Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Panel Data Analysis of the Fungibility of Foreign Aid

The donor community has been increasingly concerned that development assistance intended for crucial social and economic sectors might be used directly or indirectly to fund unproductive military and other expenditures. The link between foreign aid and public spending is not straightforward because some aid may be fungible. This article empirically examines the impact of foreign aid on the recipient's public expenditures, using cross-country samples of annual observations for 1971-90. For the base sample of 14 developing countries, it finds that aid is not fungible at the aggregate level and there is no associated tax relief. Increasing the number of countries, however, makes aid fungible. Moreover, results based on the main sample indicate that aid is fungible in three out of five sectors examined. Developing country governments receiving earmarked concessionary loans for agriculture, education, and energy reduce their own resources going to these sectors and use them elsewhere; only loans to the transport and communication sector are fully spent on the purposes intended by donors. Because most aid appears to be fungible, the rate of return on a specific donor-funded project tells little about the impact of that assistance; a better approach may be to tie foreign aid to an overall public expenditure program that provides adequate resources to crucial sectors.
A tactile sensor array that also grasps objects

This paper describes a project aimed at developing a robotic tactile sensor system that can also manipulate objects. The usual approach to the problem of touch mediated (haptic) grasping and manipulation is to develop a highly complex dexterous gripper and then to attempt to retrofit a tactile sensing capability. This approach has not proved particularly successful and so in this project the priorities have been reversed to seek a better solution. A compliant palm-like tactile sensor array has been developed and then simple fingers added to provide a limited capability for grasping and manipulation. The tactile sensor array is made up of 80 sensory tiles each incorporating a separate microcontroller. When attached to a SIR 1 robotic manipulator arm the sensory gripper can locate and pick up objects using touch sensory information.
Measurement Invariance Analysis

This paper concerns measurement invariance analysis for situations with many groups or time points. A BSEM (Bayesian Structural Equation Modeling) approach is proposed for detecting non-invariance that is similar to modification indices with maximum-likelihood estimation, but unlike maximum-likelihood is applicable also for high-dimensional latent variable models for categorical variables. Under certain forms of non-invariance, BSEM gives proper comparisons of factor means and variances using only approximate measurement invariance and without relaxing the invariance specifications or deleting non-invariant items. To ensure correct estimation, a two-step Bayesian analysis procedure is proposed, where step 1 uses BSEM to identify non-invariant parameters and step 2 frees those parameters.
Nonlinear Modeling and Harmonic Recycling of Millimeter-Wave Rectifier Circuit

This paper presents and demonstrates a harmonic harvesting technique, which aims at rerectifying and recycling the rectifier output harmonics in order to increase the RF-to-dc conversion efficiency. Firstly, an analytical framework is developed based on the Ritz-Galerkin technique to investigate the output power distribution of a simple millimeter-wave rectifier circuit over its dc and generated harmonics components. The numerical results show that about 32% and 66% of the output power is distributed over the dc component and the first harmonic, respectively. In order to recycle and harvest the first harmonic power component, a 35-GHz voltage doubler rectifier implemented in microstrip technology and capable of harmonic harvesting is then studied and designed. To evaluate the performance of the proposed rectifier, the conventional voltage doubler and the harmonic signal rectifiers are fabricated and measured. The measured RF-to-dc conversion efficiencies of 34% at 20-mW input RF power for the harmonic harvester configuration, and 23% at the same input RF power level for the conventional voltage doubler are observed. Moreover, it is shown that the proposed harmonic rectifier suggests about 12% efficiency improvement compared to previously reported millimeter-wave rectifiers at the same level of input power (20 mW). The proposed rectifier configuration can find potential applications in the development of millimeter-wave wireless power transmission devices operating at medium power range (1-100 mW).
Face recognition based on separable lattice 2-D HMMS using variational bayesian method

This paper proposes an image recognition technique based on separable lattice 2-D HMMs (SL2D-HMMs) using the variational Bayesian method. SL2D-HMMs have been proposed to reduce the effect of geometric variations, e.g., size and location. The maximum likelihood criterion had previously been used in training SL2D-HMMs. However, in many image recognition tasks, it is difficult to use sufficient training data, and it suffers from the over-fitting problem. A higher generalization ability based on model marginalization is expected by applying the Bayesian criterion and useful prior information on model parameters can be utilized as prior distributions. Experiments on face recognition indicated that the proposed method improved image recognition.
Knowledge Scaffolding: A Classification of Visual Structures for Knowledge Communication in Teams

