Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimal Estimation of Piece-Wise Linear Incremental Cost Curves for EDC

Real-time economic dispatch is performed most efficiently using a Sorted Table Method. This method requires that the incremental cost curve be represented by monotonically increasing piece-wise linear segments. The primary focus of this paper is the development and demonstration of a very practical method by which the number of linear segments and their corresponding "break points". are determined in an optimal manner. The problem of determining break points by manually plotting the IC curve and then applying a series of "educated guesses" is totally eliminated. A weighted least-squares multiple linear regression method is used to calculate the coeff icients of a cubic fuel cost (I/O) curve. A special constraint equation is included to insure that the incremental cost curve exhibits a monotonically increasing characteristic. Numerical examples are included to demonstrate practical results.
Innovative supply: A weak point in economic development theory

Research on the Tliird World over the past twenty years provides us with numerous examples of failures. On the one hand, of failures in analysis due to indiscriminate transfer of methods and research techniques and of attempts to squeeze new phenomena into the strait jacket of theories, elaborated in other socioeconorrtic and historical contexts. On the other hand, hasty attempts to be different at all costs have often led to an overera:phasis of the specificity of Third World problenas. Under such circumstances it would prove useful to inquire to what extent research on developing countries has fostered methodological and theoretical progress in different fields of the social sciences. Articles on the subject have. been requested from specialists in various disciplines, who have had particular experience in the field, or have a special interest in it. We continue tlre discussion, opened in the June 1969 issue. LS. La recherclre des VÎ11gt dernières annies sur le Tiers Monde oJj&dquo;re de l10mhreux exeniples d’ichecs. Des
Selection and Specialization in the Evolution of Couples' Earnings

We examine changes across birth cohorts in marriage patterns and the earnings differentials associated with marriage using data from a series of Survey of Income and Program Participation panels linked to administrative data on earnings. We find that marriage has become increasingly positively selected on education and earnings potential. Among women, selection into marriage has reversed sign, with the most educated women switching from being the least likely to be married to being the most likely. While men with the highest earnings potential have always been more likely to be married, this relationship has become even more pronounced. Changing selection into marriage is entirely responsible for the observed decline in marriage penalty for women in the cross section. In fixed-effects regressions, the earnings penalty continues to exist even for the most recent cohorts, consistent with specialization after marriage. For men, we find that the marriage premium actually increases for more recent birth cohorts in fixed-effects regressions. Taken literally, this suggests that specialization has become more important. We plan to explore further the robustness of this result by allowing selection to affect not only the level but the growth rate of male earnings. Any opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Census Bureau. All results have been reviewed to ensure that no confidential information is disclosed. This research was supported by the U.S. Social Security Administration through grant (#10-M-98363-1-02) to the National Bureau of Economic Research as part of the SSA Retirement Research Consortium. The findings and conclusions expressed are solely those of the authors and do not represent the views of SSA, any agency of the Federal Government, or the NBER.
Stiffness control of a legged robot equipped with a serial manipulator in stance phase

The ability to perform different tasks by a serial manipulator mounted on legged robots, increases the capabilities of the robot. The position/force control problem of such a robot in the stance phase with point contacts on the ground is investigated here. A target plane with known stiffness is specified in the workspace. Active joints of the legs and serial manipulator are used to exert the desired normal force on the plane while tracking a desired trajectory on the plane. First, the equations of motion of the robot and contact forces of the feet on the ground are derived. A controller is then proposed which tracks the desired trajectory while keeping the feet contacts on the ground and prevent slipping. An optimization problem is solved in each control loop to minimize the actuation effort. This minimization is subject to position tracking for the end-effector (using inverse dynamics controller), force requirements of the feet contacts with the ground, and actuators capabilities. Simulations are conducted for the simplified model of a quadruped robot with a 2-DOF serial manipulator. To test the controller, a 20 N normal force is applied onto the target plane while moving the tip of the end-effector. It is shown that the robot can perform the task effectively without losing the ground contact and slipping.
The technical aspects of epidural steroid injections: a national survey.

