Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Regional competitive advantage and growth in national interindustry markets

A region's producing sectors compete in national markets with other regions, and its output growth therefore depends on changes in the region's sectoral input costs relative to those in other regions. In this model, production costs are taken as dependent upon wages and other payments to local factors and upon costs of interindustry inputs, the producers of which pay wages and other factor costs locally or, if the inputs are imported, in other regions. After consideration of conditions by which regional commodity supply functions can be aggregated, sectoral commodity prices and the regional production of national and local goods are endogenously determined in a computable equilibrium system within a balanced regional model framework.
Alianzas electorales y contingentes legislativos en los estados mexicanos (1988-2006)

THIS ARTICLE ANALYZES THE EFFECT OF ELECTORAL ALLIANCES ON THE SIZE OF THE LEGISLATIVE GROUP OF THE GOVERNOR'S PARTY IN MEXICAN STATES FROM 1988 TO 2006. IT SHOWS THAT PARTIES/CANDIDATES THAT FORM ELECTORAL ALLIANCES WITH THE AIM OF COMBINING VOTES TO WIN THE GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION GIVE UP SEATS IN FAVOR OF THE ALLIED PARTIES, THEREBY AFFECTING THE SIZE OF THE LEGISLATIVE FRACTION OF THE GOVERNOR'S PARTY. IT PROVIDES EVIDENCE ON THE BASIS OF THE ANALYSIS OF GOVERNORS' ELECTIONS IN THE COUNTRY'S 31 STATES AND THE FEDERAL DISTRICT.
Fear of Nuclear War and Intercountry Differences in the Rate of Saving

This paper demonstrates that a survey-based measure of the perceived likelihood of nuclear war in a country is negatively correlated with the country's rate of net private saving, holding other determinants of saving constant. This result is established using date on twenty OECD countries for the period 1981-4. The measure of the perceived likelihood of nuclear war is calculated from surveys conducted in each country by the Gallup International Research Institutes. The magnitude of the estimated' effect Is large, suggesting that an increase of 10 percent in the fraction of the population that believes a world war is likely is associated with a decline of 4.1 percentage points in the net private saving rate, This finding is consistent with other evidence based on U.S. aggregate time series end cross-individual data suggesting that fear of nuclear war decreases savings. That proposition has profound implications for the interpretation of the performance of the post-nuclear world economy.
Knowledge Directed Left Ventricular Boundary Detection in Equilibrium Radionuclide Angiocardiography

A method is presented that will automatically find the left ventricular (LV) boundary in any of several equilibrium radionuclide angiocardiographic (ERNA) image views. The lower level image analysis involves the use of directional gradient edge operators and an edge point linking scheme. The higher level portion of the algorithm uses a knowledge-based strategy that incorporates appropriate local and global information in heuristic cost functions to find complete boundaries. A detailed example of LV boundary delineation in the end diastolic frame from a left lateral view, ERNA image sequence is tracked through each stage of the proposed methodology. The use of this-approach for following the LV boundary through entire temporal sequences is also illustrated on 16 frames of both a left lateral view and a left anterior oblique view ERNA study.
Secure communication via hybrid method in nonlinear chaotic systems

In digital communication systems, application of chaotic signals offers several advantages. One of the most important advantages is increased security which is due to their noise-like and broad spectrum characteristics. In order to find an efficient way for chaotic system synchronization and secure communications this paper combines chaotic masking and chaotic modulation encryptions. The proposed algorithm exploits the proportional integral observer (PI- observer) as the receiver from a certain class of non-linear chaotic system (i.e. Rössler system) and compares the results against a technique selected from another class of non-linear chaotic system (i.e. Duffing oscillator). Simulation results verify that the Rössler based approach yields greater flexibility, better security and higher resistance against noise.
Bernstein von Mises Theorems for Gaussian Regression with increasing number of regressors

This paper brings a contribution to the Bayesian theory of nonparametric and semiparametric estimation. We are interested in the asymptotic normality of the posterior distribution in Gaussian linear regression models when the number of regressors increases with the sample size. Two kinds of Bernstein-von Mises Theorems are obtained in this framework: nonparametric theorems for the parameter itself, and semiparametric theorems for functionals of the parameter. We apply them to the Gaussian sequence model and to the regression of functions in Sobolev and $C^{\alpha}$ classes, in which we get the minimax convergence rates. Adaptivity is reached for the Bayesian estimators of functionals in our applications.
Oil abundance and violent political conflict: A critical assessment

