Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Challenging the State: Evaluating the Effects of Uneven Distribution of Public Goods, Economic Globalization and Political Openness on Domestic Terrorism

The end of Cold-War ushered in an era of global economic integration and political openness in terms of emerging democracies; the world celebrated the triumph of free market capitalism as the East European ex-communist countries and Third World countries of Asia and Africa placed market forces at the center of their policy. There seems to have been a breakthrough for the idea of the Manchester School, in terms of using economics as a means of international peace. On the other hand, however, the world is not at peace. The collapse of the “Soviet Empire” was followed by the emergence, or re-emergence, of many ethno-political conflicts, religious militancy, terrorism, and severe competition over scarce resources. Domestic terrorism, as a form of intrastate violence, has varied widely along with the post-Cold War period of global economic integration and political openness, taking almost a U-shape in its fluctuations. How are these two phenomena– economic integration and emergence of democracies – related to domestic terrorism? The thesis is intended to explore whether post-Cold War trends of global economic integration and emergence of democracies are responsible for the fluctuations in domestic terrorism. A rational choice theoretic model of violent intrastate conflict that is based on three crucial factors(1) political openness, (2) global economic integration, and (3) heterogeneity costis used to explain the causal relationship. I argue that resort to terrorism is a rational choice when individuals’ cost of heterogeneity deprivation from public goods due to geographical and ideological distance -increases; opportunity is provided by democratization and integration to the global economy. The testable hypotheses regarding the influence of global economic integration, emerging democracies and heterogeneity cost on domestic terrorism derived from the theory are empirically tested on a global dataset of 172 countries for the time period between 1990 and 2007. I also use a regional dataset on South Asia and a case study on India to supplement my findings and situate them in historical context. I conclude with the policy implications of my findings and offer suggestions on how this research can be extended in the future.
Language modeling and transcription of the TED corpus lectures

Transcribing lectures is a challenging task, both in acoustic and in language modeling. In this work, we present our first results on the automatic transcription of lectures from the TED corpus, recently released by ELRA and LDC. In particular, we concentrated our effort on language modeling. Baseline acoustic and language models were developed using respectively 8 hours of TED transcripts and various types of texts: conference proceedings, lecture transcripts, and conversational speech transcripts. Then, adaptation of the language model to single speakers was investigated by exploiting different kinds of information: automatic transcripts of the talk, the title of the talk, the abstract and, finally, the paper. In the last case, a 39.2% WER was achieved.
MiR-422a as a Potential Cellular MicroRNA Biomarker for Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of short non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression by targeting mRNAs. Recently, miRNAs have been shown to play important roles in the etiology of various diseases. However, little is known about their roles in the development of osteoporosis. Circulating monocytes are osteoclast precursors that also produce various factors important for osteoclastogenesis. Previously, we have identified a potential biomarker miR-133a in circulating monocytes for postmenopausal osteoporosis. In this study, we aimed to further identify significant miRNA biomarkers in human circulating monocytes underlying postmenopausal osteoporosis. Methodology/Principal Findings We used ABI TaqMan miRNA array followed by qRT-PCR validation in human circulating monocytes from 10 high BMD and 10 low BMD postmenopausal Caucasian women to identify miRNA biomarkers. MiR-422a was up-regulated with marginal significance (P = 0.065) in the low compared with the high BMD group in the array analysis. However, a significant up-regulation of miR-422a was identified in the low BMD group by qRT-PCR analysis (P = 0.029). We also performed bioinformatic target gene analysis and found several potential target genes of miR-422a which are involved in osteoclastogenesis. Further qRT-PCR analyses of the target genes in the same study subjects showed that the expression of five of these genes (CBL, CD226, IGF1, PAG1, and TOB2) correlated negatively with miR-422a expression. Conclusions/Significance Our study suggests that miR-422a in human circulating monocytes (osteoclast precursors) is a potential miRNA biomarker underlying postmenopausal osteoporosis.
SAX J1712.6-3739 : a persistent hard X-ray source as monitored with INTEGRAL

