Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The entry of multinational banks into Latin America: a source of stability or financial fragility?

This paper aims to contribute to the debate regarding the presence of foreign banks in Latin America. To clarify the discussion, we shall conduct a survey of the theoretical and empirical literature devoted to internationalisation in the banking sector so as to provide a better analysis of the determinants that currently underpin foreign banking investments. The international banks concerned come mainly from the European Union, particularly Spain, and primarily focus their investments in the region’s large emerging economies. They display profitability indicators that are on a par with those of domestic banks, generate a significantly lower level of operational efficiency, but are more efficient in their management of risk. Multinational banks can help reinforce banking stability by spreading new risk management methods, by introducing new control procedures and strengthening asset solidity. However, they are partly responsible for the credit squeeze from which Latin America is suffering. Foreign banks can be the cause of new sources of banking fragility such as the exposure to foreign exchange risks, the increase in market influence, persistently high intermediation spreads and the moral hazard.
How Does the EU Agenda Influence Economies Outside the EU? The Case of Tunisia

Economic and commercial relations between the countries of the southern Mediterranean and the European Union (EU) have been profoundly affected by the recent ‘EU Initiative for the Mediterranean’ and conditioned by the creation of European Monetary Union (EMU). The paper discusses the costs, benefits and prospects of these two processes in terms of their economic consequences on the countries of the southern Mediterranean, and in particular on the Tunisian economy. The association agreement between the EU and Tunisia is assessed in the light of its medium-period implications and of the EU’s enlargement to include the countries of Eastern Europe. With regard to EMU, the paper discusses the influence and effects exerted by introduction of the euro on the Tunisian economy.
Simplified Mechanical Model to Estimate the Seismic Vulnerability of Heritage Unreinforced Masonry Buildings

Traditional or historic masonry structures occur in large populations throughout the world, particularly in preserved historical city clusters. Being non-engineered and aging these structures are in urgent need of assessment and seismic repair/rehabilitation. However, traditional masonry presents important challenges to computational modeling, owing to complexity of structural system, material inhomogeneity, and contact interactions that collectively can only be addressed through detailed 3D nonlinear representation. In this article, a simple performance assessment model is developed in order to address the need for preliminary assessment tools for this class of structures. The objective is to be able to rapidly identify buildings that are at higher risk in the event of a significant earthquake, potentially justifying a second round of more detailed evaluation. The proposed model defines the characteristics of a Single Degree of Freedom representation of the building, formulating consistent 3D shape functions to approximate its fundamental mode of vibration considering both in-plane and out-plane wall bending as a result of insufficient diaphragm action. Parametric expressions for the dynamic properties are derived in terms of the important geometric, material, and system characteristics, and are used to express local demand from global estimates. Acceptance criteria are established both in terms of deformation and strength indices to guide retrofit. An application example of the proposed assessment methodology is included to demonstrate the ability of the model to reproduce the essential features of traditional masonry buildings under seismic action.
Sensitivities of Lagrangian modelling of mid-latitude cirrus clouds to trajectory data quality

Abstract. Simulations of cirrus are subject to uncertainties in model physics and meteorological input data. Here we model cirrus clouds along air mass trajectories, whose extinction has been measured with an elastic backscatter lidar at Jungfraujoch research station in the Swiss Alps, with a microphysical stacked box model. The sensitivities of these simulations to input data uncertainties (trajectory resolution, unresolved vertical velocities, ice nuclei number density and upstream specific humidity) are investigated. Variations in the temporal resolution of the wind field data (COSMO-Model at 2.2 km resolution) between 20 s and 1 h have only a marginal impact on the trajectory path, while the representation of the vertical velocity variability and therefore the cooling rate distribution are significantly affected. A temporal resolution better than 5 min must be chosen in order to resolve cooling rates required to explain the measured extinction. A further increase in the temporal resolution improves the simulation results slightly. The close match between the modelled and observed extinction profile for high-resolution trajectories suggests that the cooling rate spectra calculated by the COSMO-2 model suffice on the selected day. The modelled cooling rate spectra are, however, characterized by significantly lower vertical velocity amplitudes than those found previously in some aircraft campaigns (SUCCESS, MACPEX). A climatological analysis of the vertical velocity amplitude in the Alpine region based on COSMO-2 analyses and balloon sounding data suggests large day-to-day variability in small-scale temperature fluctuations. This demonstrates the necessity to apply numerical weather prediction models with high spatial and temporal resolutions in cirrus modelling, whereas using climatological means for the amplitude of the unresolved air motions does generally not suffice. The box model simulations further suggest that uncertainties in the upstream specific humidity (± 10 % of the model prediction) and in the ice nuclei number density (0–100 L−1) are more important for the modelled cirrus cloud than the unresolved temperature fluctuations if temporally highly resolved trajectories are used. For the presented case the simulations are incompatible with ice nuclei number densities larger than 20 L−1 and insensitive to variations below this value.
Scalable Influence Analysis in Mobile Social Networks