UNLABELLED Although epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are a common treatment for chronic pain conditions, it is not clear whether there is consensus on their technical aspects. The current literature suggests that variations in technical aspects may affect ESI outcomes. The goal of the survey was to help establish a standard frame of reference for the performance of ESIs. We analyzed survey results from 68 academic anesthesia programs and 28 private practices in the United States. The main finding in this survey is that there is no clear-cut consensus as to the ideal method to perform ESI. There is a wide variation among individual practices in almost every technical aspect of ESI. Private practices use significantly more fluoroscopy than academic centers. The large difference was found in the cervical region where 73% of private practices and only 39% of academic institutions polled perform the ESIs with fluoroscopic guidance (P = 0.005). A similar discrepancy was found in approaches to the epidural space after laminectomy where 61% of private practices, but only 15% of academic centers, use the transforaminal approach. The study results indicate that there is no consensus, and that there is a wide variation in current practices. IMPLICATIONS A national survey of practices performing epidural steroid injections was conducted. The purpose was to establish whether consensus exists on technical aspects of this procedure. The study results indicate that there is no consensus, and that there is a wide variation in current practices.
Variations in FM algorithm for effective circuit partitioning

In this paper, we describe the FM algorithm for partitioning a graph/hypergraph. We implement the algorithm for ISPD98 standard benchmark VLSI circuits and show the linear relationship between the size of the hypergraph and running time of the algorithm. We further propose a modified FM algorithm in the form of one -- way FM and early exit FM applicable specifically to large VLSI circuits to improve the performance of the FM algorithm. Several parameters like cut count, sum of external degree, scaled cost and absorption are measured by running each of the algorithms viz. FM, one -- way FM and early exit FM for the different benchmark circuits. The proposed algorithms are found to be performing much better than the standard FM algorithm. Early exit FM algorithm in particular is showing much improvement with respect to the above mentioned parameters. The proposed schemes are also extended to the k -- way partitioning problem and the above mentioned parameters are measured to show the improvement in performance and the quality of solution by applying the one --way FM and the early exit schemes.
Medidas de eficiencia productiva utilizadas en las compañías de transporte aéreo y alguna evidencia con relación a los cambios observados en dicha eficiencia

Este articulo describe cuales han sido las diferentes formas de medir la eficiencia productiva en los medios de transporte aereo, fundamentalmente los de Estados Unidos y los Europeas, aunque marginalmente, se hace alusion a nivel mundial, y ademas trata de mostrar a partir de algunos estudios realizados, cual ha sido la evidencia y el efecto de la desregulacion de estas industrias en cuanto a la eficiencia productiva
New Control Scheme for Virtual Synchronous Generators of Different Capacities

Since the concept that, inverters can controlled to behave like a synchronous generator "Virtual Synchronous Generator" has been proposed, the virtual synchronous generator started to become the mainstream control of distributed generators connected distributed system. This concept simulates the frequency and voltage regulation of synchronous generator to improve the overall stability in the medium and low voltage power system. Although significant research works have considered the application of VSGs in active and reactive power sharing, it seems to be that the issue of the proportional power sharing between VSGs of different capacities has not considered much in the previous works, especially when the lines have increased resistive components. Based on an improved droop control and virtual complex impedance, this paper successfully adjusts the PI controller parameters to implement the proportional power sharing and decoupling for VSGs of different capacities. MATLAB simulations show that stable output responses can be achieved by using the proposed scheme.
Seafloor parameterization using simple reflection quantities in matched field inversion

In practical matched field geoacoustic inversion, the parameterization for the seabed is the critical first step. However, to overcome the the complexity of the actual sea bottom and lack of the priori information, the popular solution at present is to form an effect-equivalent description of the bottom using several geoacoustic parameters to characterize the acoustic properties of the seafloor. Furthermore, in the premise of containing sufficient information, inversion complexity decreases with the number of parameters. In some cases, the rapid extraction of geoacoustic information about the seafloor by a simple seabed parameterization technique is more pragmatic. In this paper, two quantities were proposed, referred to as the slope of bottom loss versus grazing angle FdB and the equivalent velocity ce. This is based on the observation that, at low grazing angles, the reflection loss and phase exhibits an approximately linear relationship to the grazing angles of incidence in a wide range of seafloor types, while long range propagation is dominated by seafloor interactions at small grazing angles. Earlier similar reflective parameter models and the relevant theory were briefly reviewed. The bottom reflection properties were expressed by just two reflection parameters, whose advantage and limitation were also discussed. To test the performance of different seafloor models when there were mismatches between the reality and model, a complex multi-layer simulation bottom was set up. Numerical simulations of matched field processing based on genetic algorithm were performed. Both reflection quantities and traditional geoacoustic parameters were inverted. Through an importance sampling procedure based on a semi-empirical approach, their posteriori probability distributions (PPD) were also estimated. The parameter sensitivity was examined by analysis of the Bartlett processor output and PPD, and the model mismatch was also discussed. The transmission loss predicted from two reflective quantities which were derived as inversion products, agreed well with the actual situation. That confirmed the validity of this parameterization technique. The results of simulation analysis showed that seafloor parameterization using simple reflection quantities allows matched field inversion to infer the geoacoustic information with a relatively easier procedure.
Pattern formation in the striatum: developmental changes in the distribution of striatonigral neurons