In this conceptual paper we develop Wanda Orlikowski's [1] idea of considering the distinguishing characteristics of physical scaffolds as a metaphor to offer insights into how knowledge in practice is materially scaffolded. We build on an interdisciplinary analogy between two connotations of the notion of "scaffolding": physical scaffolding from an architectural-engineering perspective and scaffolding of the "everyday knowing in practice" from a knowledge management perspective. Based on that, we classify visual structures for knowledge communication in teams into four types of scaffolds: grounded (corresponding i.e., to perspectives diagrams or dynamic facilitation diagrams), suspended (i.e., negotiation sketches), panel (i.e., roadmaps or timelines) and reinforcing (i.e., a visual domain glossary). The article concludes with a set of recommendations in the form of questions to ask whenever practitioners are making choices regarding which types of visual structures should be used for specific knowledge communication needs. Our recommendations aim at providing a framework at a broad-brush level to aid choosing a suitable visualization template depending on the type of knowledge management endeavor.
A solar-powered, Wi-Fi re-programmable precision irrigation controller

As the Tanzania population grows, scarcity of resources like water and electricity will pose a great risk to horticultural crop production and society activities. Precision irrigation poses a great opportunity to save water and energy in agriculture. The current off-the-shelf machines used to control water are incompatible to Tanzanian conditions, very expensive, delicate, or don't have enough features. This study proposed a reprogrammable control system prototype design and implementation that can be used for African countries, particularly in Tanzania. The proposed integrated controller is a solar-powered system that uses low cost electronic devices to automate drip irrigation and to determine when to irrigate and how much to irrigate. The controller has been tested under African farms and achieved a high level of reliability and maintainability. The controller is a high tech tool that can be reprogrammed or updated wirelessly using a laptop and the data can be downloaded using any android based smartphone. The wireless technology incorporated can be used to transfer instant data of rainfall and soil moisture content. The system automates data cleaning while collecting instant information of the soil moisture, temperature, humidity and rainfall. It can store data at least for seven days.
Research on a novel non-rigid registration for medical image based on SURF and APSO

Registration of medical image has become an important research subject. For the large image distortion of some special places, the non-rigid registration is more accurate and necessary to afford important reference value for clinical care compared with the rigid registration. In order to realize robust and efficient registration, a novel non-rigid registration method for medical image based on Speeded Up Robust Features (SURF) and Adapted Particle Swarm Optimization (APSO) algorithm was proposed in the paper. In the process of registration, SURF descriptor is used to extract scale and rotation invariant features with little calculating time, furthermore APSO algorithm can avoid falling into local optimum with fast convergence speed during searching for optimal parameters. The experimental results show that the method with SURF and APSO is faster and more robust than traditional registration algorithm.
Comprehensive Benefits of Mindfulness and Rationale at TCU

Mindfulness has shown to have a major impact on overall well-being. It increases levels of perceived control and improves overall health and happiness. It decreases levels of stress reactivity which decreases levels of depressive symptoms. It increases coping resources to decrease stress levels. It increases self-esteem that enables individuals to interact with others more confidently and with less social anxiety. It increases attention to eating which decreases chances of being overweight or obese. It increases attention and acceptance that decreases impulsivity. It reduces rumination and worry that increases sleep duration, efficiency, quality, and latency. It enhances individuals’ ability to handle relational stress and have more constructive conflicts. If we incorporate mindfulness at TCU, we could see a reduction in prevalent issues on campus such as stress, relationship issues, and alcohol abuse. MINDFULNESS AT TCU 4 Comprehensive Benefits of Mindfulness and Rationale at TCU Mindfulness is an ancient practice that is currently incorporated into cognitive behavioral therapy. It was originally an ancient form of meditation in Buddhism. In 1979, Kabat-Zinn started a revolution by secularizing mindfulness for use in the hospital setting. Since then, numerous studies have explored the many applications of mindfulness. Researchers worldwide are discovering the multitude of benefits that can result from its techniques. Mindfulness’ influence continues to expand everyday as it becomes more popular and respected. Mindfulness is an internationally recognized practice of living in the moment. I will present studies from Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, China, France, and the United States to show different cultural perspectives of mindfulness. It has numerous benefits for depression, anxiety, relationship health, sleep habits, eating habits, self-control, and more. Each of these benefits can positively impact TCU by addressing some of the leading problems we have on campus. If we incorporate mindfulness at TCU, we could see a reduction in stress, relationship issues, and alcohol abuse.
The Characteristics of the Innovative Development in the Regions of Russia

Today when innovations became the most significant advantage of transactors, much attention is devoted to innovative development at every hierarchical level of economy. Taking into consideration the large territory of Russia, we can say that only the right concept of the development of territories will play an important role in the well-being of the people. It is possible to identify strong and weak points of the innovative development of territories with the help of the indicator of competitiveness of a region. Besides, the indicator of competitiveness of a region and the comparative analysis of territories make it possible to reveal how efficiently the innovative potential of a region is used and find definite measures that will increase the innovative activity of transactors. Moreover, this indicator can be used to analyze the integrity and systemacy of definite regional innovative systems, to identify less developed elements and find out what elements are the most important for the development of a territory and the improvement of the well-being of the people.
Using Small-Step Refinement For Algorithm Verification In Computer Science Education