This paper addresses one of the empirical claims of the 'resource curse' argument, namely that oil abundance raises the probability of political violence. I argue that the two main theoretical premises of the oil-civil-war link, rent-seeking and the rentier state model, fail to provide a convincing argument as to why oil economies are more vulnerable to the onset of civil war. I find that three often-mentioned mechanisms as to why oil economies succumb to political violence not convincing; that oil economies are poor economic performers; that oil economies generate high corruption; and that oil economies tend to produce authoritarian regimes. I also examine the empirical evidence on the oil-civil-war link and conclude that the results are not robust. I conclude with some policy implications.
Screening for postnatal depression in primary care: cost effectiveness analysis

Objective To evaluate the cost effectiveness of routine screening for postnatal depression in primary care. Design Cost effectiveness analysis with a decision model of alternative methods of screening for depression, including standardised postnatal depression and generic depression instruments. The performance of screening instruments was derived from a systematic review and bivariate meta-analysis at a range of instrument cut points; estimates of other relevant parameters were derived from literature sources and relevant databases. A decision tree considered the full treatment pathway from the possible onset of postnatal depression through identification, treatment, and possible relapse. Setting Primary care. Participants A hypothetical population of women assessed for postnatal depression either via routine care only or supplemented by use of formal identification methods six weeks postnatally, as recommended in recent guidelines. Main outcome measures Costs expressed in 2006-7 prices and impact on health outcomes expressed in terms of quality adjusted life years (QALYs). The time horizon of the analysis was one year. Results The routine application of either postnatal or general depression questionnaires did not seem to be cost effective compared with routine care only. The Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (at a cut point of 16) had an incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) of £41 103 (€45 398, $67 130) per QALY compared with routine care only. The ICER for all other strategies ranged from £49 928 to £272 463 per QALY versus routine care only, while the probability that no formal identification strategy was cost effective was 88% (59%) at a cost effectiveness threshold of £20 000 (£30 000) per QALY. While sensitivity analysis indicated that the cost of managing incorrectly identified depression (false positive result) was an important driver of the model, formal identification approaches did not seem to be cost effective at any feasible estimate of this cost. Conclusions Formal identification methods for postnatal depression do not seem to represent value for money for the NHS. The major determinant of cost effectiveness seems to be the potential additional costs of managing women incorrectly diagnosed as depressed. Formal identification methods for postnatal depression do not currently satisfy the National Screening Committee’s criteria for the adoption of a screening strategy as part of national health policy.
Corporate governance

he answer to this question requires a closer look at corporate governance in the private sector. I would like to focus specifically on the banking sector because we all – even as lay persons – have had ample opportunity to witness how well or how badly governance has worked in recent years. Only when we know why things did not work the way most shareholders had expected or hoped will we be able to draw conclusions for the higher education sector – assuming we consider both sectors’ governance structures to be comparable.
Managing the news for corporate advantage

Argues that news management is the most appropriate term to describe activities by communication practitioners and others to influence the way the media cover their activities. Suggests that pressure groups are now as effective in gaining media access as government and commercial organizations because they have become proficient at following journalistic and news conventions. This approach is necessary for any organization engaged in persuasive rather than collaborative communication. Concludes that the process of news management needs to be studied from viewpoint of communication practice.
Effektiv simulering av fotbollsmatcher

This study put together a well established statistical model which estimates the expected number of goals being scored in football games in the Swedish 1 division (the third tier). The model is based on a Poisson regression and makes it possible to calculate the relative strength between two teams in terms of how many goals they are expected to score. The study is based on data from 1092 games and investigates whether it is possible to predict with higher accuracy than the betting market. Higher accuracy is measured through bets being places with Bet365 on the “Asian Handicap” as well as “Total goals” markets. Finally the study examines if there is a possibility to generate or increase a potential positive return. The study shows no evidence that the model can predict with better accuracy than Bet365, mainly because their winning margins are large enough to cover up for possible inefficiencies in pricing. However it is shown that there is a possibility to generate a positive return for the reference season when strategic betting is applied.
Incorporating sustainable business practices into company strategy

Building on Hart's natural resource-based view of the firm, this paper reports the results of a case study of the privately owned, high-end outdoor apparel company Patagonia. In this study we examined Hart's three interlinking strategies of pollution prevention, product stewardship and sustainable development, and sought to test whether the resources for their implementation must be accumulated sequentially or whether they can be accumulated in parallel. The case study revealed that Patagonia has made significant progress, and continues to make progress, in each of these three areas. The results also suggested that the company's progress in one area has not necessarily been dependent on progress in another. While acknowledging the limitations of a single case study, we conclude that Patagonia's experience offers strong support for the notion that the resources for implementing strategies towards sustainable development can be accumulated in parallel – as opposed to sequentially. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Changing trends in the epidemiology of malignant melanoma: gender differences and their implications for public health.

