Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Addressing the Affordable Housing Crisis for Vulnerable Renters: Insights From Broward County on an Affordable Housing Acquisition Tool

South Florida is experiencing an affordable rental crisis that is especially burdensome on those most vulnerable in society, low-income households. Rapid urbanization has resulted in inequitable land-use patterns that are a barrier to housing for the poor. As a solution to the crisis, local housing agencies seek to expand their affordable housing stock for vulnerable renters in opportunity-rich neighborhoods, but there is no standard framework for identifying properties for acquisition. Broward County serves as a case study to develop a housing acquisition tool. Using a combination of spatial statistics and principal components analysis, neighborhoods in which housing agencies may consider acquiring property are identified through the creation of an affordability surface in ArcGIS. Affordability is overlain by an opportunity surface derived from neighborhood quality and accessibility rankings. The results identify neighborhoods in Broward County that are both affordable and opportunity-rich, to better serve the county's most vulnerable renters.
Risk analytics for hedge funds

The rapid growth of the hedge fund industry presents significant business opportunity for the institutional investors particularly in the form of portfolio diversification. To facilitate this, there is a need to develop a new set of risk analytics for investments consisting of hedge funds, with the ultimate aim to create transparency in risk measurement without compromising the proprietary investment strategies of hedge funds. As well documented in the literature, use of dynamic options like strategies by most of the hedge funds make their returns highly non-normal with fat tails and high kurtosis, thus rendering Value at Risk (VaR) and other mean-variance analysis methods unsuitable for hedge fund risk quantification. This paper looks at some unique concerns for hedge fund risk management and will particularly concentrate on two approaches from physical world to model the non-linearities and dynamic correlations in hedge fund portfolio returns: Self Organizing Criticality (SOC) and Random Matrix Theory (RMT). Random Matrix Theory analyzes correlation matrix between different hedge fund styles and filters random noise from genuine correlations arising from interactions within the system. As seen in the results of portfolio risk analysis, it leads to a better portfolio risk forecastability and thus to optimum allocation of resources to different hedge fund styles. The results also prove the efficacy of self-organized criticality and implied portfolio correlation as a tool for risk management and style selection for portfolios of hedge funds, being particularly effective during non-linear market crashes.
The winding-up of the Ayr Bank, 1772–1827

The collapse of the ambitious and experimental Ayr Bank (Douglas, Heron & Co.) was the central episode of the 1772–3 British credit crisis and served as a direct influence on Adam Smith's monetary analysis in the Wealth of Nations. This article identifies the issuance of redeemable annuities in response to the bank's stop of payments in June 1772 and the distressed nature of its asset liquidations afterwards as the main reasons behind the size of its losses. It furthermore uses primary manuscript evidence to reconstruct and extend the existing narrative of this famous episode, from the planning stages in 1773 while the bank was still fighting for its survival, to the retirement of its banknotes by the Edinburgh public banks in 1773–4, the legal and political manoeuvring behind the redemption of the annuities by Act of Parliament in 1774, and the over 40 years of asset unwinding that followed.
An Statistical Technique to Mitigate Black Hole Attack in Wireless Network

Network nodes function as routers in ad hoc networks forwarding data packets that had its genesis in other nodes for communication extending beyond transmission range. Usually, ad hoc network routing protocols are built to function well in non-adversarial surroundings. Routing protocol security is critical in settings where networks face attacks which disrupt communication. This paper proposes to simulate/study black hole attack impact in ad hoc networks with DSR routing protocol. The obtained output is the basis for a novel statistical method to identify black hole attack based on RREQ control packet sequence. The proposed method is able to identify black hole attacks in the network and avoid the node during new route discovery.
Postnational constitutionalism in the European Union

The article re-examines the heritage of EU constitutionalism, working from the classic notion of the 'constitutionalization of the treaties' towards a contemporary notion of postnational constitutionalism in the emerging EU polity in which the role of law is problematized. It develops a process-based and non-teleological conception of EU constitutionalism, drawing on the work of Tully and Bankowski/ Christodoulidis. In the article, constitutionalism is deployed as a discursive and dialogic notion, involving the process of accommodating diverse interests within society. The EU itself is understood as contested and contestable in terms of its evolution, and it is suggested that the open-textured concept of postnationalism can usefully capture some of its sui generis elements. Postnational constitutionalism implies, in the EU context, more than designing a good EU constitution, but rather a reconceptualization of the key principles and processes on which constitutionalism must reside.
FX Risk Neutral Valuation Relationships for the Su Jump-Diffusion Family

