Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Technology, Growth and Unemployment across European Regions

FAGERBERG J., VERSPAGEN B. and CANIE¨LS M. (1997) Technology, growth and unemployment across European regions, Reg. Studies 31, 457‐466. The process of convergence in GDP per capita levels across European regions came to a halt in the 1980s, although the differences in GDP per capita remain substantial. Moreover, these differences are related to similarly persistent differences in unemployment rates. This paper argues that a perspective which, in addition to other factors, takes into account differences across regions in innovation and diffusion of technology may explain these findings. A simultaneous equation model with GDP per capita growth, employment growth and migration as endogenous variables is proposed and estimated using data for 64 European regions in the 1980s. The results show that innovation and the diffusion of technology are indeed important factors behind European growth in the 1980s. However, due to a lack of own R&D capabilities, most poor regions fail to take advantage of the more advan.
Generic and parsimonious stochastic modelling for hydrology and beyond

ABSTRACT The old principle of parsimonious modelling of natural processes has regained its importance in the last few years. The inevitability of uncertainty and risk, and the value of stochastic modelling in dealing with them, are also again appreciated, after a period of growing hopes for radical reduction of uncertainty. Yet, in stochastic modelling of natural processes several families of models are used that are often non-parsimonious, unnatural or artificial, theoretically unjustified and, eventually, unnecessary. Here we develop a general methodology for more theoretically justified stochastic processes, which evolve in continuous time and stem from maximum entropy production considerations. The discrete-time properties thereof are theoretically derived from the continuous-time ones and a general simulation methodology in discrete time is built, which explicitly handles the effects of discretization and truncation. Some additional modelling issues are discussed with a focus on model identification and fitting, which are often made using inappropriate methods. EDITOR Z.W. Kundzewicz ASSOCIATE EDITOR S. Grimaldi
A comparison of techniques for magnetotelluric response function estimation

Spectral analysis of the time-varying horizontal magnetic and electric field components yields the magnetotelluric (MT) impedance tensor. This frequency dependent 2×2 complex tensor can be examined for details which are diagnostic of the electrical conductivity distribution in the Earth within the relevant (frequency dependent) inductive scale length of the surface observation point. As such, precise and accurate determination of this tensor from the electromagnetic time series is fundamental to successful interpretation of the derived responses. In this paper, several analysis techniques are applied to the same data set from one of the EMSLAB Lincoln Line sites. Two subsets of the complete data set were selected, on the basis of geomagnetic activity, to test the methods in the presence of differing signal-to-noise ratios for varying signals and noises. Illustrated by this comparison are the effects of both statistical and bias errors on the estimates from the diverse methods. It is concluded that robust processing methods should become adopted for the analysis of MT data, and that whenever possible remote reference fields should be used to avoid bias due to uncorrelated noise contributions.
Multi-Path Planning on a Sphere with LMI-Based Collision Avoidance

The problem of path planning with collision avoidance for autonomous flying vehicles will become more critical as the density of such vehicles increase in the skies. Global aerial navigation paths can be modeled as a path-planning problem on a unit sphere. In this work, we apply consensus theory and semidefinite programming to constrained multi-path planning with collision avoidance for a team of communicating vehicles navigating on a sphere. Based on their communication graph, each vehicle individually synthesizes a time-varying Laplacian-like matrix which drives each of them from their initial positions to consensus positions on the surface of the sphere. The solution trajectories obtained on the unit sphere are transformed back to actual vehicle coordinates. Formation configurations are realized via consensus theory, while collision avoidance is realized via semidefinite programming. A Lyapunov-based stability analysis is also provided, together with simulation results to demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach.
Deformation and Failure Modes of Adhesively Bonded Elastic Layers

