Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Why Weak Patents? Rational Ignorance or Pro-'Customer' Tilt?

The issuance of weak patents is widely viewed as a fundamental problem in the current US patent system. Reasons that have been offered for the granting of weak patents by the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) include examiners’ “rational ignorance” of the patentability of applications and pro-“customer” rules and institutions that create incentives for examiners to grant patents of dubious validity to their “customers”- applicants. In this paper, we study whether US examiners’ behavior in prior art search betrays their assessment of applications’ patentability. For a sample of US patents for which applications were also filed at the European Patent Office (EPO), we construct a measure of the fraction of prior art that is missed by US examiners. We find that this measure significantly explains the probability of receiving a patent at the EPO. The results are robust to different empirical specifications. US examiners’ prior art searches indicate that they are, on average, not “rationally ignorant”. On the contrary, they identify and dedicate more search effort to those applications that seem more problematic, because they bear the burden of proof of non-patentability. Our study offers empirical evidence that a systematic problem of weak patents likely exists, and suggests that the problem may be more strongly attributable to the pro-applicant rules and policies than to examiners’ ignorance. The current prevalence of weak patents does not appear to be caused at the margin by lack of resources at the USPTO.
Climate Change Effects on Plant-Pest-Natural Enemy Interactions

Andrew Paul Gutierrez∗,†, Luigi Ponti∗,‡ and Gianni Gilioli∗,§ ∗CASAS Global (Center for the Analysis of Sustainable Agricultural Systems), 37 Arlington Ave., Kensington, CA 94707 †Division of Ecosystem Science, University of California, 203a Mulford Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720 ‡Gruppo “Lotta alla Desertificazione”, ENEA CR-Casaccia, Via Anguillarese 301, 00123 Roma, Italy §Department of Management of Agricultural and Silvicultural Systems, Mediterranean University of Reggio Calabria, 89060 Reggio di Calabria, Italy casas.global@berkeley.edu
CdTe based X/γ-ray detector with MoOx contacts

The electrical characteristics of the Mo-MoOx/р-CdTe/MoOx-Mo heterostructures, manufactured by magnetron sputtering of molybdenum oxide thin films on CdTe semi-insulating crystals produced by Acrorad Co. Ltd were studied. Optimization of substrate conditions pretreatment and contacts deposition allowed to reduce the dark current of the detectors compared with earlier analogs and, consequently, to improve its spectrometric characteristics. The charge transport mechanisms for ensuring the low values of reverse currents in the structures were determined: the generation-recombination in the space charge region (SCR) at relatively low voltages and currents limited by the space charge at high voltages. It is shown that the heterostructure Mo-MoOx/р-CdTe/MoOx-Mo can be used for practical applications in the Xand -ray detectors.
EAMR EUROPEAN ACCOUNTING AND MANAGEMENT REVIEW

This paper develops and tests a credit scoring model focused on the supermarket and retailing industry which can help financial institutions in assessing credit requests coming from customers belonging to these industries category. The empirical study has the objective of answering two questions: (1) Which ratios better discriminate the companies based on their being solvent or insolvent? (2) What is the relative importance of these ratios? To do this, several statistical techniques with a multifactorial focus have been applied. The overall approach is the same as the one in Altman (1968), but the application of the design as well as the purpose of it are different. Through the application of several statistical techniques, the credit scoring model has been proved to be effective in assessing credit scoring applications within the supermarket and retailing industry under certain conditions.
Evaluating similarity of radial increments around tree stem circumference of European beech and Norway spruce from Central Europe

Extracting cores from a tree using an increment borer has been standard practice in dendrochronological studies for a long time. Although empirical rules exist regarding how many samples to take and which methodology to apply, comparatively few studies provide quantification of the similarity of relative tree-ring-widths (TRW) around the stem circumference. The aim of this study was therefore to precisely measure the similarity of standardised TRWs around the stem circumference and to provide objective suggestions for optimal core sampling of Norway spruce (Picea abies Karst. [L.]) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) growing in Central European temperate forests.A large sample of cross-sectional discs was used from Norway spruce and European beech trees growing on various slopes, at different altitudes and biogeographic regions across the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The similarity of TRWs measured in different coring directions was analysed by testing the relativized TRW around the trunk (rTRW). Comparison of rTRWs revealed no significant differences between coring directions, indicating that the relative increment was the same around the radius. The results also showed the high similarity between the rTRWs to be independent of both slope inclination and altitude. Moreover, the reconstruction of proportional tree diameters and basal areas backward in time from one core sample and one measurement of tree diameter (basal area) at the time of sample extraction is possible with reasonable precision.
Observations of the mid‐mantle discontinuity beneath Indonesia from S to P converted waveforms

