Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Too Poor to Retire? House Prices and Retirement

This paper finds that the employment rate for old home owners (but not for renters) increases more (decreases less) in the MSA where house price declines more in the house price crisis 2008. It argues that the wealth effect of house prices on retirement can account for this fact. The paper builds up a calibrated incomplete-market life-cycle partial-equilibrium model with risky housing consumption and endogenous retirement. It finds that after a 28 percent unexpected house price decline, the home owners aged 5564 will reduce their non-durable consumption by 11.6 percent and delay their retirement by 5.8 months. The counterfactual experiment quantifies three channels (resizing effect, bequest motive, and collateral borrowing) through which house prices can affect retirement. The structural model also quantifies the endogenous retirement as self-insurance for the old homeowners against house price risk. The joint response of retirement and non-durable consumption implied by the structural model is consistent with the consumption and retirement elasticity of house prices found in the empirical studies using Health and Retirement Survey data, i.e., home owners’ retirement probability drops by 1.7 percentage points and their non-durable consumption drops by 2.9 percent when house price declines by 10 percent. Therefore, the structure model sets up a reasonable reference line for the empirical studies.
“Should I Stay or Should I Go?” Understanding the Antecedents to Buyer Commitment in the Context of the US Eyecare Industry

This study extends the existing stream of research on channel relationship by examining the antecedents and consequences of firm commitment (i.e., affective and calculative) among small-sized firms in the United States (US) eyecare industry. Achieving strong growth in today’s primary eyecare market presents a challenge for many independents as they face new uncertainties from competition and regulatory reforms. Compounded by their inability to offer lower prices as well as lacking individual negotiating power with manufacturers, many small independent opticals have turned to buying groups to help reduce product acquisition costs as well as to stay competitive as independent entities. A mail survey of 200 independent opticals was conducted, and the data was analysed using structural equation modelling. The two dependent variables of interest are repurchase intentions and relational tolerance. The effect of affective commitment is positive and significant for both repurchase intentions and relational tolerance while calculative commitment only had a positive impact on relational tolerance. Findings further suggest that both transactionaland relational-specific investments help govern the relationship between buying groups and independents in an uncertain environment. Transaction specific investment increase independents’ calculative commitment as it creates value in the form of cost saving and profit enhancement. At the same time, this study corroborates arguments from social exchange theory regarding the role of relational mechanisms in reducing opportunism by enhancing independents’ affective commitment. However, while the bright side of social capital has often been the focus on buyer-seller relationships, the positive relationship between relational embeddedness and calculative commitment supports the emergent notion of the dark side of social capital.
A kappa Model for Mainland France

An important parameter for the characterization of strong ground motion at high-frequencies ( > 1 Hz) is kappa, 𝜅 , which models a linear decay of the acceleration spectrum, 𝑎 ( 𝑓 ), in log-linear space (i.e. 𝑎 ( 𝑓 ) = 𝐴 0 exp( − 𝜋𝜅𝑓 ) for 𝑓 > 𝑓 𝐸 where 𝑓 is frequency, 𝑓 𝐸 is a low frequency limit and 𝐴 0 controls the amplitude of the spectrum). 𝜅 is a key input parameter in the stochastic method for the simulation of strong ground motion, which is particularly useful for areas with insuﬃcient strong-motion data to enable the derivation of robust empirical ground-motion prediction equations, such as mainland France. Numerous studies using strong-motion data from western North America (WNA) (an active tectonic region where surface rock is predominantly soft) and eastern North America (ENA) (a stable continental region where surface rock is predominantly very hard) have demonstrated that 𝜅 varies with region and surface geology, with WNA rock sites having a 𝜅 of about 0 . 04 s and ENA rock sites having a 𝜅 of about 0 . 006 s. Lower 𝜅 s are one reason why high-frequency strong ground motions in stable regions are generally higher than in active regions for the same magnitude and distance. Few, if any, estimates of 𝜅 s for French sites have been published. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to estimate 𝜅 using data recorded by the French national strong-motion network (RAP) for various sites in diﬀerent regions of mainland France. For each record, a value of 𝜅 is estimated by following the procedure developed by Anderson and Hough [1984]: this method is based on the analysis of the S-wave spectrum, which has to be performed manually, thus leading to some uncertainties. For the three French regions where most records are available (the Pyrenees, the Alps and the
Variation in Biomass Yield, Cell Wall Components, and Agronomic Traits in a Broad Range of Diploid Alfalfa Accessions