Context. The X-ray source SAX J1712.6-3739 is a very weak low mass X-ray binary discovered in 1999 with BeppoSAX and located in the Galactic Center. This region has been intensively investigated by the INTEGRAL satellite with an unprecedented exposure time, providing an unique opportunity to study the hard X-ray behavior also for weak objects. Aims. We analyzed all available INTEGRAL public and private Key-Program observations with the main aim of studying the long-term behavior of this Galactic bulge X-ray burster. Methods. The spectral results are based on the systematic analysis of all INTEGRAL observations covering the source position performed between February 2003 and October 2006. SAX J1712.6-3739 did not show any flux variation during this period as well as compared to previous BeppoSAX observations. Hence, to better constrain the physical parameters we combined data from both instruments. Results. Long INTEGRAL monitoring reveals that this X-ray burster is a weak persistent source, displaying an X-ray spectrum extended to high energy and being most of the time in a low luminosity hard state. The broad-band spectrum is well modeled with a simple Comptonized model with a seed photon temperature of ∼0.5 keV and an electron temperature of -24 keV. The low mass accretion rate (∼2 × 10 -10 M sun /yr), the long bursts recurrence time, the small sizes of the region emitting the seed photons consisting of the inner disk radius and the high luminosity ratio in the 40-100 keV and 20-40 keV band, are all features common to the Ultra Compact source class. Conclusions. We report, for the first time, on the X-ray behavior of this source: observations with unprecedent wide energy band and sensitivity revealed this X-ray burster is a persistent source with a hard spectrum extending up to energies > 100 keV.
Dust Lofting and Ingestion by Supercell Storms

AbstractRecent research pertaining to aerosol impacts on cloud microphysics has shown a need for understanding mineral dust entrainment into moist convection. The goal of this study is to examine the pathways in which nonmicrophysically active mineral dust is entrained into supercell storms within three commonly observed dust regimes. The Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (RAMS) with an interactive dust model that allows for surface emission was used to achieve this goal.First, a supercell is simulated within an already dusty environment (EXP-BACKGROUND) to investigate ingestion purely from a background source. Second, the supercell is simulated within a clean background environment and lofts its own dust via the interactive dust model (EXP-STORM) to investigate the regime in which the only source of dust in the atmosphere is due to the storm itself. Finally, the supercell is simulated with a low-level convergence boundary introduced ahead of the supercell to investigate dust lofting by outflow boundar.
Data Archiving Using Enhanced MAID

This paper discusses archive data and its specific attributes, as well as the requirements for storing, cataloging, managing, and retrieving archive data. We discuss how MAID (Massive Array of Idle Disks), and particularly our enhanced implementation of MAID, are particularly well suited for the storage of long-term archive data. Finally, we present an overview of the Revolution 220A file archive product with MILLENNIA ARCHIVETM software and how it is in use today in some typical applications.
Time-delay compensation of a wide-area measurements-based hierarchical voltage and speed regulator

This paper presents a delay-insensitive version of a wide-area measurements-based two-level hierarchical controller. This hierarchical structure consists of a central controller, at the secondary level, dedicated to inter-generator interactions compensation, and conventional controllers (automatic voltage regulator, power system stabilizer, and speed governor), at the primary level, to dampen local oscillations. First, a Smith prediction approach is used to preserve performance in the presence of large remote-measurement time delays and communication time delays between central and local controllers. Second, an optimization algorithm is used to considerably reduce the complexity of the controller and thereby increase its reliability. Finally, sets of realistic tests are performed to assess the robustness of the proposed structure in the presence of uncertainties over time delays and power system parameters. Simulation results reveal that time-delay compensation is effectively required to enhance the hierarchical-structure performance in realistic situations. Furthermore, the performance of local controllers is considerably improved by the secondary-level controller action. The stability margin of the system is improved in the presence of severe contingencies.
Controlled Markov Processes with AVaR Criteria for Unbounded Costs