Influence is a complex and subtle force that governs the dynamics of social networks as well as the behaviors of involved users. In large social networks, nodes are influenced by others for various reasons. Understanding influence can benefit various applications such as viral marketing, recommendation, and information retrieval. However, most existing works on social influence analysis have focused on verifying the existence of social influence. In this paper, an algorithm is proposed which utilizes the heterogeneous link information and the textual content associated with each node in the network to mine micro and macro influence. Based on the direct and indirect influence, the MapReduce framework for social influence analysis algorithm is proposed to derive the indirect influence between nodes. We further study how the discovered topic-level influence can help the prediction of user behaviors. Empirical studies on a large real-world mobile social network show that our algorithm has a good scalability performance.
A Fractal Version of the Hull-White Interest Rate Model

This paper develops a new version of the Hull–White's model of interest rates, in which the volatility of the short term rate is driven by a Markov switching multifractal model. The interest rate dynamics is still mean reverting but the constant volatility of the Brownian motion is replaced by a multifractal process so as to capture persistent volatility shocks. In this setting, we infer properties of the short term rate distribution, a semi-closed form expression for bond prices and their dynamics under a forward measure. Finally, our work is illustrated by a numerical application in which we assess the exposure of a bonds portfolio to the interest risk.
In-Flight Aeroelastic Stability of the Thermal Protection System on the NASA HIAD, Part II: Nonlinear Theory and Extended Aerodynamics

Conical shell theory and a supersonic potential flow aerodynamic theory are used to study the nonlinear pressure buckling and aeroelastic limit cycle behavior of the thermal protection system for NASA’s Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator. The structural model of the thermal protection system consists of an orthotropic conical shell of the Donnell type, resting on several circumferential elastic supports. Classical Piston Theory is used initially for the aerodynamic pressure, but was found to be insufficient at low supersonic Mach numbers. Transform methods are applied to the convected wave equation for potential flow, and a time-dependent aerodynamic pressure correction factor is obtained. The Lagrangian of the shell system is formulated in terms of the generalized coordinates for all displacements and the Rayleigh-Ritz method is used to derive the governing differential-algebraic equations of motion. Aeroelastic limit cycle oscillations and buckling deformations are calculated in the time domain using a Runge-Kutta method in MATLAB. Three conical shell geometries were considered in the present analysis: a 3-meter diameter 70◦ cone, a 3.7-meter 70◦ cone, and a 6-meter diameter 70◦ cone. The 6-meter configuration was loaded statically and the results were compared with an experimental load test of a 6-meter HIAD. Though agreement between theoretical and experimental strains was poor, the circumferential wrinkling phenomena observed during the experiments was captured by the theory and axial deformations were qualitatively similar in shape. With Piston Theory aerodynamics, the nonlinear flutter dynamic pressures of the 3meter configuration were in agreement with the values calculated using linear theory, and the limit cycle amplitudes were generally on the order of the shell thickness. The effect of axial tension was studied for this configuration, and increasing tension was found to decrease the limit cycle amplitudes when the circumferential elastic supports were neglected, but resulted in more complex behavior when the supports were included. The nominal flutter dynamic pressure of the 3.7-meter configuration was significantly lower than that of the 3-meter, and it was found that two sets of natural modes coalesce to flutter modes near the same dynamic pressure. This resulted in a significant drop in the limit cycle frequencies at higher dynamic pressures, where the flutter mode with the lower frequency becomes more critical. Pre-buckling pressure loads and the aerodynamic pressure correction factor were studied for all geometries, and these effects resulted in significantly lower flutter boundaries compared with Piston Theory alone. The maximum dynamic pressure predicted by aerodynamic simulations of a proposed 3.7-meter HIAD vehicle was still lower than any of the calculated flutter dynamic pressures, suggesting that aeroelastic effects for this vehicle are of little concern.
USING STREPTOMYCES XYLANASE TO PRODUCE XYLOOLIGOSACHARIDE FROM CORNCOB

