Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Monetary Policy Reform in a World of Central Banks

The paper identifies based on the monetary overinvestment theories by Wicksell (1898), Mises (1912) and Hayek (1929) monetary policy mistakes in large industrial countries issuing international currencies. It its argued that a neglect towards monetary policy reform in a world dominated by financial markets has led to the erosion of the allocation and signaling function of the interest rate, which has triggered an excessive rise of the government debt and structural distortions in the world economy. The backlash of high government debt levels on monetary policy making is argued to have led to a hysteresis of the liquidity trap. In this context, monetary reform is discussed with respect to the exit from low interest rate and high debt policies, an adaption of monetary policy rules to financial market dominated economic development, and the displacement of the prevalent world monetary system. Enhanced competition between dollar and euro as international currencies moderated by East Asia is proposed to constitute a more stable international monetary system.
Optimal stopping in a general framework

We study the optimal stopping time problem $v(S)={\rm ess}\sup_{\theta \geq S} E[\phi(\theta)|\mathcal {F}_S]$, for any stopping time $S$, where the reward is given by a family $(\phi(\theta),\theta\in\mathcal{T}_0)$ \emph{of non negative random variables} indexed by stopping times. We solve the problem under weak assumptions in terms of integrability and regularity of the reward family. More precisely, we only suppose $v(0)<+ \infty$ and $ (\phi(\theta),\theta\in \mathcal{T}_0)$ upper semicontinuous along stopping times in expectation. We show the existence of an optimal stopping time and obtain a characterization of the minimal and the maximal optimal stopping times. We also provide some local properties of the value function family. All the results are written in terms of families of random variables and are proven by only using classical results of the Probability Theory.
Understanding multi-stage diffusion process in presence of attrition of potential market and related pricing policy

In this paper, a mathematical model using a three-stage structure is developed to describe the diffusion process of high-technology products. This article investigates the significance of the informed and disinterested potential adopters on the growth pattern of innovation. The suitability of the proposed methodology for real-life scenarios is validated by fitting the model to the actual sales and price data sets from the electronics and semiconductor industries. The present study also incorporates the influence of dynamic price on the decision of the adoption of new products. An optimization problem is also formulated as an optimal control problem with the objective of profit maximization to determine the optimal price of the new technology.
Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials Open Access Multilocus Sequence Typing Method for Identification and Genotypic Classification of Pathogenic Leptospira Species

Background: Leptospira are the parasitic bacterial organisms associated with a broad range of mammalian hosts and are responsible for severe cases of human Leptospirosis. The epidemiology of leptospirosis is complex and dynamic. Multiple serovars have been identified, each adapted to one or more animal hosts. Adaptation is a dynamic process that changes the spatial and temporal distribution of serovars and clinical manifestations in different hosts. Serotyping based on repertoire of surface antigens is an ambiguous and artificial system of classification of leptospiral agents. Molecular typing methods for the identification of pathogenic leptospires up to individual genome species level have been highly sought after since the decipherment of whole genome sequences. Only a few resources exist for microbial genotypic data based on individual techniques such as Multiple Locus Sequence Typing (MLST), but unfortunately no such databases are existent for leptospires.
Validation of a measure of household hunger for cross-cultural use.

This report describes the findings from a validation study of the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) a 9 item 4 frequency (9I 4F) measurement scale to assess the access component of household food insecurity in resource-poor areas. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded Food and Nutrition Technical Assistance (FANTA) project developed the HFIAS in 2006 with the aim to provide a simple tool that would provide statistically valid (internally valid) accurate and reliable information about the prevalence of food insecurity at a population level (externally valid) and directly comparable data upon use of the tool in diverse settings (cross-culturally valid). In this study we examine empirically the extent to which the objectives of internal external and cross-cultural validity have been achieved. To do so we use seven HFIAS data sets collected in diverse contexts and countries: Mozambique (two data sets) Malawi West Bank/Gaza Strip Kenya Zimbabwe and South Africa. We apply statistical methods based on the Rasch measurement model to assess the performance of the HFIAS and use the results of these analyses to revise the HFIAS as necessary. To help interpret the empirical results we also refer to qualitative feedback on the HFIAS provided by collaborators who contributed data to the study. (Excerpt)
The structure of a bottlenose dolphin society is coupled to a unique foraging cooperation with artisanal fishermen