This paper derives preference-free pricing formulae for foreign exchange options which are consistent with a general equilibrium representative agent economy. These risk neutral valuation relationships (RNVR's) are obtained for the Su jump-diffusion family. Call and put options are particular cases of our general model. These option pricing formulae nest Merton's (1976) jump-diffusion equations. Our option valuation formulae are able to generate symmetric and asymmetric volatility smiles and skews with similar shapes to those observed in the foreign exchange options market, and they solve several pricing biases of Black (1976) and Garman and Kohlhagen (1983) models.
Reflections on the PING! table tennis initiative: Lessons and new directions for sports development?

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to establish the impact and effectiveness of the national PING! project implemented by a national governing body of sport (NGB) and key public sector partners in England. It establishes lessons learnt and areas to improve future programme development in this area of public sports management. In addition it is also evidencing a new approach to engaging with physical activity and sports development in local communities. Design/methodology/approach – The research study is based on a user survey with 375 respondents and two qualitative ethnographic case studies in two of the eight cities that were involved in the programme. These case studies encompassed 30 individual or group interviews, informal observations and site visits across the two cities. Findings – The research project has identified some of the key factors that lie behind the positive outcomes of the scheme, including a strong sense of participant community, diverse participant profiles, a hidden workplace im.
Monitoring a Nuclear Factor-κB Signature of Drug Resistance in Multiple Myeloma*

The emergence of acquired drug resistance results from multiple compensatory mechanisms acting to prevent cell death. Simultaneous monitoring of proteins involved in drug resistance is a major challenge for both elucidation of the underlying biology and development of candidate biomarkers for assessment of personalized cancer therapy. Here, we have utilized an integrated analytical platform based on SDS-PAGE protein fractionation prior to liquid chromatography coupled to multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry, a versatile and powerful tool for targeted quantification of proteins in complex matrices, to evaluate a well-characterized model system of melphalan resistance in multiple myeloma (MM). Quantitative assays were developed to measure protein expression related to signaling events and biological processes relevant to melphalan resistance in multiple myeloma, specifically: nuclear factor-κB subunits, members of the Bcl-2 family of apoptosis-regulating proteins, and Fanconi Anemia DNA repair components. SDS-PAGE protein fractionation prior to liquid chromatography coupled to multiple reaction monitoring methods were developed for quantification of these selected target proteins in amounts of material compatible with direct translation to clinical specimens (i.e. less than 50,000 cells). As proof of principle, both relative and absolute quantification were performed on cell line models of MM to compare protein expression before and after drug treatment in naïve cells and in drug resistant cells; these liquid chromatography-multiple reaction monitoring results are compared with existing literature and Western blots. The initial stage of a systems biology platform for examining drug resistance in MM has been implemented in cell line models and has been translated to MM cells isolated from a patient. The ultimate application of this platform could assist in clinical decision-making for individualized patient treatment. Although these specific assays have been developed to monitor MM, these techniques are expected to have broad applicability in cancer and other types of disease.
Financial Globalization: Some Conceptual Problems

In recent years free movement of financial capital following financial liberalization has given the impression that financial markets are truly globalized. In this paper we argue that free movement of financial capital alone does not constitute financial globalization. To achieve true financial globalization, an important requirement is the creation of a worldwide single currency, managed by a single international monetary authority. This condition, however, is not met under current institutional arrangements.
Job quality and part-time work in the retail industry: An Australian case study

This article focuses on the important issue of job quality in part-time work, using a case study of the retail industry in Australia. Part-time jobs in retail in Australia can be either ‘casual’ or ‘permanent’, and this division is often equated with a distinction between bad and good quality work. This article examines the salience of this equation. It reports on the findings from a survey of, and interviews with, part-time retail workers in relation to three aspects of part-time employment that have a direct relationship with job quality: under-employment; variation in hours and schedules; and employee control over working time. In comparison to casual part-time jobs, ‘permanent’ part-time jobs in retail enjoy a modicum of employment security together with increased regularity and predictability of hours. However, this does not ensure employee control over working-time arrangements. Hence, it is argued that the lines of fragmentation in part-time retail jobs spill over the division between permanent and casual status. This raises important questions about HRM strategies to improve the quality of part-time retail jobs.
Re-engagement with the employee participation debate: beyond the case of contested and captured terrain