Stepwise program refinement techniques can be used to simplify program verification. Programs are better understood since their main properties are clearly stated, and verification of rather complex algorithms is reduced to proving simple statements connecting successive program specifications. Additionally, it is easy to analyze similar algorithms and to compare their properties within a single formalization. Usually, formal analysis is not done in an educational setting due to complexity of verification and a lack of tools and procedures to make comparison easy. Verification of an algorithm should not only give a correctness proof, but also better understanding of an algorithm. If the verification is based on small step program refinement, it can become simple enough to be demonstrated within the university-level computer science curriculum. In this paper we demonstrate this and give a formal analysis of two well known algorithms (Selection Sort and Heap Sort) using the proof assistant Isabelle/HOL and program refinement techniques.
Lagrangian Mechanics and Reduction on Fibered Manifolds

This paper develops a generalized formulation of Lagrangian mechanics on fibered manifolds, together with a reduction theory for symmetries corresponding to Lie groupoid actions. As special cases, this theory includes not only Lagrangian reduction (including reduction by stages) for Lie group actions, but also classical Routh reduction, which we show is naturally posed in this fibered setting. Along the way, we also develop some new results for Lagrangian mechanics on Lie algebroids, most notably a new, coordinate-free formulation of the equations of motion. Finally, we extend the foregoing to include fibered and Lie algebroid generalizations of the Hamilton-Pontryagin principle of Yoshimura and Marsden, along with the associated reduction theory.
Dynamic Story Shadows and Sounds

The importance of sound and music in movies (Film Scoring) is undeniable. Film Scoring is used as a complement to the visual content helping to better understand it. The use of these artistic elements can be extended to interactive storytelling (IS) environments where stories are also told in a dynamic and interactive way. Because of IS particularities, such as the unpredictability of user actions and story development, this extension is not straightforward, and presents a problem that needs to be addressed. Further, the presence of autonomous virtual agents makes the creation of these stories more emergent, making difficult the process of creating sounds and music that is adequate. This paper presents a framework that proposes a possible solution to score a story created in these environments by intelligent virtual agents. Additionally, we will discuss the influence of some particular elements of sound and music (such as tempo, use of different instruments, etc) on the viewers and their perception of the actions of the characters and thus, on the consequent understanding of the story.
Shear-resize factorizations for fast image registration

Owing to its effectiveness and simplicity, intensity-based method works well for registration of images. However, it needs a large amount of computation for geometric transformation. In this paper, we present two shear-resize matrix factorizations to accelerate the transformation. A transform matrix can be factorized into two shears and a fixed non-uniform resize, or three shears and a customizable resize. A customizable resize can be uniform in all dimensions or scaling just in one dimension. Shears can be implemented very fast by memory-shift, and a resize can be done by simple axis-aligned interpolation. The factorizations can be applied to both rigid-body and affine transformations. Their efficiency is performed by experiments on some standard test images and fingerprint images. The methods are quite promising for hardware implementation, and can also be extended to 3D or higher dimensional fast geometric transformation.
ON or OFF?: Modulating the N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor in Major Depression

Since the discovery that a single dose of ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist, had rapid and long-lasting antidepressant effects, there has been increased interest in using NMDAR modulators in the pharmacotherapy of depression. Ketamine’s efficacy seems to imply that depression is a disorder of NMDAR hyperfunctionality. However, studies showing that not all NMDAR antagonists are able to act as antidepressants challenge this notion. Furthermore, NMDAR co-agonists have also been gaining attention as possible treatments. Co-agonists such as D-serine and sarcosine have shown efficacy in both pre-clinical models and human trials. This raises the question of how both NMDAR antagonists and agonists are able to have converging behavioral effects. Here we critically review the evidence and proposed therapeutic mechanisms for both NMDAR antagonists and agonists, and collate several theories on how both activation and inhibition of NMDARs appear to have antidepressant effects.
Dynamic Changes in DNA Methylation in Ischemic Tolerance

