐Out Marketing Strategy for Innovation among Human Service Nonprofits in South Korea

In the increasingly competitive nonprofit market, innovation may be the only choice for survival among human service nonprofits. Considering the importance of service encounters and high dependence on human resources, internal marketing has potential as a management strategy to improve innovative activities in human service nonprofits. To examine the effect of internal marketing strategy focusing on employees, this study investigates the mediating effect of customer orientation in the pathway from internal marketing to innovation. The findings from 258 community-based social service centers in South Korea support the positive impact of internal marketing on customer orientation and innovation, although the significant evidence for the mediating effect of customer orientation is not found. The current study suggests implications for practice and future research.
Deep Learning-Based Image Segmentation for Al-La Alloy Microscopic Images

Quantitative analysis through image processing is a key step to gain information regarding the microstructure of materials. In this paper, we develop a deep learning-based method to address the task of image segmentation for microscopic images using an Al–La alloy. Our work makes three key contributions. (1) We train a deep convolutional neural network based on DeepLab to achieve image segmentation and have significant results. (2) We adopt a local processing method based on symmetric overlap-tile strategy which makes it possible to analyze the microscopic images with high resolution. Additionally, it achieves seamless segmentation. (3) We apply symmetric rectification to enhance the accuracy of results with 3D information. Experimental results showed that our method outperforms existing segmentation methods.
Avoiding crisis in communication: a computer-supported training approach for emergency management

Crisis management requires stakeholders not only to show strategic, organisational preparedness for crisis events (e.g., by systematising and professionalising coping with work), but also to develop skills in dealing with unanticipated events and other stakeholders involved in the same crisis. They should not only rely on established information flows and behaviour patterns, but also be able to deal with situational aspects. This usually involves communication work within and between organisations involved in crisis management. We describe the practice of the crisis communication training of a German Electricity Provider (GEP) and the prototype we developed, implemented and evaluated. The collaborative training tool targets not only the local practice, but also interorganisational training that will allow improving the mutual understanding of communication practices and meeting the information needs of other stakeholders.
Assessing the Stability of Narrow Money Demand in the United Kingdom

It is widely accepted that the introduction of cash-saving technologies, such as credit and debit cards,and the growing network of automated teller machines (ATMs) contributed to a prolonged upward shift in narrow money velocity towards the end of the 20th century. This article considers whether this upward shift might plausibly have come to an end. First, it presents data on four distinct manifestations of financial innovation, and asks whether the pace of change in each might have slowed. Second, it uses time-series data stretching back more than 100 years to present estimates of the demand for narrow money during different time periods. It finds tentative evidence that, since the early 1990s, narrow money velocity has been a broadly stable function of the short-term rate of interest.
Evidence of Natural Wolbachia Infections and Molecular Identification of Field Populations of Culex pipiens Complex (Diptera: Culicidae) Mosquitoes in Western Turkey

ABSTRACT: Establishing reliable risk projection information about the distribution pattern of members of the Culex pipiens complex is of particular interest, as these mosquitoes are competent vectors for certain disease-causing pathogens. Wolbachia, a maternally inherited bacterial symbiont, are distributed in various arthropod species and can induce cytoplasmic incompatibility, i.e., reduced egg hatch, in certain crosses. It is being considered as a tool for population control of mosquito disease vectors. The Aegean region is characterized by highly populated, rural, and agricultural areas and is also on the route of the migratory birds. In this study, a fragment of the 658 bp of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene, which includes the barcode region, was employed to differentiate Cx. pipiens complex species found in this region. Moreover, for the first time, the prevalence of Wolbachia endobacteria in these natural populations was examined using PCR amplification of a specific wsp gene. Our results revealed a widespread (more than 90%, n=121) presence of the highly efficient West Nile virus vector Cx. quinquefasciatus in the region. We also found that Wolbachia infection is widespread; the average prevalence was 62% in populations throughout the region. This study provided valuable information about the composition of Cx. pipiens complex mosquitoes and the prevalence of Wolbachia infection in these populations in the Aegean region. This information will be helpful in tracking mosquito-borne diseases and designing and implementing Wolbachia-based control strategies in the region.
One‐stage DIEP flap breast reconstruction: Algorithm for immediate contralateral symmetrization