BACKGROUND Skin cancer has been identified as a key area in the English health strategy. Review of trends in the epidemiology of melanoma by age, sex and social class can contribute to ensuring that preventive efforts are targeted appropriately and subsequently to monitoring the effects of campaigns. METHODS Descriptive epidemiological study using data for both sexes from cancer registrations by age (England & Wales 1971-1989), and from mortality statistics by age (England & Wales 1951-1970, England 1969-1992) and by social class (England & Wales 1970-1972 for men and women, England & Wales 1979-1980, 1982-1983 for men and Great Britain 1979-1980, 1982-1983 for women). Analysis used age-standardized and age-specific registration rates by sex, age-standardized and age-specific mortality rates by sex and standardized mortality ratios by sex and by social class. Cohort effects are presented based on model fitting of age- and cohort-specific mortality rates for the period 1950-1989. RESULTS Registration rates of new cases of malignant melanoma increased sharply in both sexes between 1971 and 1989 by 190% in men and 137% in women. Between 1970/1972 and 1990/1992 age-standardized mortality rates increased by 92% in men and 43% in women. In the 15-34 age group mortality rates have declined in women since the late 1970s whilst remaining level in men. The pattern of significantly higher mortality for both men and women in non-manual occupational groups had by the early 1980s diminished in women although it remained in men. In non-manual groups the mortality rate was higher in men than in women whilst for manual groups the opposite was true. CONCLUSION A difference in trends in mortality from malignant melanoma between the sexes was demonstrated. Men are an important target group for preventive efforts despite their lower incidence of melanoma. They have a higher mortality rate which is increasing, less knowledge about appropriate primary and secondary preventive measures, present later with disease and respond less to traditional health education approaches. The findings have implications for the planning of primary and secondary prevention programmes.
Functional interactions between members of the REPAT family of insect pathogen‐induced proteins

Studies on the transcriptional response to pathogens in the insect larval gut have shown the regulation of several genes after the infection. Repat (REsponse to PAThogens) genes were first identified in Spodoptera exigua midgut as being up‐regulated in response to the exposure to Bacillus thuringiensis toxins and baculovirus. Recently, new members of the REPAT family showed a constitutive up‐regulation in a B. thuringiensis‐resistant population. Based on a yeast two‐hybrid screening, we have detected the interaction of REPAT1 with other members of the REPAT family, leading to the discovery of a new member: REPAT8. The functional role of this interaction was shown by following the changes of the subcellular localization of REPAT1 in the presence of REPAT8. REPAT1 alone was localized exclusively in the cytoplasm, while the presence of REPAT8 led to the migration of REPAT1 to the nucleus. Finally, analysis of the expression pattern of eight REPAT members has shown that B. thuringiensis‐related treatments (Cry1Ca toxin, Xentari™ product and an acrystalliferous strain) induced a general up‐regulation of repat genes, especially of repat2. In contrast, no significant effect was detected after treatment with Escherichia coli or Enterococcus sp. , or by the presence of microbiota in the midgut. The results suggest that the different repat genes play different roles in response to pathogens.
Implementing OpenVX on a polymorphous array processor

This paper presents an implementation of OpenVX on the PAAG array processor (Polymorphic Array Architecture for Graphics and image processing), which is a novel polymorphous architecture designed for graphics rendering and image processing. OpenVX is a new standard for implementing and optimizing low-level image processing and computer vision released by Khronos. It uses a graph-based execution model to combine function enabling both task and data-independent execution. We propose two OpenVX graph mapping modes for PAAG: Whole Graph Mapping (WGM) and Single Node Mapping (SNM). Experimental results indicate that the two modes are both effective, but WGM is better that SNM in terms of efficiency, the experiments also illustrates PAAG has a great potential on image processing and computer vision on array processor.
Sorting the American States into Red and Blue: Culture, Economics, and the 2012 US Presidential Election in Historical Context

Abstract This paper analyzes variation in presidential outcomes across the American states from 1972 through 2012. The findings show that differences in cultural policy preferences across the states are more important than economic preferences for explaining state outcomes in 2012. This result fits a long-term trend of the growing importance of cultural issues – absolutely and relative to economic issues – for sorting the states, which has had the effect of rotating the “party cleavage” line that divides the Democratic and Republican parties in presidential elections.
Methane and carbon dioxide emissions from dairy cows in full lactation monitored over a six-month period.