S to P conversions were employed to derive a coherent discontinuity structure beneath Indonesia. Analysis of data recorded by three regional arrays from nine deep earthquakes not only confirmed the results of previous studies on the existence of the mid‐mantle discontinuity beneath the Java arc but also revealed its presence north to Kalimantan Island. S to P waves converted at the discontinuity were observed on the stacked diagrams with a negative slowness relative to the P wave and a conversion depth ranging from ∼1080 km in the west to ∼930 km in the east.
Texture segmentation on two high-performance computers

An implementation of a texture segmentation algorithm on two high-performance computers, the Connection Machine CM-2 and the Convex mini-supercomputer, is presented. Texture segmentation is the process of identifying regions with similar texture and separating regions with different textures and is one of the early steps towards identifying surfaces and objects in an image. A segmentation algorithm is described which first extracts texture tokens from the input image, then computes the Voronoi tessellation of the extracted tokens and measures shape features (moments of area) of the resulting Voronoi polygons. Feature similarity is used to obtain an initial labeling of texture tokens as interior or border with four quantized directions. This labeling is then refrained using probabilistic relaxation labeling. The computation of the Voronoi tessellation and the probabilistic relaxation labeling process, which are highly data-parallel procedures, are discussed. Substantial speedups were obtained over a sequential (Sun-4/280) implementation. <<ETX>>
Is an island reserve enough? The decline and fall of the White-fronted Chat (Aves: Meliphagidae) in southern Sydney.

Ecological theory predicts that local extinction and recolonisation are normal events, but the frequency of each is likely to change as the habitat matrix between local populations becomes less suitable. Despite these predictions, local extinctions are seldom documented and there is a popular belief that nature reserves conserve biodiversity. This paper traces the decline of the White-fronted Chat (Epthianura albifrons) in the region surrounding Royal National Park and examines preliminary data on the species’ ecology and population dynamics. Although once widespread across the region White-fronted Chats are now conﬁned to a single breeding population of approximately 20 individuals that spends much of its time as a single ﬂock, mostly roosting, nesting and foraging within Towra Point Nature Reserve. Numbers appear to be relatively stable, but the population has lost genetic variability. In spite of a high abundance of potential nest predators, there is ongoing recruitment, with pairs nesting twice per season. The population is threatened by mangrove encroachment of salt marsh, ongoing development of the Kurnell peninsular, increased predation rates due to anthropogenically-elevated predator abundances, and demographic factors associated with small population size. The history of this species is a clear demonstration that even conservation reserves with a relatively high degree of protection from human disturbance cannot protect regional biodiversity in the absence of active management if they are isolated.
Coherence for Multivariate Random Fields

Multivariate spatial field data are increasingly common and their modeling typically relies on building cross-covariance functions to describe crossprocess relationships. An alternative viewpoint is to model the matrix of spectral measures. We develop the notions of coherence, phase, and gain for multidimensional stationary processes. Coherence, as a function of frequency, is a measure of linear relationship between two spatial processes at that frequency. We use the coherence function to illustrate fundamental limitations on a number of previously proposed constructions for multivariate processes, suggesting these options are not viable for data modeling. We also give natural interpretations to cross-covariance parameters of the Matérn class, where the cross-smoothness controls the decay of coherence at infinitely high frequencies, and the cross-range parameter controls the frequency of greatest coherence. These interpretations provide warnings for particular parameter combinations that imply potentially non-physical relationships between variables. Estimation follows from smoothed multivariate periodogram matrices. We illustrate the estimation and interpretation of these functions on two datasets, forecast and reanalysis sea level pressure and geopotential heights over the equatorial region. Statistica Sinica: Preprint doi:10.5705/ss.202015. 0309
Global Health, Aid Effectiveness and the Changing Role of the WHO

Since the 1990s the growing number of actors involved has considerably changed the field of global health governance (GHG). Partnerships between states, international governmental organizations (IGOs) such as the WHO, the pharmaceutical industry, and also civil society organizations have helped overcome conflicts between the profit-driven production of medicines and the health needs of poor countries. However, they have also led to a vast entanglement of responsibilities, with the WHO losing its profile as the central authority on global health. In recent years, however, the impacts of the Paris Declaration on GHG and a number of other processes have again strengthened the position of the WHO. (GIGA)
Impact of Text-Mining and Imitating Strategies on Lexical Richness, Lexical Diversity and General Success in Second Language Writing.