The aim of this study was to investigate clinical and aesthetic results of simultaneous contralateral balancing procedures in unilateral DIEP flap reconstructions by means of a symmetrization algorithm. Between 2004 and 2013, 335 patients underwent DIEP flap breast reconstruction with 48 patients (mean age 51.8 years, range 32–69 years) undergoing contralateral procedure. Patients were divided in Group‐A including 31 cases who underwent one‐stage procedure and Group‐B including 17 cases who underwent staged procedure. A symmetrization algorithm was proposed to plan immediate breast reduction/mastopexy. The groups were homogeneous regarding patient's age, BMI, mastectomy and flap weight (P > 0.05). All flaps survived. No complications were observed to the mastectomy skin flaps and to the reduction mammaplasty/mastopexy procedures in both groups. The mean operation time was 5 h in Group‐A while 5 h and 37 min in Group‐B (P = 0.0682). Contralateral procedures included 23 breast reductions and 8 mastopexies in Group‐A, while 10 breast reductions and 7 mastopexies were performed in Group‐B. Two and 6 patients required revision of the balancing procedure in Group‐A and Group‐B, respectively. The follow‐up time was 47.3 months (range 14–120 months) in Group‐A and 91.3 months (range 41–110 months) in Group‐B. Volume, upper/lower pole shape, projection, breast mound placement, IMF, symmetry, overall appearance, and general satisfaction sub‐items obtained high‐score evaluation without significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). One‐stage DIEP flap reconstruction by means of the symmetrization algorithm resulted in comparable aesthetic outcomes and patient satisfaction to a staged procedure. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:7–19, 2016.
A Tale of Two Premiums: The Role of Hedgers and Speculators in Commodity Futures Markets

This paper studies the dynamic relation between position changes and short-horizon returns in commodity futures markets. Speculators follow momentum strategies and trade more impatiently than hedgers, who trade as contrarians. Commodity futures prices predictably increase (decrease) following hedgers’ buying (selling) activity. This predictability is stronger when hedgers face more binding funding constraints and higher inventory pressure. These findings are consistent with the view that hedgers receive compensation for providing liquidity to speculators.
Antecedents of Perceived Benefits of Compliance Towards Organizational Data Protection Policies

Personal data protection policies are organizational tools that help to ensure employees´ data privacy. This study analyzed antecedent factors that influence employees´ perception in Brazilian organizations about perceived benefits of compliance towards those policies. The research was conducted through a quantitative approach and structural equation modeling was applied to test our hypothesis. Data were collected through a survey to obtain a sample of 220 respondents. Our results indicate that trust in organization and the risk of privacy loss directly influence perceived benefits of compliance. The results also show that employees who had your data improperly used before, have credibility in organizational controls reduced and perceived risk of privacy loss increased.
Automatic Dietary Assessment from Fast Food Categorization

This paper presents a novel approach for automatic dietary assessment from images captured from eating activities. We propose to directly estimate calories of fast food from its category and formulate dietary assessment as an object categorization problem. We use a modified bag of feature model for fast food categorization. We evaluate the proposed method in a database of McDonald fast food. The experimental results are encouraging and promising.
The association between BMI and risk of endometriosis-a meta-analysis

Objective: The objective of this meta-analysis was to systematically assess the association between BMI and endometriosis. Methods: Relevant studies were identified through searching PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases before August 2014. A random-effects model was derived to composite the pooled HR or OR. Results: 13 articles included in the final meta-analysis. When considering BMI as a continuous variable, pooled analysis indicated the risk of endometriosis was inversely associated with BMI (OR=0.95, 95% CI: 0.92-0.98), but a significant heterogeneity was observed. When excluded one study with HR, the heterogeneity of pooled OR decreased. When considering BMI as a category variable, the pooled analysis presented an OR of 0.61 (95% CI 0.44 to 0.85). In subgroup with a BMI cutoff value from 21 to 23, the heterogeneity decreased to 0.0%. Conclusion: Our subgroup analysis indicated that the risk of endometriosis seems to be inversely associated with BMI. But the precise relationship needs further verification research in the future.
Glutaminemia prognostic signifi cance in critical surgical patients-An analysis of plasma aminogram profi

Beatriz Pinto da Costa. “A” Surgical Department. Clínica Universitária de Cirurgia III. Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra. Praceta Prof. Mota Pinto. 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal e-mail: beatrizpcosta@huc.min-saude.pt Costa BP, Martins P, Veríssimo C, Simões M, Tomé M, Grazina M, Pimentel J, Castro-Sousa F. Glutaminemia prognostic signifi cance in critical surgical patients An analysis of plasma aminogram profi le. Nutr Hosp 2017;34:799-807
What sources of bereavement support are perceived helpful by bereaved people and why? Empirical evidence for the compassionate communities approach

