Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Waiting Times and Cost Sharing for a Public Health Care Service with a Private Alternative: A Multi-Agent Approach

Cost sharing represent a well-established tool for the control of health care demand in many Oecd countries, even though it is used with caution, and in combination with other instruments, in order to avoid potential negative impacts on access to essential health care services. Waiting lists and waiting times represent an alternative (and implicit) way to control demand in public health care systems, even though rationing by waiting may be an inferior solution to cost-sharing in terms of welfare. This paper focuses on the use of waiting times, cost-sharing, and other tools (in particular, priority and appropriateness criteria) in order to control demand for a public outpatient health service in presence of a fully paid out-of-pocket private alternative. We develop an agent-based model where heterogeneous agents maximise their individual utility based on income and health status. On this basis, we develop some computational experiments based on micro-simulations that offer some useful insights for health care policy. In particular, we show that: i) the presence of a private alternative to public treatment can improve social welfare and health equity in a NHS, when public supply is constrained by a fixed budget and longer waiting times than the private one; ii) using prioritisation of waiting lists without any copayment to control the demand for public treatment may produce high performances in terms of social welfare, health equality and policy efficiency; iii) applying a moderate copayment rate as a tool to control public demand could determine the same policy efficiency of using only priority lists, if the copayment revenues are used to fund the public provision.
IMPROVING EMITTANCES IN EXISTING STORAGE RINGS BY DEFOCUSING DIPOLES

Designs for ultimate storage rings (USRs) typically employ two strategies to lower the emittances: 1) adding more bending magnets, and 2) using only focusing quadrupole magnets, with additional defocusing in the bending magnets. In an existing storage ring, the first strategy is precluded because the number of bends is typically fixed, but the second strategy could be used at modest expense. With the CESR storage ring as an example, we show how this is possible and propose an optics that reduces its emittance by more than a factor of 20. Furthermore, such an upgrade would could be installed incrementally without any long dark-time period.
Thermo-mechanical Coupled Simulation Analysis of Solid End Mill on Milling Process

In the milling process, the temperature and milling force have an important influence on tool life, so the prediction of the thermo-mechanical coupling field is very important. According to the actual cutting characteristics of solid carbide end milling cutter for processing T10 carbon tool steel, the heat flux and milling force transferred to the end mill during milling process were calculated. The simulation analysis was carried out by orthogonal experiment method and large-scale finite element software ANSYS. The simulation results showed that the situation of Thermo-Mechanical Coupled Simulation about the end millunder different machining conditions (cutting depth, feed per tooth, cutting width, etc.), and the variation rule of the cutter is analyzed and predicted. The results showed that with the change of cutting depth, feed rate and cutting width, the maximum equivalent stress of the end milling cutter changed in certain laws, and the higher equivalent stress located at cutting edge.
Polarimetry and Photometry of Gamma-Ray Bursts with RINGO2

We present a catalog of early-time ( s) photometry and polarimetry of all gamma-ray burst (GRB) optical afterglows observed with the RINGO2 imaging polarimeter on the Liverpool Telescope. Of the 19 optical afterglows observed, the following nine were bright enough to perform photometry and attempt polarimetry: GRB 100805A, GRB 101112A, GRB 110205A, GRB 110726A, GRB 120119A, GRB 120308A, GRB 120311A, GRB 120326A, and GRB 120327A. We present multiwavelength light curves for these 9 GRBs, together with estimates of their optical polarization degrees and/or limits. We carry out a thorough investigation of detection probabilities, instrumental properties, and systematics. Using two independent methods, we confirm previous reports of significant polarization in GRB 110205A and 120308A, and report the new detection of % in GRB101112A. We discuss the results for the sample in the context of the reverse- and forward-shock afterglow scenario, and show that GRBs with detectable optical polarization at early time have clearly identifiable signatures of reverse-shock emission in their optical light curves. This supports the idea that GRB ejecta contain large-scale magnetic fields, and it highlights the importance of rapid-response polarimetry.
How Do Terms of Trade Affect Productivity? The Role of Monopolistic Output Markets

This paper analyzes how terms of trade affect aggregate productivity using a two-country monopolistic competitive business cycle model driven by aggregate technology shocks. The inefficiency of the equilibrium implies that each country’s productivity is affected by the terms of trade. This introduces a novel mechanism for business cycle synchronization. Moreover, for each country, foreign technology shocks have almost the same effects as domestic technology shocks. The paper also shows how terms of trade movements can lead to excess volatility of consumption and highly persistent productivity. On the quantitative side, the model delivers a degree of business cycle synchronization that is close to the actual comovement of the U.S. economy with the rest of the world. The model also implies that for some small open economies, specially emerging economies, foreign shocks can outperform domestic shocks in explaining their business cycles. Finally, the paper provides a quantification of the influence of the terms of trade on emerging countries’ productivity and finds that it can be large.
Degradation of diesel-oil by a newly isolated Kocuria sediminis DDK6