Diverse and localized foraging behaviours have been reported in isolated populations of many animal species around the world. In Laguna, southern Brazil, a subset of resident bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) uses a foraging tactic involving cooperative interactions with local, beach-casting fishermen. We used individual photo-identification data to assess whether cooperative and non-cooperative dolphins were socially segregated. The social structure of the population was found to be a fission–fusion system with few non-random associations, typical for this species. However, association values were greater among cooperative dolphins than among non-cooperative dolphins or between dolphins from different foraging classes. Furthermore, the dolphin social network was divided into three modules, clustering individuals that shared or lacked the cooperative foraging tactic. Space-use patterns were not sufficient to explain this partitioning, indicating a behavioural factor. The segregation of dolphins using different foraging tactics could result from foraging behaviour driving social structure, while the closer association between dolphins engaged in the cooperation could facilitate the transmission and learning of this behavioural trait from conspecifics. This unique case of a dolphin–human interaction represents a valuable opportunity to explore hypotheses on the role of social learning in wild cetaceans.
Improvements in Flood Risk Assessment: Evidence from Northern Italy

The assessment of potential economic damage caused by floods is commonly done via methodologies based on Stage-Damage Curves (SDC), which provide a relation between the depth of water and the economic damage on a specific land use. SDC are developed for site-specific analysis but seldom calibrated or tested for transferability purpose. In Italy no specific damage functions have been developed so far, despite damage reports being collected after every major flood. Here a refined SDC model is tested against a flood event in Northern Italy. SDCs calibration is underpinned with empirical data from compensation records. Our framework includes the assessment of asset losses, focusing on urban and agricultural land, and production losses. While the first are calculated based on land use, production losses are measured through the spatial distribution of Gross Value Added.
Plankton dynamics: observed and modelled responses to physical conditions in Prince William Sound, Alaska

Plankton populations in Prince William Sound, Alaska, exhibited pronounced seasonal, annual and longer-period variability in composition and standing stock in response to physically influenced differences in nutrient availability, and possibly currents that modify local biomass by exchanges with water from the bordering Gulf of Alaska. During springs in which early, strong physical stratification developed, intense, short-lived phytoplankton blooms occurred. These blooms had relatively short residence times in the water column. In contrast, during springs in which slower, weaker stratification developed, phytoplankton blooms were prolonged and took longer to peak. These slower blooms prolonged the period of phytoplankton production, prolonged interaction with the springtime grazing community and led to the incorporation of more organic matter into pelagic food webs. A coupled biological-physical simulation of plankton production was used to examine the implications of seasonally varying air and mixed-layer temperatures, surface winds and incident light on the timing, duration, annual production and standing stock of plankton. Our modelling results reproduced the observed characteristics of the springtime production cycle, and the magnitude of zooplankton stocks for the period 1992–97 but not for 1981–91. These results suggest that for most of the 1990s, bottom-up influences on nutrient supplies controlled levels of primary consumers, whereas for the 11 years before that, other unknown factors dominated this process. We present the results of a comprehensive, multiyear study of relationships between plankton and physical limitations, and a retrospective analysis of earlier conditions to explore the possible causes for these differences.
The Impact of Telemedicine during Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Pandemic and Future Perspectives: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spread worldwide since December 2019, causing the COVID-19 pandemic. Several measures have taken place in many countries to avoid further spread of the virus and to manage infected people according to disease severity. Notably, telemedicine (TM) was successfully used to manage less severe patients. Our aim was to assess the impact and the edges of using TM in home-isolated or hospitalized patients affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection and its further application. Methods: We performed a systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, focusing on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English and available on PubMed database. Full texts were blindly reviewed and then assessed according to PICO model. Results: Our research identified a total of 1,959 records, of which 24 were potentially eligible through the articles full-text review. Six papers were included for data extraction and 18 articles were excluded: 10 articles were not RCTs and 8 articles did not involve SARS-CoV-2 patients. The TM application showed an improvement in psychological stress, mental disorders, and a significant reduction of general stress in patients affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection. The effectiveness of using TM in rehabilitative respiratory programs has been also reported. Furthermore, the benefits of TM application in tailored monitoring of vital parameters in home-isolated patients helped clinicians to early identify a deterioration of clinical conditions. Conclusion: The use of TM during COVID-19 pandemic represented a novel, intriguing, versatile, and useful tool to support clinical practice. This evidence suggests considering TM in a wider range of clinical applications.
Joint modelling of longitudinal binary data and survival data

The medical costs in an ageing society substantially increase when the incidences of chronic diseases, disabilities and inability to live independently are high. Healthy lifestyles not only affect elderly individuals but also influence the entire community. When assessing treatment efficacy, survival and quality of life should be considered simultaneously. This paper proposes the joint likelihood approach for modelling survival and longitudinal binary covariates simultaneously. Because some unobservable information is present in the model, the Monte Carlo EM algorithm and Metropolis-Hastings algorithm are used to find the estimators. Monte Carlo simulations are performed to evaluate the performance of the proposed model based on the accuracy and precision of the estimates. Real data are used to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed model.
A general equilibrium analysis of the evolution of Canadian service productivity