This e-special issue showcases employee participation research published in Work, Employment and Society over the last few decades. The editorial introduction provides an overarching review of the literature and also sets an agenda for future research. In particular, this article is concerned with the question of whether employee participation really brings employees increased voice and well-being, or whether it is simply an agenda that promotes the interests of employers. The article examines the evolution of employee participation and variation in its meanings and forms, and discusses research focused on its antecedents and outcomes. The paradox in the evolution of employee participation, and the mixed findings of outcomes, especially those from the perspectives of employees, highlights a need for interdisciplinary re-examination of the legitimacy of employee participation – when and how it works well for both employers and employees in changing organizational and societal contexts – and suggests looking beyond the conventional debate of contested versus captured terrain.
BGA brittle fracture - alternative solder joint integrity test methods

A solder ball shear and pull testing study was conducted on 27 unique package constructions, evaluated under a wide variety of test conditions. The study encompassed the coordinated efforts of 7 electronics manufacturers using early-prototype high speed solder ball shear/pull equipment. Shear speeds ranged from a conventional 0.0001 m/s (100 /spl mu/m/s) rate up to as high as 4 m/s, while pull testing ranged from speeds of 0.0005 m/s (500 /spl mu/m/s) to 1.3 m/s. The many package configurations varied in substrate plating type (exposed Cu, electrolytic NiAu and electroless-Ni/immersion-Au), solder composition (SnPb, SnPbAg and SnAgCu), packaging construction and materials, solder and package geometries, package assembly location, and time between reflow and test.
Monetary transmission and controllability of money in Europe: a structural vector error correction approach

In this paper, a structural vector error correction model (S-VECM) is estimated to investigate three essential prerequisites for a successful monetary targeting strategy: stability, controllability and predictability. First, multivariate cointegration techniques are used to identify two cointegration relations, that are identified as a long run money demand function and the Fisher effect for the long-term interest rate. Identification of the structural model is achieved by imposing contemporaneous and long-term restrictions. It is found that an interest rate shock hardly affects the nominal money stock, whereas the effects on excess money holdings and inflation are negative, but not significant.
Deconstructing Life Cycle Expenditure

We revisit two well-known facts regarding life cycle expenditures: the “hump”-shaped profile of nondurable expenditures and the increase in cross-household consumption inequality. We document that the behavior of total nondurables masks surprising heterogeneity in the life cycle profile of individual consumption subcomponents. We provide evidence that the categories driving life cycle consumption either are inputs into market work or are amenable to home production. Using a quantitative model, we document that the disaggregated life cycle consumption profiles imply a level of uninsurable permanent income risk that is substantially lower than that implied by a model using a composite consumption good.
Effect of Teflon Piston Diameter On Hearing Result After Stapedotomy

This study compares hearing results after stapedotomy by 0.6 mm and 0.8 mm teflon pistons. Retrospective analysis studied 100 patients randomly selected who underwent stapedotomy for otosclerosis with insertion of 0.8 mm teflon piston prosthesis and 100 patients with 0.6 mm teflon piston prosthesis. Air-conduction hearing level in both groups were measured before and after the procedure and the gain of the air conduction between the 2 groups at different frequencies were compared statistically. The group with the 0.8 mm prosthesis had better results that were statistically significant and more pronounced at lower frequencies.
Predation Risk Affects Reproductive Physiology and Demography of Elk

Elk (Cervus elaphus) in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem alter patterns of aggregation, habitat selection, vigilance, and foraging in the presence of wolves (Canis lupus). Antipredator behaviors like these can reduce predation risk but are also likely to carry costs. Data from five elk populations studied for 16 site years showed that progesterone concentrations (from 1489 fecal samples) declined with the ratio of elk to wolves. In turn, progesterone concentrations were a good predictor of calf recruitment in the subsequent year. Together, these data suggest that wolves indirectly affect the reproductive physiology and the demography of elk through the costs of antipredator behavior.
Economias de escala na produção de frangos de corte no Brasil