Adhesively bonded elastic layers with thicknesses that are small relative to their lateral dimensions are used in a wide variety of applications. The mechanical response of the compliant layer when a normal stress is imposed across its thickness is determined by the effects of lateral constraints, which are characterized by the ratio of the lateral dimensions of the layer to its thickness. From this degree of confinement and from the material properties of the compliant layer, we predict three distinct deformation modes: (1) edge crack propagation, (2) internal crack propagation, and (3) cavitation. The conditions conductive for each mode are presented in the form of a deformation map developed from fracture mechanics and bulk instability criteria. We use experimental data from elastic and viscoelastic materials to illustrate the predictions of this deformation map. We also discuss the evolution of the deformation to large strains, where nonlinear effects such as fibrillation and yielding dominate the fai.
Assessing Manufacturing Capital Investments in the Global Market

Manufacturing activities are becoming more global because of the need for manufacturers to be closer either to the sources of raw materials or the markets of the manufactured products or both. Oftentimes, the sources of both raw materials and products markets are located in foreign countries. Thus, as a consequence of the rapid expansion of global economic activities some universities in the United States are now requiring their incoming freshmen to take a course in foreign language before graduation. Therefore, it is appropriate to introduce students in a manufacturing engineering technology program to the tools that they may need to evaluate manufacturing projects in the global manufacturing market. These projects may have inherent risks or uncertainties emanating from political instabilities in the countries where the projects are located, or from unproven technologies (such as deep-sea drilling of crude oil), or from the shortage of skilled labor. Traditionally, capital projects with uncertainties have been evaluated using tools such as the net present value (NPV) capital asset pricing model coupled with sensitivity, break-even, or cash-flow scenario analyses. These tools mainly examine the variability in projected cash flows of projects with uncertainties. Alternatively, with adjusted net present value (ANPV) capital asset pricing model, each cash flow stream in a project is assigned an expected rate-of-return that is commensurate with the risks of the cash flow. This allows for the decoupling of individual cash flow stream (e.g., capital outlays, revenue, taxes) and their subsequent proper evaluation rather than use a single rate-of-return as is done in the traditional net present value (NPV) model. In this study, ANPV was used to evaluate the economic viability of a plastics plant in a foreign country and the results compared with those of the net present value (NPV) model. The primary intent of this study was to introduce manufacturing engineering technology students to capital investment analyses of manufacturing ventures in the international arena. To assess if this goal was achieved, a survey was given at the beginning and at the end of the course to assess students’ learning outcomes. The result of this study will be presented at the conference.
Assessing the Contribution of Banks, Insurance and Other Financial Services to Systemic Risk

The aim of this paper is to contribute to the debate on systemic risk by assessing the extent to which distress within the main different financial sectors, namely, the banking, insurance and other financial services industries contribute to systemic risk. To this end, we rely on the ΔCoVaR systemic risk measure introduced by Adrian and Brunnermeier (2011). In order to provide a formal ranking of the financial sectors with respect to their contribution to systemic risk, the original ΔCoVaR approach is extended here to include the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test developed by Abadie (2002), based on bootstrapping. Our empirical results reveal that in the Eurozone, for the period ranging from 2004 to 2012, the other financial services sector contributes relatively the most to systemic risk at times of distress affecting this sector. In turn, the banking sector appears to contribute more to systemic risk than the insurance sector. By contrast, the insurance industry is the systemically riskiest financial sector in the United States for the same period, while the banking sector contributes the least to systemic risk in this area. Beyond this ranking, the three financial sectors of interest are found to contribute significantly to systemic risk, both in the Eurozone and in the United States.
An Alternative Model of Risk in Non-financial Companies Applied to the Brazilian Pulp and Paper Industry