A bacterial strain named DDK6 was isolated from diesel-contaminated soil from a petrol station in Al-Hofuf city, after enrichment on diesel oil. The strain DDK6 formed a reddish-pink colony with a 2 to 3 mm diameter after two days of incubation at 30°C. Cells were Gram-positive coccoid and formed no endospores. Phenotypic identification by the automated bacterial system, Vitek compact II, identified the DDK6 as Kocuria sp. at 95% probability level. The 16s rRNA gene sequencing analysis confirmed the identity of the strain as K. sedimins at an identity level of 99.15%. Results of Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) revealed that the DDK6 degraded the C14-C19 compounds in diesel. In addition, the DDK6 strain consumed the majority (68%) of the carbon sources tested, including monosaccharides, disaccharides, polysaccharides, and sugar alcohols as noticed by biochemical characterization using the API 50CH. The cultural, biochemical, and molecular characteristics were in general agreement with the strain identification. The results confirmed the metabolic versatility of the strain DDK6, in addition to its ability to degrade diesel oil, thereby providing ecological and environmental merits for its application in bioremediation of hydrocarbon pollutants. Key words: Bioremediation, hydrocarbon, Kocuria, diesel oil.
DNA Taxonomy and the identification of immature insect stages: the true larva of Tauriphila argo (Hagen 1869) (Odonata: Anisoptera: Libellulidae)

Abstract For many insect taxa, larval morphology plays a decisive role in various fields like taxonomy, phylogeny or ecology. However, species identification is usually based on imaginal characters and the identification of larvae depends upon an established link to unequivocally identified imagines. This taxonomic correspondence of larvae and imagines is far from being established in many odonate species. We have employed a molecular approach to link larval and adult specimens in Tauriphila argo (Hagen, 1869). The sequenced mt SSU gene fragments of the reared female, supposedly a T. argo female, and a clearly identified male specimen of the species were identical. However, the larva of the reared female clearly differed from the described T. argo larva, previously matched to the species. From this observation, we conclude that the previously described larva of T. argo does not belong to this species because of too many phenotypic differences that far exceed the generally observed intraspecific variation. It can be foreseen that the molecular approach will prove to be effective in identifying unknown larvae in many insect species. Additionally, the discrimination of sibling species or the linkage of allotypes and holotypes will become feasible with this approach.
Globalization of the Community of Solidarity - The Feasibility of Basic Social Security in Poor and Emerging Countries

Some might think that this heading needs a question mark. Is it not the case that, in the global financial and economic crisis, basic social security for everyone, throughout the world, is a utopian dream for which the resources simply do not exist? Who is supposed to pay for it? Could anything be more absurd than to stymie the urgently needed global economic upswing with such costs? In fact, the heading needs an exclamation mark! The global crisis has revealed the underside of globalization, namely the increasing inequality of incomes and opportunities within and between countries throughout the world. Social security, however, is a basic human right, besides being everywhere an effective supply-side productive force and a source of spending that bolsters demand in the national economy. What might be the causes and who the possible agents of socio-political change? History teaches us that the needs of workers and their families in the Industrial Revolution and political confrontations, such as the East–West conflict after World War Two, gave considerable impetus to the development of social security. The prosperous European Union, in contrast, has a problem with developing a common social agenda, in particular after Eastern enlargement to encompass the transition countries. The world community, similarly, has discovered the issue only in the last few years. Social security is a late-born child of the Industrial Revolution and developed the forms now familiar in the industrialized countries in particular after World War Two. Protection against the contingencies of life, for example, involving illness, loss of livelihood, income, housing, and old-age poverty, emerged earlier on, to some extent, on an individual basis or in smaller social organizations, chiefly the family – in other words, by way of private provision or group-oriented solidarity. It is entirely consistent with this if associations of sovereign states, such as the Globalization of the Community of Solidarity – The Feasibility of Basic Social Security in Poor and Emerging Countries
Partisan Politics, the Welfare State, and Three Worlds of Human Capital Formation