Epigenetic mediators of gene expression are hypothesized to regulate transcriptomic responses to preconditioning ischemia and ischemic tolerance. Here, we utilized a methyl-DNA enrichment protocol and sequencing (ChIP-seq) to identify patterns of DNA methylation in an established model of ischemic tolerance in neuronal cultures (oxygen and glucose deprivation: OGD). We observed an overall decrease in global DNA methylation at 4 h following preconditioning ischemia (30 min OGD), harmful ischemia (120 min OGD), and in ischemic tolerant neuronal cultures (30 min OGD, 24 h recovery, 120 min OGD). We detected a smaller cohort of hypermethylated regions following ischemic conditions, which were further analyzed revealing differential chromosomal localization of methylation, and a differential concentration of methylation on genomic regions. Together, these data show that the temporal profiles of DNA methylation with respect to chromatin hyper- and hypo-methylation following various ischemic conditions are highly dynamic, and may reveal novel targets for neuroprotection.
MOSAIC: Unified Platform for Dynamic Overlay Selection and Composition

MOSAIC constructs new overlay networks with desired characteristics by composing existing overlays with subsets of those attributes. Thus, MOSAIC overcomes the problem of multiple network infrastructures that are partial solutions, while preserving deployability. Composition of control and/or data planes is possible in the system. MOSAIC overlays are specified in Mozlog, a declarative language that specifies overlay properties without binding them to a particular implementation or underlying network. This paper focuses on the runtime aspects of MOSAIC: how it enables interoperability between different overlay networks and how it implements switching between different overlay compositions, permitting dynamic compositions with both existing overlay networks and legacy applications. The system is validated experimentally using declarative overlay compositions concisely specified in Mozlog: an indirection overlay that supports mobility (i3), a resilient overlay (RON), and scalable lookups (Chord), all of which are combined to provide new functionality. MOSAIC provides the benefits of runtime composition to simultaneously deliver application-aware mobility, NAT traversal and reliability with low performance overhead, demonstrated by measurements on both a local cluster and PlanetLab. Comments University of Pennsylvania Department of Computer and Information Science Technical Report No. MSCIS-08-21. This technical report is available at ScholarlyCommons: http://repository.upenn. edu/cis_reports/883 MOSAIC: Unified Platform for Dynamic Overlay Selection and Composition Yun Mao Boon Thau Loo Zachary Ives Jonathan M. Smith University of Pennsylvania
Sustained Poststimulus Elevation in Cerebral Oxygen Utilization after Vascular Recovery

The brain's response to functional activation is characterized by focal increases in cerebral blood flow. It is generally assumed that this hyperemia is a direct response to the energy demands of activation, the so-called flow-metabolism coupling. Here we report experimental evidence that increases in oxygen metabolism can occur after activation without increases in flow. When using multimodality functional MRI (fMRI) to study visual activation in human brain, we observed a postactivation period of about 30 seconds during which oxygen consumption remained elevated, while blood flow and volume had already returned to baseline levels. The finding of such a prolonged and complete dissociation of vascular response and energy metabolism during the poststimulus period indicates that increased metabolic demand needs not per se cause a concomitant increase in blood flow. The results also show that the postactivation undershoot after the positive blood-oxygen-level-dependent hemodynamic response in fMRI should be reinterpreted as a continued elevation of oxygen metabolism, rather than a delayed blood volume compliance.
Estrogen Actions Throughout the Brain

Besides affecting the hypothalamus and other brain areas related to reproduction, ovarian steroids have widespread effects throughout the brain, on serotonin pathways, catecholaminergic neurons, and the basal forebrain cholinergic system as well as the hippocampal formation, a brain region involved in spatial and declarative memory. Thus, ovarian steroids have measurable effects on affective state as well as cognition, with implications for dementia. Two actions are discussed in this review; both appear to involve a combination of genomic and nongenomic actions of ovarian hormones. First, regulation of the serotonergic system appears to be linked to the presence of estrogenand progestin-sensitive neurons in the midbrain raphe as well as possibly nongenomic actions in brain areas to which serotonin neurons project their axons. Second, ovarian hormones regulate synapse turnover in the CA1 region of the hippocampus during the 4to 5-day estrous cycle of the female rat. Formation of new excitatory synapses is induced by estradiol and involves N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, whereas downregulation of these synapses involves intracellular progestin receptors. A new, rapid method of radioimmunocytochemistry has made possible the demonstration of synapse formation by labeling and quantifying the specific synaptic and dendritic molecules involved. Although NMDA receptor activation is required for synapse formation, inhibitory interneurons may play a pivotal role as they express nuclear estrogen receptor-alpha (ER ). It is also likely that estrogens may locally regulate events at the sites of synaptic contact in the excitatory pyramidal neurons where the synapses form. Indeed, recent ultrastructural data reveal extranuclear ER immunoreactivity within select dendritic spines on hippocampal principal cells, axons, axon terminals, and glial processes. In particular, the presence of ER in dendrites is consistent with a model for synapse formation in which filopodia from dendrites grow out to find new synaptic contacts and estrogens regulate local, post-transcriptional events via second messenger systems.