Earnings at Risk (EaR) is a financial risk measure that can be applied to non-financial companies, similarly to Cash Flow at Risk (CFaR). It is based on a relation that can be quantified using a multiple linear regression model, where the dependent variable is the change on the company's results and the independent variables are changes in distinct risk factors. The presence of correlation between explanatory factors (multicollinearity) in this kind of model may cause problems when calculating EaR and CFaR. In this paper, we indicate some possible consequences of these problems when calculating EaR, and propose a method to solve it based on Principal Component Analysis technique. To test the model, we choose the Brazilian agriculture-business industry, more specifically the paper and pulp sectors. We will show that, on the absence of significant correlation between variables, the proposed model has equivalent performance to usual multiple linear regression models. We find evidence that when correlation appears, the model here proposed yields more accurate and reliable forecasts.
Intestinal fatty acid binding protein gene (I-FABP) in golden pompano Trachinotus ovatus (Linnaeus 1758) larvae: ontogenetic expression and response to water temperature and nutrition manipulation

The gene for fatty acid binding proteins (I-FABP) in golden pompano Trachinotus ovatus larvae was cloned and analyzed from hatch to 18 days-post hatch (DPH). The I-FABP gene (GenBank accession: MF034871) of golden pompano is composed of 815 bp with an open reading frame of 399 bp, encoded in one amino acid with a molecular weight of 15.24 kDa. The predicted amino acid sequence of I-FABP genes from golden pompano showed high similarity and identity with Japanese sea bass Lateolabrax japonicus (97% and 87.9%, AOW69620.1). The highest tissue expression of I-FABP genes was found in the intestine, followed by the eye on 18 DPH. During the ontogenetic development, the expression of I-FABP genes remained at a low level during the first five days, and reached the highest level on 12 and 18 DPH. The expression of I-FABP genes was not significantly affected by environmental temperature on 12 DPH, but was significantly affected by the temperature on 18 DPH. Nutrition enhancement with algae containing high fatty acids significantly affected the expression of I-FABP genes. The highest expression was observed in the non-enriched treatment, but the lowest expression was in the Nannochloropsis feeding treatment. Results of the present study indicate that the expression of the I-FABP gene varies with environmental temperature and nutritional conditions during the ontogenetic development of golden pompano larvae. The expression of I-FABP genes may be potentially used as an indicator for assessing nutrient supply and functional development of the digestive system in fish larvae.
PROBABLE USE OF PROSOPHIS CUMANENSIS FRUIT MUCILAGE AS RELEASE RETARDANT WITH POVIDONE: TAKING NIMESULIDE AS A MODEL DRUG

Aim: The present research work was aimed to prepare Nimesulide sustained release matrix tablets using Prosophis cumanensis fruit mucilage and Povidone. Method: Drug excipient compatibility studies were performed by using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic studies. Various formulations of Nimesulide P. cumanensis fruit mucilage and Povidone were prepared. The DSC and FTIR studies revealed that the P. cumanensis fruit mucilage and Povidone are compatible with Nimesulide. The formulated tablets were evaluated for pre compression and post compression parameters including swelling behavior and release rate kinetics, which were found to be satisfactory within the limits. Conclusion: In vitro dissolution study proved that the dried P. cumanensis fruit mucilage and Povidone in combination can be used as a matrix forming polymers for making sustained release matrix tablets. Pharmaceutical Sciences
Ground based operation effects on soil disturbance by steel tracked skidder in a steep slope of forest.

In this study, the effects of slope and traffic intensity on soil compaction, rutting and forest floor removal was evaluated on a skid trail in the natural forest of north of Iran. Combination of two levels of slope 20% (SC2) and three levels of traffic (one, five and nine traffics) were studied. Treatment plots, with three replications, were established on the skid trail prior to skidding. The results of this study showed that all bulk densities were con - siderably higher in SC2 than in SC1 and average soil bulk densities were measured from 1.07 (g∙cm -3 ) to 1.23 (g∙cm -3 ) on skid trail and 0.91 (g∙cm -3 ) in undisturbed areas. With the increment of traffic, soil compaction increased but there was no significant difference among the three levels of traffic frequency in SC1 whereas it was significant between one and five cycles in SC2. Greatest rut depth was measured as 12 cm at nine traffics in SC2, although increase of traffic density caused deeper rut depth at all slope treatments, but it was higher at the SC2 in comparison to SC1. Litter mass decreased considerably on the skid trail with the increasing in slope and traffic. No important difference has been de - tected between SC1 and SC2 in terms of Litter mass removal. These results provide clear evidence that soil disturbance on steep trail is intensified.
Remote Calibration of Passive Wireless Microsystems: Challenge and