In this paper we estimate the parameters of a translog cost function for the broiler production activity in Brazil, to infer about scale economies in the activity. Cross-section data is used, from a survey of 229 producers in the main producing regions. Other characteristics of the producers surveyed are also discussed. Our estimates of scale economies show an optimal scale of production around 110 thousand kilos of live hens, corresponding to a 3,500 m2 plant area. The paper points to the conclusion that the optimal size of exploitation is smaller than that suggested by some processing industries. Larger scale farms would be operating with diseconomies of scale, what could generate pressures for price increases in the future. The evidence suggests also that some smallscale producers characteristics could help minimize the importance of operating under optimal scale.
Non-Union Worker Representation Through Civil Society Organisations: Evidence from the United Kingdom

Drawing on research evidence from the United Kingdom, the main features of non-union worker representation through civil society organisations (CSOs) are elaborated. The interventions of CSOs are marked by an emphasis on using indirect methods of worker representation beyond the boundaries of the workplace, such as awareness raising measures and political lobbying.
Optimal pricing and lot-sizing under conditions of perishability and partial backordering

We formulate a generalized model of dynamic pricing and lot-sizing by a reseller who sells a perishable good. We assume that when it is economic to backlog demand, the reseller can plan for periods of shortage during which demand can be partially backordered. When the good is highly perishable, the reseller may need to backlog demand in order to market the good at a reasonable price. We present a simple solution procedure for solving the optimization problem. The procedure entails solving first a single nonlinear equation and then, if required, two nonlinear equations.
Determinants of return migration intentions: Evidence from Zimbabwean migrants living in South Africa

This paper uses a dataset of Zimbabwean migrants living in South Africa to examine the determinants of the probability of their returning to their country of origin. It analyses migrants' return migration intentions using a logistic regression that examines 10 demographic and socioeconomic factors. Six factors – reason for migrating, the number of dependants supported in the home country, the level of education, economic activity in the host country, the level of income and the duration of stay in the host country – are found to be statistically significant determinants of the return migration intentions. The main policy implication of these findings is that the chances of attracting back skills are high if political and economic stability can be achieved.
The Social Aid and Assistance programme of the government of Egypt - a critical review

This paper assesses the Egyptian government’s Social Aid and Assistance programme, mainly by interviewing households in two low-income areas of Cairo, and comparing what the programme offers with these households’ actual needs and vulnerabilities. This programme exists to support the most vulnerable in Egypt (those who cannot work and are not covered by any other insurance scheme) by providing them with a minimum monthly income. It is meant to benefit in particular the elderly, households with disabled persons, and women who are widows or divorced and bringing up children. The interviewees pointed to many limitations in what was provided, for instance too little money in relation to daily costs and too many eligible people unaware that they could receive it. The research also highlighted problems with the programme’s administration - for instance, the hostility of those who managed it towards those who applied, the complex application process (particularly difficult for illiterate people), the documentation required (which many women do not have), the refusals given with no explanation and, even if the application was successful, the long delay before benefits start.
Will the Mediterranean Become “Too Hot” for Tourism? A Reassessment

Climate, particularly temperature, is one of the most important resources of a tourist destination. With projected climate change in the twenty-first century, this attribute of tourism destinations is anticipated to change, leading some to conclude that the Mediterranean region will become “too hot” for tourist comfort in the peak summer season by as early as the 2020s or 2030s. This study sought to reassess these claims in the literature and media. Perceptions of “too hot” for comfortable tourism activities at beach and urban destinations was quantified for the young adult travel segment by means of a survey of 850 university students in five countries that represent source markets for the Mediterranean (Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland). The threshold that defines “unacceptably hot” for the majority of respondents was then compared against thermal conditions (temperature and humidity) in a baseline climate (1961–1990), and an early (2011–2035), mid (2046–2065) and late century (2080–2099) climate change scenario (A1B) for 10 Mediterranean destinations. By early century under the warmest available climate change scenario, no additional beach or urban destination became unacceptably hot. By mid century, thermal conditions for two additional beach and one additional urban destination became “too hot” during the peak summer months. In the late century scenario, several, but not all, of the destinations (four beach and five urban destinations) were found to exceed the stated “unacceptably hot” thresholds in the summer months. However, given this length of time and the potential for northern European travellers to acclimatize to warmer average temperatures at home, it remains uncertain whether the thermal comfort threshold identified by this sample will persist. An important contrasting point is that at the same time there is a larger decrease in the number of months that are considered “unacceptably cool” for both a beach and urban holiday and an increase in months that become “ideal”. The findings hold important implications for critically assessing the potential impact of climate change in the study area and other destinations more broadly, and can be used to refine models intended to predict the influence of climatic change on the geographic and temporal patterns of international tourism.