This study aimed to find out the impact of “text mining and imitating” strategies on lexical richness, lexical diversity and general success of students in their compositions in second language writing. The participants were 98 students studying their first year in Karadeniz Technical University in English Language and Literature department. Participants in the experimental group were instructed on how to use mining and imitating strategies in their essays to be more competent in vocabulary choice while writing. On the other hand, students in the control group were only instructed on how to write their essays following lesson plans. After treatment, participants in the both group were asked to write two essays. A corpus of 15826 (control group) and a corpus of 25027 (experimental group) words were compiled in two months, and these essays were tagged using a computerized tagging system (Biber 1993). Though there is statistically slight difference in terms of lexical richness, the study revealed that compositions in the experimental group are lexically richer than those in the control group. Common nouns and general verbs subclasses were found to be used more in compositions of the experimental group. In addition to that, students in the experimental group received significantly higher grades than those in the control group.
Molecular characterization of genetic resistance to soybean cyst nematode in soybean line ss97-6946.

Breeding resistant cultivars is the most efficient means to control soybean cyst nematode (SCN) but the nematode overcomes the resistance. A study was conducted to identify Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) conferring broad-spectrum SCN resistance in SS97-6946 at University of Missouri, USA. A set of 160 F2 individuals from the cross PI 567476 X SS97-6946 was genotyped with 347 Single Sequence Repeat and evaluated against four races of SCN bioassay. Three markers mapped on linkage groups (LG) A2, E, and G, accounting for 33.8% of the total phenotypic variance for resistance to HG type 2.5.7. One resistant QTL, detected on LG A1 accounted for 18.8% of the total phenotypic variance of HG type 1.2.5.7. Three resistance QTL detected on LGs A2, G, and M that shared 24.9% of the total phenotypic variance HG type 0. Three QTL on LG G alone and another four on LGs A1, B2, M, and O were linked with SCN resistance to HG type 1.2. 7 that accounted for 70.8% of the total phenotypic variance. Resistant QTL on LGs A1, M and O in SS97-6946, appear to be unique for SCN HG types 1.2.5.7, 0, and 1.2. 7 that can potentially be used in marker assisted selection.
Corporal punishment in South African schools : a neglected explanation for its existence

The South African education system historically has used corporal punishment to maintain discipline. Criticism of its effects led, in 1996, to the banning of this form of punishment. But this legislative intervention did not end the use of corporal punishment in schools. This article offers an explanation for the ongoing use of corporal punishment. It is based on a survey of 16 Durban schools in September and October 1998. Corporal punishment has effectively disappeared from middle-class, formerly white, schools, but is still relatively common in township schools. Reasons for the persistent and illegal use of corporal punishment include the absence of alternatives, the legacy of itarian education practices and the belief that corporal punishment is necessary for orderly education to take place. A neglected explanation is that corporal punishment persists because parents use it in the home and support its use in school. There is a tension between the prohibition of corporal punishment in schools and the increase in parent involvement in the affairs of schools. (South African Journal of Education: 2001 21(4): 292-299)
A CMOS-compatible device for fluid density measurements

We report a miniaturized CMOS-compatible resonant sensor to measure the density of fluids. The device is fabricated using a standard CMOS process followed by simple postprocessing combining both sacrificial aluminium etching and bulk silicon micromachining. The size of the active part of the sensor is only 250/spl times/250 /spl mu/m/sup 2/. This makes the device suitable for batch fabrication or as a component of a larger CMOS-compatible fluid handling system. The volume of the probed liquid is only 1.1/spl times/10/sup -11/ l. A measurement setup that completely eliminates capacitive crosstalk between the thermomechanical excitation and the piezoresistive detection is reported. The quality factor at atmospheric pressure is typically 215. The measured frequency shift of 6 kHz/gcm/sup -3/ of the device agrees well with finite element simulations and analytical approximations.
An isolated, bright cusp aurora at Saturn