Passive wireless microsystems typically harvest their operational power from radio-frequency waves emitted by their base station. The absence of bulky batteries not only minimizes the physical dimension and cost of these microsystems, it also removes the need for maintenance. As a result, these Microsystems can be embedded in products or implanted in living bodies permanently to provide identification, to carry out micron-scale measurement and to execute a micron-scale control action that otherwise not possible. Attributive to their small size, wireless accessibility, programmability, low-cost, and maintenance-free operation, passive wireless microsystems have found a broad range of emerging applications include implantable bio-Micro-Electro­ Mechanical-Systems (MEMS pressure sensors [1,2], retinal prosthetic devices [3-6], swallowable capsule endoscopy [7-9], multi-site pressure sensors for wireless arterial flow characterization [10], embedded micro-strain sensors for product performance and safety monitoring, wireless temperature sensors for human body and environmental monitoring [11-14]. Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tags for object tracking in logistics automation [15,16] and replacing bar codes in retailing, e-tickets, e-passports, and low-cost high-security product authentication keys to replace existing product authentication means such as holograms, water-marks, invisible barcodes, security threads, chemical, and DNA markers that are often too costly to be used for general goods [17] to name a few. The performance of passive wireless microsystems is subject to the effect of the imperfections common to all integrated circuits such as process spread, supply voltage fluctuation, and Process-Voltage-Temperature (PVT) variation. The permanent placement of these microsystems in products or living bodies, the finite operational power, and the possible exposure to the harsh environment in which passive wireless microsystems reside impose stringent constraints on both the design and calibration of these microsystems to ensure a reliable operation, proper functionality, and an adequate accuracy. The physical inaccessibility of these microsystems when embedded in products or implanted in living bodies mandates that their calibration be conducted wirelessly from their base station prior to their intended operation. This paper briefly examines the need for, challenges encountered in, and possible solutions for the remote calibration of passive wireless microsystems.
Investigating Computer Self-Efficacy with Students in COBOL Programming

The theory of self-efficacy (Bandura, 1982) has been used in the field of Information Systems to test its predictive nature of computing outcomes (Compeau & Higgins, 1995, Gist, Schwoerer & Rosen, 1989; Murphy, Coover & Owen, 1989). It has been shown to be a successful measure of performance and indeed, is now perceived as a “practical indicator of student computer competency” (Karsten & Roth, 1998). This study attempts to further quantify and qualify such a measure and investigates the degree to which self-efficacy can be manipulated. Additionally, it has been traditionally thought that programming maintenance is more difficult when a programmer must modify someone else’s program rather than his or her own. This study also investigates this phenomenon within the context of self-efficacy. Findings show that self-efficacy is an important indicator of outcome performance and that it can be artificially manipulated. Some surprising results occurred when students were asked to modify someone else’s code.
The Projected Dark and Baryonic Ellipsoidal Structure of 20 CLASH Galaxy Clusters