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), one of the most important forage legumes throughout the world, has potential as a biofuel crop. Breeding to improve biomass yield and stem composition will enhance the value of alfalfa. In this experi- ment, we evaluated 374 individual genotypes from 120 accessions of wild diploid alfalfa col- lected throughout the Northern Hemisphere and representing the three diploid subspecies, M. sativa subsp. falcata, M. sativa subsp. caerulea, and M. sativa subsp. hemicycla. We measured total biomass yield, stem cell wall constituents (neutral detergent fi ber, acid detergent fi ber, acid detergent lignin, glucose, xylose, and arab- inose), and important agronomic traits in fi eld trials at two Georgia locations in 2007 and 2008. A large amount of phenotypic variation exists in the diploid gene pool for all traits. Yield variation among accessions spanned more than an order of magnitude. High-yielding accessions tended to have higher levels of cell wall constituents. Clustering of genotypes or accessions on the basis of phenotypic traits differed from the pop- ulation structure pattern observed previously with molecular markers. The results show that phenotypic variation is very large in diploids, offering a potentially useful pool of alleles for future breeding efforts.
Eye Tracking, a Method for Engineering Design Research on Engineers' Behavior while Analyzing Technical Systems

The analysis of technical systems is a central activity in design processes. Engineers need to understand the functions of a system in order to gain inputs for further development. In using design research methods in the area of acquiring functional understanding, data is usually gathered through interviews or observations. Since vision is tightly related to cognition, eye tracking may provide deeper insights into the analyzing behavior of humans. This paper investigates the applicability of different eye tracking technologies for research into function recognition. Pilot studies were conducted to show the practicability of the proposed technologies. In addition to that, the paper introduces relevant analysis methods for raw gaze data. The results suggest that remote and head mounted eye trackers are well suited to observing the behavior of engineers who are analyzing a technical system in different representation forms. Based on these findings, the authors propose the use of eye tracking technologies in qualitative and quantitative empirical studies of how engineers build up understanding of technical systems.
Application of EMD-WVD and particle filter for gearbox fault feature extraction and remaining useful life prediction

Fault feature extraction and remaining useful life (RUL) prediction are important to condition based maintenance (CBM). In order to realize the fault feature extraction of gearbox vibration signal presenting nonlinear and non-Gaussian, the integration of empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and Wigner-Ville distribution (WVD) are proposed in this paper. Taking the kurtosis as standard, the WVD is applied to some IMFs with larger kurtosis to calculate the time-frequency distribution, with an effective suppress on mode mixing and the cross-term interference. Afterwards, particle filter (PF) with the state space model based on Wiener process is proposed to predict the RUL of gearbox considering degradation feature, gearbox teeth wear and nonlinear and non-Gaussian system. The gearbox life cycle test shows that the EMD-WVD method can extract the valued characteristics of vibration signal accurately, and the particle filter can provide an effective way to predict the RUL of gearbox.
Prevention and control of methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus in equine hospitals in Sweden

Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) was first described in 1961 and has since caused nosocomial infections and therapeutic limitations. In Sweden, the first finding of horses infected with MRSA was in 2008. Nosocomial spread of MRSA among horses is a hazard for the patients and those in contact with the animals. Therefore, there is a need to introduce or improve routines for prevention and control of MRSA in veterinary care. MRSA spa-type t011, CC398 caused an outbreak of surgical site infections in horses. MRSA CC398 is associated with livestock and has been reported in horses in Europe. The superficial infections healed without antimicrobial treatment. Longitudinal sampling of post-infected horses showed that all tested negative by time, median 143 days. The most sensitive site to test for MRSA carriage was the nostrils, with a relative sensitivity of 0.91. Due to few sampled cases (n=9) MRSA carriage in horses needs more study. Transmission of MRSA by horses and humans to the environment was shown through environmental screening. In total, 10 of 92 samples were positive. The screening was a useful tool in the implementation of basic hygiene. Rapid response combined with multidisciplinary collaboration was key in the outbreak control. This led to an improved infection control (IC) operation. Infection control procedures used in human health care were mainly applicable, but existing differences between equine and human settings require adapted solutions. Baseline data on IC procedures in three equine hospitals was collected. Overall excellent compliance with dress regulations and personal appearance (no rings or wrist watches, short nails etc.) was shown. Compliance with hand hygiene procedures was poorer. Purchase data per patient of hygiene products were useful to indirectly monitor compliance trends over time. Barriers to compliance were such as inaccessible hygiene products, insufficient knowledge of procedures and high work load. The knowledge presented in this thesis on epidemiology and prevention and control of MRSA in equine medicine can be used in the development and implementation of IC procedures in Swedish equine hospitals. Supplementary multidisciplinary studies of MRSA carriage in horses, species-specific factors affecting IC and, implementation and compliance with IC can develop the topic further.
Real-time Embodied Agent Adaptation

This paper reports on initial investigation of two emerging technologies, FaceFX and Smartbody, capable of creating life-like animations for embodied conversational agents (ECAs) such as the AVATAR agent. Real-time rendering and animation generation technologies can enable rapid adaptation of ECAs to changing circumstances. The benefits of each package are discussed.
Numerical analysis of film boiling around horizontal cylindrical surfaces