Ce document est publié dans l’intention de rendre accessibles les résultats préliminaires de la recherche effectuée au CIRANO, afin de susciter des échanges et des suggestions. Les idées et les opinions émises sont sous l’unique responsabilité des auteurs, et ne représentent pas nécessairement les positions du CIRANO ou de ses partenaires. This paper presents preliminary research carried out at CIRANO and aims to encourage discussion and comment. The observations and viewpoints expressed are the sole responsibility of the authors. They do not necessarily represent positions of CIRANO or its partners. Résumé / Abstract Dans cet article, nous mesurons les productivités factorielles (et dès lors la croissance de la productivité totale des facteurs) à partir des principes essentiels d’une économie (les ressources, les préférences et la technologie) sans avoir recours aux prix du marché. Les productivités factorielles sont les multiplicateurs de Lagrange d’un programme linéaire qui maximise la demande finale domestique sous les contraintes sectorielles, les contraintes de ressources et la contrainte de la balance commerciale. Nous appliquons le modèle aux données de l’économie canadienne de 1962 à 1991. Les données ne concordent pas avec l’hypothèse traditionnelle selon laquelle les services ralentissent la croissance de la productivité. This paper measures factor productivities (and hence total factor productivity growth) directly on the basis of the fundamentals of the economy (endowments, preferences and technology), without recourse to market prices. The factor productivities are the Lagrange multipliers of a linear program maximizing domestic final demand subject to material balances, endowment constraints, and a balance of payments constraint. The model is applied to the data of the Canadian economy from 1962 to 1991. The commonly held view that services are dragging down the whole economy does not stand the facts.
Ethnicity and the Dara-ang (Palaung) in Thailand

This study is about an ethnic group called Palaung, who are known as Pale by the Burmese and the Shan people. During 1982-1984, a group of around 200 Palaung people migrated from Doi Lai, Shan State in the southern part of Myanmar to No Lae Village, Fang District, Chiang Mai Province in the northern part of Thailand. The village is located approximately 5-6 kilometers north of the Ang Khang Royal Project on the Thai-Myanmar border. The group that moved to No Lae call themselves “Dara-ang ren” or “Red Dara-ang” and speak the Dara-ang language of the Palaungic branch of the northern Mon-Khmer sub-groups, Austroasiatic language family. This paper provides brief information about Palaung language classification, the migration into Thailand, locations and demography. Based on Barth (1969)’s “ethnic boundary” and Hobsbawm and Ranger (2000)’s “invented tradition”, the Dara-ang at No Lae have established their own ethnic identity both by an adaptation of the old and an invention of the new, namely dissemination of information about HM the King’s permission to stay at No Lae, women’s beautiful dresses and rattan or bamboo waist hoops, the legend of their ancestor “Roi Ngoen” and the dance, the ritual of making offerings to village guardian spirits and naming.
The Role of School and Community-Based Programs in Aiding Latina/o High School Persistence

This study documents the important role school and community-based programs have for sustaining the persistence of Latina/o high school students in an urban, low achieving school district. Consensus among student participants revealed these programs provided a safe space where students were able to develop confianza (mutual trust) with caring adults. Safe spaces were also culturally and linguistically affirming where students could be themselves. Adults associated with these programs served as institutional agents who helped students address personal and school barriers, which allowed students to successfully negotiate within schools. Without these community and school-based programs and the supports available through them, students indicated they would leave their respective high schools.
Prácticas de gestión de recursos humanos y desarrollo de nuevos proyectos innovadores: Un estudio de casos en las PYMEs

The main proposal of the paper is to analyze the human resources management practices adopted by some Spanish SMEs in order to promote and develop corporate entrepreneurship. A case study method is used to explore the corporate entrepreneurship activities developed by three SMEs. The main results show the importance of establishing good relationships among company’s members, creating an appropriate working environment. Also, it is highlighted the relevance of promoting risk attitudes and the participation of the employees in the corporate entrepreneurship activities.
Correlation between Nucleon-Nucleon Interaction, Pairing Energy Gap and Phase Shift for Identical Nucleons in Nuclear Systems