We reconstruct the two-dimensional (2D) matter distributions in 20 high-mass galaxy clusters selected from the CLASH survey by using the new approach of performing a joint weak gravitational lensing analysis of 2D shear and azimuthally averaged magnification measurements. This combination allows for a complete analysis of the field, effectively breaking the mass-sheet degeneracy. In a Bayesian framework, we simultaneously constrain the mass profile and morphology of each individual cluster, assuming an elliptical Navarro–Frenk–White halo characterized by the mass, concentration, projected axis ratio, and position angle (PA) of the projected major axis. We find that spherical mass estimates of the clusters from azimuthally averaged weak-lensing measurements in previous work are in excellent agreement with our results from a full 2D analysis. Combining all 20 clusters in our sample, we detect the elliptical shape of weak-lensing halos at the 5σ significance level within a scale of 2 . The median projected axis ratio is 0.67 ± 0.07 at a virial mass of , which is in agreement with theoretical predictions from recent numerical simulations of the standard collisionless cold dark matter model. We also study misalignment statistics of the brightest cluster galaxy, X-ray, thermal Sunyaev–Zel’dovich effect, and strong-lensing morphologies with respect to the weak-lensing signal. Among the three baryonic tracers studied here, we find that the X-ray morphology is best aligned with the weak-lensing mass distribution, with a median misalignment angle of . We also conduct a stacked quadrupole shear analysis of the 20 clusters assuming that the X-ray major axis is aligned with that of the projected mass distribution. This yields a consistent axis ratio of 0.67 ± 0.10, suggesting again a tight alignment between the intracluster gas and dark matter.
Session Number: (3) High Voltage Power Transformer Paper Insulation Assessment Techniques

Energized parts within power transformer are isolated using paper insulation and are immersed in insulating oil. Hence, transformer oil and paper insulation are essential sources to detect incipient and fast developing power transformer faults. Several chemical diagnoses techniques are developed to examine the condition of paper insulation such as degree of polymerization, carbon oxides, furanic compounds and methanol. The principle and limitation of these diagnoses are discussed and compared in this paper.
What would dense atmospheric observation networks bring to the quantification of city CO 2 emissions

Cities currently covering only a very small portion ( < 3 %) of the world's land surface directly release to the atmosphere about 44 % of global energy-related CO2, but they are associated with 71–76 % of CO2 emissions from global final energy use. Although many cities have set voluntary climate plans, their CO2 emissions are not evaluated by the monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) procedures that play a key role for market- or policy-based mitigation actions. Here we analyze the potential of a monitoring tool that could support the development of such procedures at the city scale. It is based on an atmospheric inversion method that exploits inventory data and continuous atmospheric CO2 concentration measurements from a network of stations within and around cities to estimate city CO2 emissions. This monitoring tool is configured for the quantification of the total and sectoral CO2 emissions in the Paris metropolitan area (∼ 12 million inhabitants and 11.4 TgC emitted in 2010) during the month of January 2011. Its performances are evaluated in terms of uncertainty reduction based on observing system simulation experiments (OSSEs). They are analyzed as a function of the number of sampling sites (measuring at 25 m a.g.l.) and as a function of the network design. The instruments presently used to measure CO2 concentrations at research stations are expensive (typically ∼ EUR 50 k per sensor), which has limited the few current pilot city networks to around 10 sites. Larger theoretical networks are studied here to assess the potential benefit of hypothetical operational lower-cost sensors. The setup of our inversion system is based on a number of diagnostics and assumptions from previous city-scale inversion experiences with real data. We find that, given our assumptions underlying the configuration of the OSSEs, with 10 stations only the uncertainty for the total city CO2 emission during 1 month is significantly reduced by the inversion by ∼ 42 %. It can be further reduced by extending the network, e.g., from 10 to 70 stations, which is promising for MRV applications in the Paris metropolitan area. With 70 stations, the uncertainties in the inverted emissions are reduced significantly over those obtained using 10 stations: by 32 % for commercial and residential buildings, by 33 % for road transport, by 18 % for the production of energy by power plants, and by 31 % for total emissions. These results indicate that such a high number of stations would be likely required for the monitoring of sectoral emissions in Paris using this observation–model framework. They demonstrate some high potential that atmospheric inversions can contribute to the monitoring and/or the verification of city CO2 emissions (baseline) and CO2 emission reductions (commitments) and the advantage that could be brought by the current developments of lower-cost medium precision (LCMP) sensors.