Streptomyces 234P-16 and SKK1-8 are xylanase-producing bacteria. Corncob xylan were extracted using acidifi ed method. Crude enzymes (produced by centrifuging the culture) were used to hydrolyze xylan from 2 varieties of corncob. Crude extract activity was measured by using DNS (Dinitrosalisilic Acid) method. Xylanase from strain 234P-16 has the highest activity if cultivated in 1% Hawaii xylan, whereas strain SKK1-8 on 1.5% Bisma xylan. SKK1-8 xylanase can hydrolize corncob xylan (1% Hawaii or 1.5% Bisma xylan) within 4 hours and produce xylooligosacharide with polymerization degree of 4.76 and 6.37, respectively.
Literature Review in Learning with Tangible Technologies

When we think of digital technologies in schools, we tend to think of computers, keyboards, sometimes laptops, and more recently whiteboards and data projectors. These tools are becoming part of the familiar educational landscape. Outside the walls of the classroom, however, there are significant changes in how we think about digital technologies - or, to be more precise, how we don't think about them, as they disappear into our clothes, our fridges, our cars and our city streets. This disappearing technology, blended seamlessly into the everyday objects of our lives, has become known as 'ubiquitous computing'. Which leads us to ask the question: what would a school look like in which the technology disappeared seamlessly into the everyday objects and artefacts of the classroom? This review is an attempt to explore this question. It maps out the recent technological developments in the field, discusses evidence from educational research and psychology, and provides an overview of a wide range of challenging projects that have attempted to use such 'disappearing computers' (or tangible interfaces) in education - from digitally augmented paper, toys that remember the ways in which a child moves them, to playmats that record and play back children's stories. The review challenges us to think differently about our future visions for educational technology, and begins to map out a framework within which we can ask how best we might use these new approaches to computing for learning.
Lithium abundances in extremely metal-poor turn-off stars

We discuss the current status of the sample of Lithium abundances in extremely metal poor (EMP) turn-off (TO) stars collected by our group, and compare it with the available literature results. In the last years, evidences have accumulated of a progressive disruption of the Spite plateau in stars of extremely low metallicity. What appears to be a flat, thin plateau above [Fe/H]\sim-2.8 turns, at lower metallicities, into a broader distribution for which the plateau level constitutes the upper limit, but more and more stars show lower Li abundances. The sample we have collected currently counts abundances or upper limits for 44 EMP TO stars between [Fe/H]=-2.5 and -3.5, plus the ultra-metal poor star SDSS J102915+172927 at [Fe/H]=-4.9. The "meltdown" of the Spite plateau is quite evident and, at the current status of the sample, does not appear to be restricted to the cool end of the effective temperature distribution. SDSS J102915+172927 displays an extreme Li depletion that contrasts with its otherwise quite ordinary set of [X/Fe] ratios.
Review of Modeling and Control of Magnetostrictive Actuators

Magnetostrictive actuators play an important role in the perception of usefulness of smart materials and devices. Their applications are potentially wider than that of piezoelectric actuators because of the higher energy density and intrinsic robustness. However, the non-negligible hysteresis and complexity of their characteristics make the design and control quite difficult and has limited their diffusion in industrial applications. Nevertheless, the scientific literature presents a wide offer of results in design and geometries, modeling and control that may be exploited for applications. This paper gives a reasoned review of the main results achieved in the literature about design, modeling and control of magnetostrictive actuators exploiting the direct effects of magnetostriction (Joule and Wiedemann). Some perspectives and challenges about magnetostrictive actuators development are also gathered.
Surface-to-mountaintop transport characterised by radon observations at the Jungfraujoch