The striatum of the mammalian forebrain can be divided into 2 compartments, the patches and the matrix. We have investigated embryonic events involved in the formation of these compartments in rats. Early in development, dopamine fibers from the substantia nigra selectively innervate the patches. In the perinatal striatum, we observed a close match between the distributions of striatal cell bodies with axonal projections to the substantia nigra and patches of afferent dopamine fibers. Striatal cells projecting to the nigra are first seen in the ventrolateral striatum at embryonic day (E) 17. Striatonigral cell bodies are distributed homogeneously through the striatum from E18 to 19. At E20 and until postnatal day 4, these cell bodies are organized into discrete patches. After this time, striatonigral cell bodies assume the dense and homogeneous distribution characteristic of the adult striatum. A retrograde tracer injection in the nigra at E18 (during the early period of homogeneous striatonigral distribution) produces a patchy striatonigral distribution if the embryo is not sacrificed until E21. The number of retrogradely labeled striatonigral cell bodies in a midstriatal section, at times immediately before and after the early homogeneous to patchy changeover did not differ significantly. We suggest that the neurons of the patch compartment of the striatum are born first and project to the substantia nigra first. The patch neurons only become restricted to “patchy” areas as the later-born matrix neurons migrate out into the striatum.
Non‐linearities in cross‐country growth regressions: a semiparametric approach

In this paper we employ an additive semiparametric partially linear model to uncover the way that initial output and schooling levels affect growth rates. Our results based on marginal integration allow for graphical representation of the non-linearities that characterize the effects that these variables have on growth rates and suggest the presence of multiple regimes (equilibria). Our findings seem to be in agreement with those of Durlauf and Johnson (1995) and Hansen (1996) who used a different data set.
Emerging Technologies, IT Infrastructure, and Economic Development in Mexico

AbstractWell-articulated IT infrastructures generate a direct impact on domestic and global economic growth opportunities and have been shown to be an essential factor in reducing disparities between developed and developing economies. This paper examines the role new and emerging technologies play in supporting an IT infrastructure that may enhance economic development in Mexico.A political economy framework (PEF) is used as a conceptual foundation for understanding the impact emerging technologies have upon the utilization and transfer of technical knowledge. The use of new and emerging information technology to enhance economic development in Mexico will require applications at both macro and micro levels. At the macro level, MNC alliances for the transfer of technology, Mexican telecommunication joint ventures, and satellites for long distance educational programs are discussed as illustrations of new IT applications. At the micro-level, the Internet for connectivity, personal computers as an a comput.
Employees' attitudes towards diversity in a non‐western context

– The purpose of this paper is to examine attitudes towards diversity in an emerging Gulf economy whose workforce is dominated by expatriates and is under significant pressure to accommodate host country citizens. It seeks to examine employees' attitudes towards workforce diversity in the banking sector in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). , – A total of 100 employees from 11 banks are chosen randomly from banks operating in the UAE. Those employees are asked to answer a questionnaire containing various questions that cover the applauded benefits of diversity as identified in the related literature. , – All banks have a diverse workforce, with nationals representing a minority in all of them. However, banks differ on the various indicators of diversity with some being more religiously diverse while others more diverse in terms of nationalities or languages. Overall, Islamic banks are the least diverse on all dimensions of diversity. , – Several obstacles are faced during the course of this study including limitations on access to employees, sampling limitations preventing more in‐depth analysis of certain aspects, lack of regional studies on diversity and the timing of the survey itself which coincide with the summer exodus of expatriates. , – This paper provides useful information on attitudes toward diversity in an emerging Gulf economy, dominated by expatriates.
The differences in customer complaint behaviour between loyal customers and first comers in the retail banking industry

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to test the differences in customer complaint behaviour between loyal customers and first comers.Design/methodology/approach – This study has adopted the work of Ndubisi and Ling, which categorized consumer complaint actions into public, private, defection and no action. Interview and survey data were collected. SPSS 15.0 for Windows was used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics such as means, frequencies, Mann‐Whitney U test and chi‐square tests were calculated.Findings – The results reveal that first comers are more willing to engage in private complaining actions such as negotiation and worth‐of‐mouth comments and telling friends and family about their bad experiences compared to loyal customers. Our major findings indicate that even if a first comer does not complain, this does not mean that the person is satisfied. As there is a likelihood that when a customer makes a private complaint, such as spreading negative word‐of‐mouth criticisms, bank managers shou.
Environmental Concern and the Adoption of Organic Agriculture