Methane and CO2 emissions from a herd of 118 lactating cows were measured directly by continuous monitoring with an infrared gas analyzer from 24 gas sampling locations. A total of 112 d of gas output was recorded between June 1993 and November 1993. Recordings were integrated at . 5-h intervals, so that there were 48 data points for each 24-h period. The mean 24-h CH4 emission per cow was 587 +/- 61.3 L; the range was 436 to 721 L. The mean 24-h CO2 emission per cow was 6137 +/- 505 L, and the range was 5032 to 7427 L. These values were not corrected for gas emissions from stored manure, which contributed 5.8 and 6.1%, respectively, to CH4 and CO2 output under conditions of this experiment.
How volatile are East Asian stocks during high volatility periods?

This study reports estimates of the magnitude of volatility during abnormal times relative to normal periods for seven East Asian economies using a rudimentary univariate Markov-switching ARCH method. The results show that global and regional events such as the 1990 Gulf War and the 1997 Asian currency crisis led to high volatility episodes whose magnitude relative to normal times differ from country to country. Country-specific events such as the opening up of country borders in the mid-1990s are also observed to lead to high volatility periods. Additional insights are obtained when volatility is assumed to evolve according to a three-state Markov regime switching process.
Using wearable EEG to research the change of brainwave of teenagers drawing pictures with Mandala art

The drawing books is very popular in recent year. When people focus on coloring books and Mandala's paintings, it has an effect of mitigating stress; however, feelings towards the consonant emotions have resulted in a release of pressure. The research utilized a survey questionnaire to explore teenagers subjective preferences about the Mandala abstract and concrete pictures. As a consequence of wearable EEG equipment, the researcher has been able to detect the effect between two different pictures on the subjects.
The Politics of Investment Partisanship: And the Sectoral Allocation of Foreign Direct Investment

This paper explores the existence of partisan cycles in foreign direct investment performance. Our theoretical model predicts that the incumbent government's partisanship should affect foreign investors' decision to flow into different sectors of the host country: pro-labor governments would encourage the inflow of the type of investment that complements labor in production; pro-capital governments would promote the entry of investment that substitutes for labor. Empirical evidence from a sample of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries reveals a pattern of foreign investors' response to partisan cycles consistent with the predictions of the model. First, foreign investment systematically flows into different sectors of the host economy under left- and right-leaning incumbents. Second, we find a positive correlation between foreign investment and changes in average wages under left-leaning incumbents, but no effect on wages under right-leaning governments.
Fifty Ways to Make a Neuron*: Shifts in Stem Cell Hierarchy and Their Implications for Neuropathology and CNS Repair

During embryogenesis, the developmental potential of individual cells is continuously restricted. While embryonic stem (ES) cells derived from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst can give rise to all tissues and cell types, their progeny segregates into a multitude of tissue-specific stem and progenitor cells. Following organogenesis, a pool of resident “adult” stem cells is maintained in many tissues. In this hierarchical concept, transition through defined intermediate stages of decreasing potentiality is regarded as prerequisite for the generation of a somatic cell type. Several recent findings have challenged this view. First, adult stem cells have been shown to adopt properties of pluripotent cells and contribute cells to a variety of tissues. Second, a direct transition from a pluripotent ES cell to a defined somatic phenotype has been postulated for the neural lineage. Finally, nuclear transplantation has revealed that the transcriptional machinery associated with a distinct somatic cell fate can be reprogrammed to totipotency. The possibility to bypass developmental hierarchies in stem cell differentiation opens new avenues for the study of nervous system development, disease, and repair.
Automated Three-Dimensional Object Scanning

This paper addresses the idea of optimizing a procedure through which a robot with a camera could obtain the most visual data while exerting the least energy. This procedure does not just measure the most efficient viewset for energy cost, but also ensures a minimum threshold for successfully obtaining meaningful data. In this paper, we identify a few key aspects of visualization that underlie this functionality. The actual procedure is identified by simulating robotic vision on Point Cloud Dataset files and estimating the cost for this vision using real-life energy cost metrics. The Point Cloud Dataset files are analyzed by finding the accuracy of different camera viewpoints relative to the object’s center. Each viewpoint is considered independently, and then viewpoints are strung together to create view sets. These view sets represent real-life instances in which all of an object cannot be viewed from a single perspective. We present the results of using this procedure, its success within our simulation, and future implementations of this procedure.