Stability of vapor film over a horizontal heater drags attention due to its wide spread applications in nuclear reactors, metal processing, manufacturing and chemical refineries. Existence of vapor film around the heater can cause advantages as well as disadvantages for various applications in industry and daily life. Hence understanding the film formation and its subsequent release in the form of bubble are dealt carefully by researchers in heat transfer community. Critical vapor thickness and average heat flux are the essential parameters which govern the release of vapor mass in the form of isolated bubbles from the surface. Experimental evidences have been reported in order to find out film dynamics for some specific fluids. However understanding it from the fundamental physics is still due and becomes a major challenge for heat transfer community. In this paper, numerical analysis of the film boiling heat transfer on a horizontal cylinder is presented to determine the effect of superheating on the heat transfer coefficient and film thickness in a pool. Findings from the present study will develop knowhow about the film formation and its role in enhancing the boiling heat transfer coefficient.
KBE frameworks and their applicability to a resource-based country: The case of Brunei Darussalam

Knowledge is generally considered to be one of the most important drivers of economic growth. The difference between a knowledge-based economy (KBE) and a resource-based one is that in the former, the main competition between individuals, firms, and countries is the ability to innovate. Other forms of competition, for example through pricing strategies and access to resources, become secondary. Generally, knowledge is information combined with technology that dramatically increases its impact when shared. Organizations such as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC), Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and the World Bank Institute (WBI) have developed different KBE frameworks to indicate the extent of countries’ knowledge base and implicitly to guide policy. But these frameworks have little in theoretical underpinnings and applying them universally across all countries in different regions, at different stages of development and with different institutional, social and economic characteristics may be misleading and result in inappropriate policy responses. In this paper we propose a framework that clearly distinguishes input-output indicators of a knowledge-based economy under four important dimensions: knowledge acquisition, knowledge production, knowledge distribution and knowledge utilization, and attempt to adapt them in a practical policy oriented approach for an economy like Brunei Darussalam, which is attempting to transform from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy.
Does Personality Influence Project Participation? Evidence from Rural Malawi

Development projects often target the poor and vulnerable households for good reasons. However, project participation also tends to be voluntary leading to a high degree of self-selection among project bene ciaries. In addition, project success is likely to depend upon the type of people participating in it. There is a large and still growing literature on how personality traits matter for economic and social outcomes in life. In this paper, we find that there is indeed a strong degree of self-selection on speci c personality traits, when it comes to expressing interest in participating in an announced upcoming village savings and loan association (VSLA) in rural Malawi, a largely economic decision.
Trente ans de comparaison des inégalités des chances : quand la méthode retenue conditionne la conclusion

Les comparaisons de l'inegalite des chances, aussi bien a travers les epoques qu'a partir de donnees contemporaines, ont suivi et soutenu le developpement de la statistique : celui de ses methodes comme celui de ses enjeux ethiques et politiques.
Ultrarelativistic oscillon collisions

In this short paper we investigate the ultrarelativistic collisions of small amplitude oscillons in 1+1 dimensions. Using the amplitude of the oscillons and the inverse relativistic boost factor γ−1 as the perturbation variables, we analytically calculate the leading order spatial and temporal phase shifts, and the change in the amplitude of the oscillons after the collisions. At leading order, we find that only the temporal phase shift receives a nonzero contribution, and that the collision is elastic. This work is also the first application of the general kinematic framework for understanding ultrarelativistic collisions [1] to intrinsically time-dependent solitons.
Syntactic annotation of non-canonical linguistic structures

This paper deals with the syntactic annotation of corpora that contain both ‘canonical’ and ‘non-canonical’ sentences. Consider Examples (1) and (2) from the German learner corpus Falko which will be introduced below. (1) represents a syntactically correct (although perhaps not very enlightening) utterance to which it is easy to assign a syntactic structure. The utterance in (2), on the other hand, would be considered incorrect (and probably be interpreted as a word order error) – it is much more difficult to assign a syntactic structure to it. The question is: how can (1) and (2) be annotated in a uniform way that shows that there is a difference and makes clear exactly where that difference lies?
Well-Being and Public Policy