In an empirical study on the adoption of organic agriculture, hypotheses on the relation between environmental concern and environmental behavior are tested. The study is based on a postal survey of farmers conducted 2004 in Western Germany (n = 657). The results indicate that there is a direct as well as an indirect effect of environmental concern on the probability of an adoption of organic farming. The indirect effect is increasing the preference for environmentally friendly consequences and thus increasing the expected utility of environmentally friendly alternatives. Over and above this indirect effect, farmers with pronounced pro-environmental attitudes are more likely to act environmentally friendly, even if the influence of utility expectations is controlled in multivariate models.
FACTORS AFFECTING ADOPTION OF IMPROVED MAIZE SEED AND FERTILISER IN NORTHERN TANZANIA

This study quantifies the socioeconomic factors that affect adoption of improved maize seed and chemical fertiliser by producers in Tanzania. A bootstrapped simultaneous equation Tobit model was used to analyse data obtained from a survey of 246 farmers in Northern Tanzania. The adoption of improved maize seed was positively affected by nitrogen use per hectare, farm size, farmer education attainment level, and visits by extension agents. Fertiliser adoption was positively related to the area planted with improved seed. Larger farms tended to use fertiliser less intensively than smaller farms. Results confirm the importance of recognising the heterogeneity of the farming population not only in terms of differences in the biophysical conditions but also in the socioeconomic, environmental conditions under which they operate. This has important implications in terms of developing different technologies and support systems that take such variation into account. The results also confirm the importance of focusing on producer education as a component in influencing technology and in accepting the concept of a technology ladder in designing technological packages and disseminating extension messages.
Industrial Organization of the Package Tour Industry: Implications for Researchers

This paper argues that better understanding and improved research on the tourism industry will be achieved by a clearer methodological basis. This requires an examination of the logic of inference that underlies competing claims about tourism issues. In order to understand competing opinions and to evaluate respective claims some methodological discussion is required. It is suggested that there is a need for an alternative logic of inference than that implied by the ‘positivism’ in statistical methods and that an appropriate alternative would be a combination of generalized statistical analyses and case-specific ‘qualitative’ investigations. This is discussed in the context of the body of theory known in economics as ‘industrial organization’ as applied to the UK package tour industry. For example, rather than imposing generalized theoretical explanations, like the Industrial Organisation paradigm per se, it is important that the intrinsic context of the subject matter in the tourism environment is drawn on. Researchers should work closely with the industry to understand fully the processes at work to develop case-specific knowledge and to generate new theoretical insights.
Should Patients with Deep Vein Thrombosis Alone be Treated as Those with Concomitant Asymptomatic Pulmonary Embolism? A Prospective Study

Summary Background The established initial treatment of patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) consists of the administration of subcutaneous, weight adjusted, low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH). However, the use of the same LMWH dosages for patients with either DVT or PE is not supported by data from comparative studies. Patients and Methods 1,000 consecutive patients with acute, proximal DVT were prospectively evaluated. All patients underwent a ventilation-perfusion lung scan on admission, and remained in hospital for at least 7 days. Patients with silent PE received once daily 10,000 to 15,000 IU subcutaneous LMWH dalteparin according to body weight for 7 days, and then vitamin K antagonists. Patients with DVT alone received LMWH in a fixed dose of 10,000 IU once daily for at least 5 days, and then vitamin K antagonists. The rate of both, major bleeding and symptomatic PE episodes during the 7-day study period was evaluated. Results Thirteen patients (1.3%) developed recurrent PE (1 died) and 16 patients (1.6%) had major bleeding (7 died). Recurrent PE was significantly more common in patients with silent PE (9 of 258 patients, 3.5%) than in those with DVT alone (4 of 742 patients, 0.5%. Odds ratio: 6.5; p <0.001). There were no significant differences in bleeding rate between patients with silent PE and those with DVT alone. However, the use of a fixed 10,000 IU dose in patients with DVT alone led to a significantly lower bleeding rate in patients weighing over 70 kg: 1 of 349 patients (0.3%) as compared to 9 of 393 patients (2.3%) in those weighing less than 70 kg (odds ratio: 0.12; p = 0.018). Conclusions Fixed-dose 10,000 IU of LMWH dalteparin once daily proved to be both effective and safe in patients with DVT alone. The observed recurrence rate of 0.5% in these patients compares favourably with the 3.5% rate in patients with silent PE. Furthermore, this fixed-dosage was also safe. Patients weighing over 70 kg had a significant decrease in the rate of major bleeding, and no compensatory increase in the rate of recurrent PE.