In this paper, we consider the control problem with the Average-Value-at-Risk (AVaR) criteria of the possibly unbounded L1-costs in infinite horizon on a Markov Decision Process (MDP). With a suitable state aggregation and by choosing a priori a global variable s heuristically, we show that there exist optimal policies for the infinite horizon problem. Mathematics Subject Classification: 90C39, 93E20
Testing gamma-ray bursts as standard candles

Several interesting correlations among gamma-ray burst (GRB) observables with available redshifts have been recently identified. Proper evaluation and calibration of these correlations may facilitate the use of GRBs as standard candles constraining the expansion history of the universe up to redshifts of z > 6. Here we use the 69 GRB data set recently compiled by Schaefer and we test the calibration of five of the above correlations [(1) E peak -E γ , (2) E peak -L, (3) τ lag -L, (4) V- L, (5) τ RT -L] with respect to two potential sources of systematics: evolution with redshift and cosmological model used in the calibration. In examining the model dependence we assume flat ACDM and vary Ω m . Our approach avoids the circularity problem of previous studies since we do not fix Ω m to find the correlation parameters. Instead we simultaneously minimize Χ 2 with respect to both the log-linear correlation parameters a, b and the cosmological parameter Ω m . We find no statistically significant evidence for redshift dependence of a and b in any of the correlation relations tested [the slopes of a(z) and b(z) are consistent with 0 at the 2σ level]. We also find that one of the five correlation relations tested (E peak -E γ ) has a significantly lower intrinsic dispersion compared to the other correlations. For this correlation relation, the maximum likelihood method (Χ 2 minimization) leads to b 1 = 50.58 ± 0.04, a 1 = 1.56 ± 0.11, Ω m = 0.30 +1.60 -0.25 , respectively. The other four correlation relations minimize Χ 2 for a flat matter dominated universe Ω m ≃ 1. Finally, a cross-correlation analysis between the GRBs and type Ia supernova data for various values of Ω m has shown that the E peak -E γ relation traces well the SnIa regime (within 0.17 ≤ z ≤ 1.755). In particular, for Ω m ≃ 0.15 and Ω m ≃ 0.30 we get the highest correlation signal between the two populations. However, due to the large error bars in the cross-correlation analysis (small number statistics) even the tightest correlation relation (E peak -E γ ) provides much weaker constraints on Ω m than current SnIa data.
Forecasting Labour and Skills Shortages: How Can Projections Better Inform Labour Migration Policies?

Many countries in the European Union (EU) face serious skills and labour shortages in a number of sectors, despite persistently high rates of unemployment. In most cases, these shortages result from problems of mismatch between labour demand and supply. Many governments have resorted to labour migration programs as a more rapid and effective means of addressing shortages. Estimating the need for labour immigration to fill labour gaps and shortages requires: an understanding of the causes of current and potential labour and skill shortages; estimation and projection of their scale; and evaluation of the appropriateness of different policy responses for reducing shortages, including migration policy. This paper focuses on the first two points, and concludes with a brief discussion of the third. The authors begin by defining shortages and categorising the different determinants of these. They then document the linear and cyclical trends that generate these shortages in European countries. This is followed by a review of the different methods for estimating and forecasting shortages, and a look at how such estimates are made in a number of OECD countries. In conclusion, the authors consider which kind of shortages warrant migration policy as a preferred or required solution.
A review of nonlinearities , smoothness , and sparsity ]