Assuming some known nucleon-nucleon interactions, and using the relations between phase shift δ and nucleon-nucleon interaction potential V (r) ; the relation between nucleon-nucleon interaction and scattering length a; the relation between energy gap Δ, and scattering length a; an equation is obtained between energy gap Δ and Fermi momentum kF via the phase shift δ (kF). Assuming 1s0 (singlet) pairing between the nucleons, the energy gap Δ has been calculated and it is found that Δ = 3.0 MeV at Fermi momentum kF = 0.8 fm-1.
Periodic Solutions of Abstract Semilinear Equations with Applications to Biological Models

of a dissertation at the University of Miami. Dissertation supervised by Professor Shigui Ruan. No. of pages in text. (85) I studied the existence of periodic solutions to the abstract semilinear evolution equation du dt = A(t)u(t) + F (t, u(t)), t ≥ 0 in a Banach space X , where A(t) is a T -periodic linear operator on X (not necessarily densely defined); and F : [0,∞) × D(A) → X is continuous and T -periodic in t. The idea is to combine Poincare map technique with fixed point theorems to derive various conditions on the operator A(t) and the map F (t, u) to ensure that the abstract evolution equation has periodic solutions. Three cases are considered: (i) IfA(t) = A is time-independent and is a Hille-Yosida operator, conditions on F are given to guarantee the existence of mild periodic solutions; (ii) If A(t) is time-dependent and satisfies the hyperbolic condition, sufficient conditions on A(t) and F are presented to ensure the existence of mild periodic solutions; (iii) If A(t) = A is time-independent, is a HilleYosida operator and generates a compact semigroup, the existence of mild periodic solutions is also discussed. As applications, the main results are applied to establish the existence of periodic solutions in a delayed periodic red-blood cell model; agestructured models with periodic harvesting, diffusive logistic equations with periodic coefficients, and periodic diffusive Nicholson’ blowflies equation with delay.
Effect of soil amendments on some physical and chemical properties of some soils of Egypt under saline irrigation water.

A lysimeter experiment was carried out to study the effect of some soil amendments and saline irrigation water on some physical and chemical properties of some soils of Egypt . Three soil types, calcareous; alluvial and sandy were used and treated with three soil amendments, composted town refuse; sewage sludge and elemental sulphur. These soils were cultivated with alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and irrigated with diluted sea water having 2000, 4000 and 6000 ppm, as well as fresh water as control treatment for ten months. At the end of the experiment undisturbed and disturbed soil samples were taken from each treatment at the depths of (030 cm.) and (30-60 cm.). The results showed that the application of soil amendments significantly decreased the soil bulk density and the modulus of rupture, in each of the surface and subsurface soils, while, salinity of irrigation water upto 6000 ppm, increased them. Saturated hydraulic conductivity of surface and subsurface soils was significantly decreased with different salinity levels of irrigation water. Application of soil amendments decreased each of ECe, SAR, ESP and the swelling factor, while these parameters were increased with increasing salinity levels in the irrigation water. The application of soil amendments and salinity in the irrigation water increased the availability of NPK in the different soils.
Case Studies in Time Series : Periodic Behavior and Related Issues

Many SAS users and most econometricians think of time series strictly in the time domain, that is, the series is a set of observations written Yt, where t represents time t=1,2, . and the task of time series modelers is to predict future values of Y from past observed Y values along with, possibly, past observed values of other predictor series. However, there are many time series, for example tidal movements, environmental variables, and even economic series that can be more conveniently modeled in the so-called frequency domain. That is, some time series can logically be thought of as having deterministic periodic components that can be extrapolated into the future to produce predictions. Without regard to forecasting, the analysis of periodic data, such as the noise waves emitted by a submarine, can be of interest in themselves. In fact forecasting is often of little or no interest in these cases. We might be able to associate a particular wave form with a particular class of submarine, for example. Analysis of light waves absorbed by or passed through a liquid can be of help in identifying the liquid’s components. In economics one can think of long term and short term fluctuations by breaking the series into periodic components. An analysis in which a time series is broken down into periodic components goes by the names spectral analysis, periodogram analysis, or in more general mathematical terms harmonic analysis or Fourier analysis. This article is an introductory exploratory investigation of this method.
Density reconstruction of intermediate waters along the European continental margin

The reconstruction of past ocean seawater densities can be helpful to understand benthic hydrodynamics and ecological processes important for ecosystems such as the cold-water coral (CWC) reefs along the European continental margin. DFG-project INWADE (Cold-Water Coral Mound Development Related to INtermediate WAter DEnsity Gradient) concentrates on the observation that the density of seawater is an important environmental factor for the Northeast Atlantic coral reefs. For three transects at 37°N, 51°N and 65°N across the European continental slope, the Recent distribution of temperature, salinity and seawater density is compared to modelled distribution during the Last Glacial Maximum. Geochemically reconstructed temperature and seawater density data from benthic foraminifera in sediment cores validate the modelled data (or vice versa) and raise the possibility to reconstruct seawater densities for the Pleistocene period.