Abstract. Atmospheric composition measurements at Jungfraujoch are affected intermittently by boundary-layer air which is brought to the station by processes including thermally driven (anabatic) mountain winds. Using observations of radon-222, and a new objective analysis method, we quantify the land-surface influence at Jungfraujoch hour by hour and detect the presence of anabatic winds on a daily basis. During 2010–2011, anabatic winds occurred on 40% of days, but only from April to September. Anabatic wind days were associated with warmer air temperatures over a large fraction of Europe and with a shift in air-mass properties, even when comparing days with a similar mean radon concentration. Excluding days with anabatic winds, however, did not lead to a better definition of the unperturbed aerosol background than a definition based on radon alone. This implies that a radon threshold reliably excludes local influences from both anabatic and non-anabatic vertical-transport processes.
Defining positive mental wellbeing for New Zealand-born Cook Islands youth

Introduction: Exploring New Zealand-born (NZ-born) Cook Islands youth worldviews acknowledges the diversity that exists amongst Pacific peoples in New Zealand. By improving mental wellbeing and its potential to inform Pacific ethnic specific suicide prevention, it is important that a Cook Islands focus to suicide prevention is applied. Thus, reinforcing the notion that although some approaches may be similar to other Pacific populations, current policy and strategies should not be generalised to a one size fits all. Aim: The aim of the study was to provide some understanding to NZ-born Cook Islands young peoples’ perceptions around positive mental wellbeing with the view that their voices help to inform the development of Cook Islands-specific strategies towards positive mental wellbeing and suicide prevention. Methods: This qualitative study involved 21 face-to-face interviews with NZ-born Cook Islands youth (16-24 years) who resided in Auckland. A talanoa Pacific research methodology was employed to collate data in a culturally appropriate manner. A grounded theory approach was used to analyse this data. Results: An emergent theme from the interviews around positive mental wellbeing was maintaining social and cultural connections. These included connections via: social support networks; pride in their Pacific ethnic identities; cultural participation; and language retention. These were expressed as central to enhancing positive mental wellbeing and suicide prevention measures. Conclusion: These findings contribute to a limited knowledge base. The encouragement and maintenance of social and cultural connections during the formative years of NZ-born Cook Island youths were deemed to be strong buffers against poor mental wellbeing and suicidal behaviours.
Development and validation of a simple HPLC assay method for ibuprofen, pseudoephedrine hydrochloride and chlorpheniramine maleate in syrup form

A simple, rapid, sensitive, robust, stability-indicating HPLC analytical protocol was developed and validated for the analysis of Ibuprofen, Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride, and Chlorpheniramine Maleate in syrup formulation. The samples were assayed by the Waters HPLC instrument using a GL Sciences Inertsil ODS4 column (250 mm length × 4.6 mm width; 5 μm particle size) under timed gradient conditions. The flow rate of the mobile phase was 1.2 mL/min and the eluent was monitored at 214 nm. The method was validated by determining precision, linearity and range, specificity, accuracy and recovery, and robustness. The developed chromatographic method proved to be simple, precise, accurate, robust and reproducible. Moreover, the samples showed stability at room temperature over a period of 55 h. Thus, this method would be employed for routine simultaneous quantification of Ibuprofen, Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride, and Chlorpheniramine Maleate in Syrup formulation.
Imaging-Based Volumetry of the Liver: Where Does It Stand?

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Clinical Mediation: Advocating for a New Role

Mediation training standards are inconsistent and fail to focus on the pivotal skill set of addressing, understanding, and working with underlying emotions that shape conflict and may prevent mutual goal attainment. The purpose of this article is to explore skills essential to counseling and mediation and advocate for the potential benefits of formally training counselors to facilitate the process of mediation and conflict resolution.
Table 5 : Effect of Doctor Variables on Probability of Negative Outcomes Any Bad Outcome

This paper develops and applies a model in which doctors have two dimensions of skill: diagnostic skill and skill performing procedures. Higher procedural skill increases the use of intensive procedures across the board, while better diagnostic skill results in fewer intensive procedures for the low risk, but more for the high risk. Deriving empirical analogues to our theoretical measures for the case of Csection, we show that improving diagnostic skill would reduce C-section rates by 15.8% among the lowest risk, and increase them by 4.7% among the high risk while improving outcomes among all women. Janet Currie Princeton University 316 Wallace Hall Princeton, NJ 08544 and NBER jcurrie@princeton.edu W. Bentley MacLeod Department of Economics Columbia University 420 West 118th Street, MC 3308 New York, NY 10027 and NBER bentley.macleod@columbia.edu