D igital applications have developed rapidly over the last few decades. Since many sources of information are of analog or continuous-time nature, discrete-time signal processing (DSP) inherently relies on sampling a continuoustime signal to obtain a discrete-time representation. Consequently, sampling theories lie at the heart of signal processing devices and communication systems. Examples include sampling rate conversion for software radio [1] and between audio formats [2], biomedical imaging [3], lens distortion correction and the formation of image mosaics [4], and super-resolution of image sequences [5]. To accommodate high operating rates while retaining low computational cost, efficient analog-to-digital (ADC) and digital-to-analog (DAC) converters must be developed. Many of the limitations encountered in current converters is due to a traditional assumption that the sampling stage needs to acquire the data at the Shannon-Nyquist rate, corresponding to twice the signal bandwidth [6]–[8]. To avoid aliasing, a sharp low-pass filter (LPF) must be implemented prior to sampling. The reconstructed signal is also a bandlimited function, generated by integer shifts of the sinc interpolation kernel. A major drawback of this paradigm is that many natural signals are better represented in alternative bases other than the Fourier basis [9]–[11], or possess further structure in the Fourier domain. In addition, ideal pointwise sampling, as assumed by the Shannon theorem, cannot be implemented. More practical ADCs introduce a distortion that should be accounted for in the reconstruction process. Finally, implementing the infinite sinc interpolating kernel is difficult, since it has slow decay. In practice, much simpler kernels are used, such as linear interpolation. Therefore, there is a need to develop a general sampling theory that will accommodate an extended class of signals beyond bandlimited functions and will account for the nonideal nature of the sampling and reconstruction processes. Sampling theory has benefited from a surge of research in recent years, due in part to the intense research in wavelet theory and the connections made between the two fields. In this survey, we present several extensions of the Shannon theorem that have been developed primarily in the past two decades, which treat a wide class of input signals as well as nonideal sampling and nonlinear distortions. This Digital Object Identifier 10.1109/MSP.2009. 932125
A novel wireless recording and stimulating multichannel epicortical grid for supplementing or enhancing the sensory-motor functions in monkey (Macaca fascicularis)

Artificial brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) represent a prospective step forward supporting or replacing faulty brain functions. So far, several obstacles, such as the energy supply, the portability and the biocompatibility, have been limiting their effective translation in advanced experimental or clinical applications. In this work, a novel 16 channel chronically implantable epicortical grid has been proposed. It provides wireless transmission of cortical recordings and stimulations, with induction current recharge. The grid has been chronically implanted in a non-human primate (Macaca fascicularis) and placed over the somato-motor cortex such that 13 electrodes recorded or stimulated the primary motor cortex and three the primary somatosensory cortex, in the deeply anaesthetized animal. Cortical sensory and motor recordings and stimulations have been performed within 3 months from the implant. In detail, by delivering motor cortex epicortical single spot stimulations (1–8 V, 1–10 Hz, 500 ms, biphasic waves), we analyzed the motor topographic precision, evidenced by tunable finger or arm movements of the anesthetized animal. The responses to light mechanical peripheral sensory stimuli (blocks of 100 stimuli, each single stimulus being <1 ms and interblock intervals of 1.5–4 s) have been analyzed. We found 150–250 ms delayed cortical responses from fast finger touches, often spread to nearby motor stations. We also evaluated the grid electrical stimulus interference with somatotopic natural tactile sensory processing showing no suppressing interference with sensory stimulus detection. In conclusion, we propose a chronically implantable epicortical grid which can accommodate most of current technological restrictions, representing an acceptable candidate for BMI experimental and clinical uses.
Some Preliminary Considerations about Hedging Effectiveness for Crude Oil Market