Governments rely on certain basic economic metrics and tools to analyze prospective laws and policies and to monitor how well their countries are doing. For decades, critics of such economic measures have argued that they ignore important aspects of value that are not fully reflected by output or by willingness to pay (WTP). In recent years, one of the most important developments in social science has been the emergence of psychological research measuring subjective well-being (SWB) or “happiness. ” Researchers have made great strides in replicating and validating their findings about happiness, and world leaders have called for this research to be used to supply SWB-based metrics and tools as alternatives to the existing economic ones. In response to these calls, early efforts have been made to use SWB research to create new social indicators. In this chapter, we discuss some of the efforts that have been made in this regard. We first briefly explain the way that SWB is measured and the way those measurements have been validated. We then explain our own contribution — well-being analysis (WBA) — which uses happiness data to analyze prospective policies more accurately than does cost-benefit analysis. Next, we cover the ways in which SWB data have been used to generate prices that can be used by traditional economic analysis. We then discuss attempts to revise cost-benefit analysis to deal with the limitations stemming from the fact that it uses wealth to assess the effects of policy on quality of life. Finally, we lay out the strides that have been made toward creating an SWB-based alternative to GDP.
Effect of non-polynomial input to a switching circuit

In this paper, the validity of the state-space averaging method is analyzed. We assume that the state-space piecewise method is an exact model for a fast switching circuit. Based on this model, we compute the error predicted by the state-space averaging method. It is found that the error for a polynomial input is bounded by two polynomials with the same order as that of the input. And the percentage error is bounded by a constant. Hence, if the acceptable level is within that constant, then the state-space averaging method can be applied. Similar analysis is carried out on a non-polynomial input. A sinusoidal function is chosen because of its wide applications on AC circuits. Although a similar result is obtained, the percentage error for the sinusoidal input is much greater than that of the polynomial input. Hence, the state-space averaging method may not be so good for the AC analysis.
Characterization of Worm-eating Warbler ( Helmitheros vermivorum ) breeding habitat at the landscape level and nest scale

The Worm-eating Warbler (Helmitheros vermivorum) is typically described as a mature forest species requiring moderate to steep slopes and dense understory vegetation for breeding. However, nesting microhabitat characteristics vary regionally. Given the extensive variation in landscape topography, forest composition, and habitat structure across the breeding range, identification of important local landscape features and microhabitat characteristics is needed to formulate and implement improved conservation actions for the species. We characterized important habitat associations at two distinct scales (the landscape scale and the nest scale) to provide a detailed description of Worm-eating Warbler breeding habitat requirements in southern Indiana. Results from our point count and nest searching surveys emphasize the importance of terrain variables (i.e., steep SW-facing slopes) within mature forest habitat in southern Indiana. In addition, the structural microhabitat variable, leaf-litter depth, was an important predictor at the nest scale. Our dual-scale characterization of important habitat associations during the nesting portion of the breeding season provides a more complete understanding of Worm-eating Warbler breeding ecology in this portion of its range. Caractérisation de l'habitat de nidification de la Paruline vermivore (Helmitheros vermivorum) aux échelles du paysage et du nid RÉSUMÉ. On décrit habituellement la Paruline vermivore (Helmitheros vermivorum) comme une espèce de forêt mature qui recherche un terrain en pente modérée à abrupte et un sous-étage végétal dense pour y nicher. Toutefois, les caractéristiques du microhabitat de nidification varient régionalement. Étant donné les grandes différences de topographie du paysage, de composition forestière et de structure de l'habitat dans l'aire de reproduction, il faut identifier les éléments locaux importants du paysage et les caractéristiques du microhabitat pour qu'on puisse définir et mettre en oeuvre de meilleures activités de conservation pour l'espèce. Nous avons caractérisé les principales relations entre la Paruline vermivore et son habitat à deux échelles distinctes (celle du paysage et celle du nid) afin de décrire de façon détaillée ses besoins en matière d'habitat de nidification dans le sud de l'Indiana. Les résultats de nos dénombrements par points d'écoute et de nos recherches de nids soulignent l'importance des variables du terrain (c.-à-d. pentes abruptes exposées au sud-ouest) en forêt mature dans le sud de l'Indiana. De plus, une variable structurale du microhabitat, soit l'épaisseur de la litière, s'est avérée explicative à l'échelle du nid. La caractérisation des associations importantes avec l'habitat que nous avons faite à deux échelles durant l'étape de nidification en saison de reproduction permet une compréhension plus complète de l'écologie de nidification de la Paruline vermivore dans cette partie de son aire.
Quantization of Map-Based Neuronal Model for Embedded Simulations of Neurobiological Networks in Real-Time

The discreet-time (map-based) approach to modeling nonlinear dynamics of spiking and spiking-bursting activity of neurons has demonstrated its very high efficiency in simulations of neuro-biologically realistic behavior both in large-scale network models for brain activity studies and in real-time operation of Central Pattern Generator network models for biomimetic robotics. This paper studies the next step in improving the model computational efficiency that includes quantization of model variables and makes the network models suitable for embedded solutions. We modify a map-based neuron model to enable simulations using only integer arithmetic and demonstrate a significant reduction of computation time in an embedded system using readily available, inexpensive ARM Cortex L4 microprocessors.