The authors propose a synthesis of power resources theory and welfare production regime theory to explain differences in human capital formation across advanced democracies. Emphasizing the mutually reinforcing relationships between social insurance, skill formation, and spending on public education, they distinguish three distinct worlds of human capital formation: one characterized by redistribution and heavy investment in public education and industry-specific and occupation-specific vocational skills; one characterized by high social insurance and vocational training in firm-specific and industry-specific skills but less spending on public education; and one characterized by heavy private investment in general skills but modest spending on public education and redistribution. They trace the three worlds to historical differences in the organization of capitalism, electoral institutions, and partisan politics, emphasizing the distinct character of political coalition formation underpinning each of the three models. They also discuss the implications for inequality and labor market stratification across time and space.
Innovation Performance in Hungarian Agri-Food Supply Chains: An Investigation of the Open Innovation Paradigm

max. 100 words) This paper investigates the innovation process in the Hungarian agri-food sector using data from a 2011 survey of more than 200 agricultural producers, food processors and retailers. We determine the impact of open innovation and a company’s absorptive capacity on innovation performance. A cluster analysis is used to categorise companies based on their innovation performance in technological, product, organisational and market activities. We find that firms that are part of more open networks for knowledge transfer and with more absorptive capacity, are more active innovators. However, openness and absorptive capacity are substitutes rather than complements in the Hungarian food industry.
Cortexin diffusion in human eye sclera

Investigation of the diffusion of cytamines, a typical representative of which is cortexin, is important for evaluating the drug dose, necessary to provide sufficient concentration of the preparation in the inner tissues of the eye. In the present paper, the cortexin diffusion rate in the eye sclera is measured using the methods of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and reflectance spectroscopy. The technique for determining the diffusion coefficient is based on the registration of temporal dependence of the eye sclera scattering parameters caused by partial replacement of interstitial fluid with the aqueous cortexin solution, which reduces the level of the OCT signal and decreases the reflectance of the sclera. The values of the cortexin diffusion coefficient obtained using two independent optical methods are in good agreement.
Autonomous Underwater Vehicles with Modeling and Analysis of 7-Phase BLDC Motor Drives

In this paper, a simulation model for 7-phase BLDC motor drives for an Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV) is proposed. A 7-phase BLDC motor is designed and the electrical characteristics are analyzed using FEA program and the power electronics drives for the 7-phase BLDC motor are theoretically analyzed and the actual implementation has been accomplished using Matlab Simulink. PI controller and fuzzy controller are compared for verifying the validity of the proposed model and the informative results are described in detail. Especially A fuzzy controller is used to characterize 7-phase BLDC motor, drive systems under normal and fault operating conditions.
The title of the paper: A nurse-led cognitive screening model for older adults in primary care Running title: Cognitive screening in primary care

Aim: The potential value of enabling health professionals to implement cognitive screenings for older adults with subjective memory complaints in primary care in lowand middle-income countries has remained largely unknown. This study aimed to establish a nurse-led cognitive screening model for community-dwelling older adults with these complaints from seven communities in Chongqing, China and report the findings of this model. Methods: Screenings took place from July 2012 to June 2013. Cognitive screening was incorporated into the annual health assessment for older adults with subjective memory complaints in a primary care setting. Two community nurses were trained to implement the screening in their daily practice using the Mini-Mental State Examination and Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Results: Of 733 older adults, 495 (67.5%) reported having subjective memory complaints. Of the 249 individuals who participated in the cognitive screening, 102 (41%) had mild cognitive impairment, while 32 (12.9%) had cognitive impairment. Eighty subjects (78.4%) with mild cognitive impairment agreed to participate in a memory support program. Subjects with cognitive impairment were referred to specialists for further examination and diagnosis; only one reported that he had seen a specialist and had been diagnosed with dementia.
INVESTIGATING RECENT INVASIONS OF A COLONIAL TUNICATE USING A POLYMORPHIC FUSION LOCUS

Studies of invasive populations are often conducted with neutral loci, which may lack resolution. Here, we examine DNA sequence variation in a portion of the functional nuclear fusion/histocompatibility (FuHC) locus in the invasive colonial ascidian Botryllus schlosseri, and compare it to variation in the traditional barcoding locus, mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI). Using these two loci, we compare new invasive populations of B. schlosseri in Alaska to long-established populations in San Francisco Bay. Slightly higher COI diversity was detected in San Francisco Bay, but diversity was very low overall. FuHC revealed much higher variation, with similar levels of diversity between Alaska and San Francisco Bay populations, and no evidence of a genetic bottleneck. By genotyping FuHC, we also detected increased chimerism in Alaska, suggesting that fusions may play an important role in the establishment of very new populations.
A Defense of the Current US Tax Treatment of Employer-Provided Medical Insurance