Saturn's dayside aurora displays a number of morphological features poleward of the main emission region. We present an unusual morphology captured by the Hubble Space Telescope on 14 June 2014 (day 165), where for 2 h, Saturn's FUV aurora faded almost entirely, with the exception of a distinct emission spot at high latitude. The spot remained fixed in local time between 10 and 15 LT and moved poleward to a minimum colatitude of ~4°. It was bright and persistent, displaying intensities of up to 49 kR over a lifetime of 2 h. Interestingly, the spot constituted the entirety of the northern auroral emission, with no emissions present at any other local time—including Saturn's characteristic dawn arc, the complete absence of which is rarely observed. Solar wind parameters from propagation models, together with a Cassini magnetopause crossing and solar wind encounter, indicate that Saturn's magnetosphere was likely to have been embedded in a rarefaction region, resulting in an expanded magnetosphere configuration during the interval. We infer that the spot was sustained by reconnection either poleward of the cusp or at low latitudes under a strong component of interplanetary magnetic field transverse to the solar wind flow. The subsequent poleward motion could then arise from either reconfiguration of successive open field lines across the polar cap or convection of newly opened field lines. We also consider the possible modulation of the feature by planetary period rotating current systems.
Lipid Content and Productivity of Arthrospira platensis and Chlorella vulgaris under Mixotrophic Conditions and Salinity Stress

Lipid Content and Productivity of Arthrospira platensis and Chlorella vulgaris under Mixotrophic Conditions and Salinity Stress Teresa M. Mata*, António A. Martins, Octávio Oliveira, Sandra Oliveira, Adélio M. Mendes, Nídia S. Caetano a LEPABE – Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto (FEUP), R. Dr. Roberto Frias S/N, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal b Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Engineering and Technology (FCNET), Oporto Lusophone University, R. Dr. Augusto Rosa, 24, 4000-098 Porto, Portugal c CIETI, Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering (ISEP), Polytechnic Institute of Porto (IPP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida S/N, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal tmata@fe.up. pt
Cross platform networking frameworking to simplify mobile application development

The need for sharing information among mobile devices exists in many applications, and almost every data exchange between these devices involve the same requirements: a means for discovering other mobile devices in a wireless network, establishing logical connections, communicating application data, and gathering information related to the physical connection. This paper presents a cross platform open-source developer-oriented framework that acts as a support layer for host discovery, data communication among devices, and quality of service monitoring. Its purpose is to simplify the issues related to networking for mobile application developers. Currently, the framework is implemented for different platforms, such as Android, J2SE, and J2ME.
On the Nonsymmetric Coupling Method for Parabolic-Elliptic Interface Problems

We consider the numerical approximation of parabolic-elliptic interface problems by the nonsymmetric coupling method of MacCamy and Suri [Quart. Appl. Math., 44 (1987), pp. 675--690]. We establish well-posedness of this formulation for problems with nonsmooth interfaces and prove quasioptimality for a class of conforming Galerkin approximations in space. Therefore, error estimates with optimal order can be deduced for the semidiscretization in space by appropriate finite and boundary elements. Moreover, we investigate the subsequent discretization in time by a variant of the implicit Euler method. As for the semidiscretization, we establish well-posedness and quasi optimality for the fully discrete scheme under minimal regularity assumptions on the solution. Error estimates with optimal order follow again directly. Our analysis is based on estimates in appropriate energy norms. Thus, we do not use duality arguments and corresponding estimates for an elliptic projection which are not available for the nons.
POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF NOISE FROM HUMAN ACTIVITIES ON MARINE ANIMALS

There is considerable interest in the effects of noise from human activities on marine animals but our knowledge is limited. This makes it difficult to demonstrate compliance with environmental protection requirements in the conduct of ocean activities. Consequently, a significant amount of research is being conducted in Australia and world wide. This paper discusses the areas of potential impact and what is known. Potential levels of impact include disturbance, masking of sounds of interest and hearing damage. Studies of behavioural reactions to noise exposure have demonstrated that disturbance does occur, but it is more difficult to determine the consequence of the disturbance. The potential for masking and hearing loss can be inferred from what is known about effects on humans and terrestrial animals and the limited data available for marine animals, but depends on the validity of modelling the differences in animal hearing mechanisms in air and water.
Information aggregation, learning, and non-strategic behavior in voting environments

A presumed benefit of group decision-making is to select the best alternative by aggregating privately dispersed information. In reality, people often learn what to make of their private information based on previous experience. When the consequences of alternatives that were not chosen in the past (i.e. counterfactuals) are not observed, learning takes place from a biased sample. We investigate the extent to which information aggregation is precluded in such a learning environment. We apply the notion of a behavioral equilibrium (Esponda, 2008) to a benchmark voting game in order to formalize the assumption that players fail to account for selection bias. We present a dynamic framework that provides explicit learning foundations for our solution concept and clarifies the nature of the selection problem and our behavioral assumptions. We then characterize equilibrium in games with a large number of players, provide necessary and sucient conditions for information to be aggregated (and therefore for biases to be inconsequential in large games), and characterize optimal voting rules. Our results provide a more nuanced view of the benefits of using group decision-making for the purpose of information aggregation.