All countries consume crude oil or oil products. Both producers and consumers are highly concerned about crude oil prices. The crude oil prices are being directly affecting by several factors such as economic, political, geopolitical, and technological, oil reserves, available stocks and weather conditions, among others. On other hand the crude oil prices fluctuations influence directly the world economy. Compared to the financial assets the crude oil prices have had an elevated volatility in recent years. Therefore, studies of crude oil prices movements and co-movements are highly complex. So the academics and practitioners are developing many studies about themes related with crude oil prices. The economic agents indirectly involved with crude oil negotiations, such as the planners of firms or governments, are looking for related petroleum prices forecasting models construction studies, while the agents directly involved are looking for the hedge strategies studies as well. The hedge strategies allow negotiators that have short and long positions in the market protection against prices fluctuations. This paper examines the performance of bivariate volatility models for the crude oil spot and futures returns of the Western Texas Intermediate – WTI type barrel prices. Besides the volatility of spot and future crude oil barrel returns time series, the hedge ratio strategy is examined through the hedge effectiveness. Thus this study show hedge strategies built using methodologies applied in the variance modeling of returns of crude oil prices in the spot, and future markets, and covariance between these two markets returns, which correspond to the inputs of the hedge strategy shown in this work. From the studied models, the chosen one was the bivariate GARCH in a Diagonal VECH representation. The methodologies used here take into consideration more realistic assumptions for the returns distribution more realistic than other methods that have been used in the financial literature: the heteroskedasticity and the non normality. The data used is logarithm returns of daily prices quoted in dollars per barrel from November 2008 to May 2010 for spot and future contracts, in particular the June contract.
Simplified 2-D Cubic Spline Interpolation Scheme Using Direct Computation Algorithm

It has been shown that the 2-D cubic spline interpolation (CSI) proposed by Truong is one of the best algorithms for image resampling or compression. Such a CSI algorithm together with the image coding standard, e.g., JPEG, can be used to obtain a modified image codec while still maintaining a good quality of the reconstructed image for higher compression ratios. In this paper, a fast direct computation algorithm is developed to improve the computational efficiency of the original FFT-based 2-D CSI methods. In fact, this algorithm computes the 2-D CSI directly without explicitly calculating the complex division usually needed in the FFT or Winograd discrete Fourier transform (WDFT) algorithm. In addition, this paper describes a novel way to derivate the 2-D CSI from the 1-D CSI by using the row-column method. This new fast 2-D CSI provides a regular and simple structure based upon linear correlations. Therefore, it can be implemented by the use of a modification of Kung's pipeline structure and is naturally suitable for VLSI implementations. Experimental results show that the proposed new fast 2-D CSI algorithm can achieve almost the same CSI performance with much fewer arithmetic operations in comparison with existing efficient algorithms.
Cost analysis of stratospheric albedo modification delivery systems

We perform engineering cost analyses of systems capable of delivering 1–5 million metric tonnes (Mt) of albedo modification material to altitudes of 18–30 km. The goal is to compare a range of delivery systems evaluated on a consistent cost basis. Cost estimates are developed with statistical cost estimating relationships based on historical costs of aerospace development programs and operations concepts using labor rates appropriate to the operations. We evaluate existing aircraft cost of acquisition and operations, perform in-depth new aircraft and airship design studies and cost analyses, and survey rockets, guns, and suspended gas and slurry pipes, comparing their costs to those of aircraft and airships. Annual costs for delivery systems based on new aircraft designs are estimated to be $1–3B to deliver 1 Mt to 20–30 km or $2–8B to deliver 5 Mt to the same altitude range. Costs for hybrid airships may be competitive, but their large surface area complicates operations in high altitude wind shear, and development costs are more uncertain than those for airplanes. Pipes suspended by floating platforms provide low recurring costs to pump a liquid or gas to altitudes as high as ∼ 20 km, but the research, development, testing and evaluation costs of these systems are high and carry a large uncertainty; the pipe system’s high operating pressures and tensile strength requirements bring the feasibility of this system into question. The costs for rockets and guns are significantly higher than those for other systems. We conclude that (a) the basic technological capability to deliver material to the stratosphere at million tonne per year rates exists today, (b) based on prior literature, a few million tonnes per year would be sufficient to alter radiative forcing by an amount roughly equivalent to the growth of anticipated greenhouse gas forcing over the next half century, and that (c) several different methods could possibly deliver this quantity for less than $8B per year. We do not address here the science of aerosols in the stratosphere, nor issues of risk, effectiveness or governance that will add to the costs of solar geoengineering.