The US tax system currently provides an incentive for individuals to obtain medical insurance through their employers. This feature introduces a distortion which encourages households consume more medical services than they otherwise would, and likely results in the medical consumption taking up 17 percent total consumption, which is much higher than in other advanced economies. This unusual and unique tax treatment is widely excoriated as resulting in high costs and distorting consumption decisions. This paper presents a simple general equilibrium model to compare the outcomes for different systems for the provision of medical services. It is shown that the current tax system may be superior to an identical system in which the tax subsidy is absent. It also is shown that eliminating the tax subsidy for employer-provided medical insurance results in higher unemployment, lower output, and lower welfare. Furthermore, having the government raise taxes to finance the provision of medical care results in substantial decreases in employment, output and welfare.
An Operational Measure of Liquidity

Economists' view of liquidity is askin to Supreme Court Justice Stewart's View of hard-core pornography: I shall not . attempt further to define (it) . But I know it when I see it. Embedding the process of selling an asset in a search environment enables us to provide an exact definition of liquidity: an asset's liquidity is the expected time until it is sold while pursuing an optimal (in the sense of maximization of expected discounted net proceeds) policy. Our analysis reveals that this definition is compatible with most other notions of liquidity and, in particular, with those of Keynes1 , impatience, the discount associated with a quick sale, and predictability.
HOW DO MARKET CONCENTRATION AND MIMETIC BEHAVIOR INFLUENCE STRATEGIC RENEWAL

In the increasingly dynamic and competitive business environment of today, incumbent firms are facing rapid and profound changes in macro social, economic, political and technological conditions. Such a turbulent setting may disrupt the inertia of the incumbent firms, from a wide range of industries, and urge them to make drastic and often irreversible strategic decisions. Such vital strategic decisions include strategic renewal which, as the literature sustains, is a necessary requirement to remain competitive, but difficult to achieve. This paper aims to develop understanding on major areas of strategic renewal from the point of view of some aspects of the institutional environment. Its goal is to establish the relationship between different market conditions and the way companies react in terms of strategic renewal and change. Moreover it statistically investigates the degree to which companies decide to “run” in their own rhythm or just imitate other incumbent companies in the industry.
A Simple Way to Upgrade a Compact Radiocarbon AMS Facility for 10Be

A simple way to upgrade the Peking University 500kV NEC radiocarbon facility (CAMS) for 10Be measurements is presented. In a first phase, a silicon nitride foil as passive boron degrader was mounted in front of the electrostatic deflector near the focal plane of 10Be. The Si detector at the end of the beam line was replaced with a high-resolution ΔE-Eres gas ionization chamber. In addition, a Faraday cup for the measurement of 9Be1+ was installed. Tests with this arrangement showed promising results: a 10Be/9Be background level of 3.4 × 10–14 and an overall transmission for 10Be of 2.2% were obtained. Measurements of standards showed very good stability and reproducibility. In the next step, it is planned to add a second magnet to reduce the background and to partly compensate losses due to energy and angular straggling in the degrader foil by the energy and angular refocusing effect of a magnetic sector field. With this final arrangement, a performance with 10Be/9Be background levels at 10−15 and 10Be overall transmission of 6–7% can be expected. The design proposed in this paper has the advantage that the modifications can be realized in a rather inexpensive way and that the measurement performance for 14C will not be affected.
The Role of Ultrasonography in the Assessment of Arterial Baroreflex Function

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in the developed world 1. Experimental research indicates that in addition to traditional risk factors such as hypertension and dyslipidemia, dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system is also a powerful independent risk factor for death from cardiovascular disease. Although not yet routinely assessed in clinical practice, depressed baroreflex function increases the risk of death following myocardial infarction 2, in chronic heart failure 3, and recent trials also clearly indicate an increased risk for both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke 4, 5. In the context of these morbid epidemiological correlations, it is not difficult to justify the need for a better understanding of the mechanisms and factors involved in normal human baroreflex regulation.
Comparison of different solutions in predictive control for two PMSM in parallel

Abstract This study concerns the power supply in parallel of 2 Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines (PMSM) with the same inverter, in order to reduce the mass of embedded systems. This operation requires information from the two machines to ensure the stability of the system. Today several solutions address this objective, but about to improve energy efficiency it is important to develop new algorithms. The classical approach is based on a master-slave procedure where the current is controlled only in a master machine and the slave machine is simply connected in parallel. This solution guarantees stability but losses are not minimal. Predictive control applied to this configuration helps to ensure the stability of the system and gives the possibility to reduce Joule losses. In this way 3 predictive control laws are proposed by setting appropriated criteria. The first law uses the concept of master-slave machine, the second is defined with a criterion taking into account the two machines and the third uses the concept of virtual vectors which leads to an implementation of Space-Vector Pulse Width Modulation (SV-PWM). Results are compared in terms of dynamic performances and losses. The algorithms are tested on an experimental low-power test-bench.