Aims: To determine who provides bereavement support in the community, what sources are perceived to be the most or least helpful and for what reason, and to identify the empirical elements for optimal support in developing any future compassionate communities approach in palliative care. Design: A population-based cross-sectional investigation of bereavement experiences. Sources of support (informal, community and professional) were categorised according to the Public Health Model of Bereavement Support; most helpful reasons were categorised using the Social Provisions Scale, and least helpful were analysed using inductive content analysis. Setting and participants: Bereaved people were recruited from databases of funeral providers in Australia via an anonymous postal survey (2013–2014). Results: In total, 678 bereaved people responded to the survey. The most frequently used sources of support were in the informal category such as family, friends and funeral providers. While the professional category sources were the least used, they had the highest proportions of perceived unhelpfulness whereas the lowest proportions of unhelpfulness were in the informal category. The functional types of helpful support were Attachment, Reliable Alliance, Social Integration and Guidance. The five themes for least helpful support were: Insensitivity, Absence of Anticipated Support, Poor Advice, Lack of Empathy and Systemic Hindrance. Conclusion: A public health approach, as exemplified by compassionate communities policies and practices, should be adopted to support the majority of bereaved people as much of this support is already provided in informal and other community settings by a range of people already involved in the everyday lives of those recently bereaved. This study has provided further support for the need to strengthen the compassionate communities approach, not only for end of life care for dying patients but also along the continuum of bereavement support.
A geometric approach for recognizing emotions from 3D images with pose variations

Emotions are an incredibly important aspect of human life. Research on emotion recognition for the past few decades have resulted in development of several fields. In the current scenario, it is necessary that machines/robots need to identify human emotions and respond accordingly. Applications in this field can be seen in security, entertainment and Human Machine Interface/Human Robot Interface. Recent works on 3D images have gained importance due to its accuracy in real life applications as emotions can be recognised at different head poses. The intention of this work has been to develop an algorithm for recognition of emotion from facial expressions, which recognizes 6 basic emotions, which are anger, fear, happy, disgust, sad and surprise from 3D images in 7 yaw angles (+45° to −45°) and 3 pitch angles (+15°,0°, −15°). Most of the reported work considers + yaw angles. While in the current work, both positive as well as negative pitch and yaw angles are considered. BU3DFE database is used for the implementation. The proposed method resulted in improved accuracy and is comparable with the literature.
Selectable-FSR 10-GHz Granularity WDM Superchannel Filter in a Reconfigurable Photonic Integrated Circuit

We present a 10-GHz granularity reconfigurable WDM superchannel filter in a photonic integrated circuit. The filter uses a ring-resonator-assisted tapped-delay-line topology. An example configuration with two ring resonators and four tapped delay lines provides a spectral filter with a flat-top passband, a roll-off factor of 8%, a tunable central wavelength, and a selectable free spectral range, i.e., 2× or 4× the 3-dB passband bandwidth. The device was fabricated in a silicon nitride (Si3N4/SiO2) waveguide with a chip area of 0.36 cm2 and has a fiber-to-fiber insertion loss of 5 dB. We experimentally demonstrate the filter for selecting a subchannel from a WDM superchannel comprising 10-GHz subchannels with 10% and zero guard bands. Owing to the infinite impulse responses of ring resonators, this filter requires a significantly smaller area and fewer tuning elements compared with designs based on only tapped-delay-line finite-impulse-response filters. This paper contributes to the creation of chip-scale all-optical WDM superchannel transceivers and reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexers (ROADMs).
Patient-derived tumor xenografts of lung squamous cell carcinoma alter long non-coding RNA profile but not responsiveness to cisplatin

Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC), the second most common type of lung cancer, has received limited attention. Patient-derived tumor xenografts (PDTXs) are useful preclinical models to reproduce the diverse heterogeneity of cancer, but it is important to identify potential variations during their establishment. A total of 18 PDTXs were established from 37 the surgical specimens and 16 were serially passaged to third generation. Second- and third-generation xenografts had a faster growth rate in mice. The tumor implantation success rate was associated with poorer differentiation, larger tumor volume and higher expression of Ki-67. The xenografts largely retained histological and key immunophenotypic features (including p53, p63, cytokeratin5/6, and E-cadherin). However, increased Ki-67 expression was identified in partial xenografts. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and mRNA expression in third-generation xenografts differed from that of matched primary tumors. Gene Ontology and pathway analysis showed that mRNAs involved in cell cycle, and metabolism regulation were generally upregulated in xenografts, while those associated with immune responses were typically downregulated. Furthermore, the responses of xenografts to cisplatin were consistent with clinical outcome. In the present study, PDTXs of SCC were successfully established, and closely resembled their original tumor regarding their immunophenotype and response to cisplatin. Overall, PDTXS of LSCC altered the lncRNA profile and increased the proliferative activity of cancer cells, whilst retaining responsiveness to cisplatin.