Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chile menos volátil

Between 1988 and 1998 Chile’s average economic growth reached 7.8%. Nonetheless, growth decelerated sharply after the Asian Crisis; since 1998 the average economic expansion was only 3.7%. Along with this deceleration, the volatility of the economy was cut by more that half. Using a formal empirical analysis, this paper investigates the role that adoption of both a floating exchange rate scheme and the use of the Structural Surplus Rule had in transforming Chile into a less volatile economy. Our results show that the introduction of the fiscal rule allowed for a reduction in the volatility of GDP growth by one third. On the other hand, the introduction of the flexible exchange rate mechanism contributed to reduce the volatility by one quarter. Thus, jointly, both policy reforms diminished the volatility of the Chilean economy by almost 60%. These results are robust to alternative specifications and possible endogeneity problems in some of the explanatory variables. // Desde fines de 1998 la economia chilena se desacelero mucho. Si entre 1988 y 1998 la tasa de crecimiento promedio alcanzo un 7.8%, durante el periodo postcrisis asiatica fue de solo un 3.7%. Sin embargo, junto con la desaceleracion del crecimiento, la volatilidad de la economia se redujo practicamente a la mitad.Este trabajo investiga, mediante un analisis empirico formal, el papel que tuvieron la introduccion de la flotacion cambiaria y la utilizacion de la regla de superavit estructural en transformar a Chile en una economia menos volatil. Nuestros resultados muestran que la introduccion de la regla fiscal parece haber reducido en un tercio la volatilidad del crecimiento del PIB. Por su parte, la flotacion cambiaria contribuyo a reducir esa volatilidad adicionalmente en alrededor de un cuarto. Asi, en conjunto, ambas medidas aparecen como responsables de haber disminuido la volatilidad del crecimiento de la economia chilena en casi 60%. Estos resultados son robustos ante especificaciones y posibles problemas de endogeneidad en algunas de las variables explicativas.
Bilingual Phrase Extraction from N-Best Alignments

Improved approach of phrase extraction was proposed for phrase-based statistical machine translation. The effectiveness was investigated when using n-best alignments instead of one-best for phrase extraction. Bilingual phrase pairs were extracted in the presented approach by combining word-to-word links from n-best alignments between source and target sentences. First, the n-best alignments were divided into hierarchies by frequencies of word co-occurrence. Second, candidates of phrase pairs were extracted from each layer. Experimental results show that the presented approach outperforms the baseline system Pharaoh in both NIST and BLEU scores. Therefore it is effective to use n-best alignments as an extension to one-best alignment for phrase extraction
Unattended Object Identification for Intelligent Surveillance Systems Using Sequence of Dual Background Difference

Image-based surveillance systems are widely employed toward safety and security applications in many fields. Cameras, that are connected over an IP network for monitoring public areas, can produce large quantities of video footage. It is tedious for humans to simultaneously observe every type of event on several cameras. Thus, it is necessary to build a user-friendly intelligent system, enabling the analysis of video to detect suspicious events. One of the most important tasks of this system would be to identify unattended objects to prevent an unexpected accident such as the bombing of a public space. This paper presents a novel technique for such a task. The method is based on a sequence of dual background differences, which is obtained by computing the intensity difference between the current and reference background models within a time period. A clustering and an object detector are then integrated to identify the unattended objects. The effectiveness of the method was verified using public and our own databases. The results confirmed that the method is efficient to detect unattended objects and is suitable for implementation in video surveillance systems.
Value-Based Partnering Structure Design for Networked Businesses: A Multi-Method Approach

The organizational practices required by dynamic market demands and increasing competitive markets include the formation of networked businesses. For the participants in a networked business to be able to promptly react to customers' needs, they must set up as cornerstone a well-defined collaborative partnering structure. This paper first describes a framework that assists in the design of networked businesses. Then it discusses some approaches, such as object-oriented modeling, multi-agent modeling, and the use of ontological modeling as tools for designing networked businesses. However, these tools have fundamental shortcomings when dealing with the partnering structure concept. The paper proposes a new multimethod approach for the formalization of such a structure. Using an example, we illustrate that existing approaches for value modeling, roles specification, and responsibilities definition can be used successfully if employed in a unifying way to address this structure concept.
Using Music to Elicit Emotion in Robots

In this work, we look at determining the better of two models when implementing a system of emotional response in anthropomorphic robots. The models relate music to emotional responses in humans, the first modeling the human auditory system and doing continuous analysis of sound, and the second, taking into account discrete features from music samples, basing itself on the various components of music theory. The Auditory model is based on emulating the cochlear splitting of acoustic waveforms into multiple channels, which are then encoded as random variables to emulate the neural transduction processes. The Music theory model defines a feature vector of length thirty based upon the audio signal, the vector known to well-represent three key elements of music, texture, rhythm, and pitch. Features generated from these 2 models were separately linked to a set of 11 emotions which we identified as encompassing a majority of those felt by humans. To build our systems, data was collected from a number of volunteers taking their input on emotions incited in them on hearing a particular corpus of music data. This data was subjected to various classification techniques to correlate the emotions to features, and determine which set performed better.
Zinc- and iron-rubredoxins from Clostridium pasteurianum at atomic resolution: a high-precision model of a ZnS4 coordination unit in a protein.

The Zn(Scys)4 unit is present in numerous proteins, where it assumes structural, regulatory, or catalytic roles. The same coordination is found naturally around iron in rubredoxins, several structures of which have been refined at resolutions of, or near to, 1 A. The fold of the small protein rubredoxin around its metal ion is an excellent model for many zinc finger proteins. Zn-substituted rubredoxin and its Fe-containing counterpart were both obtained as the products of the expression in Escherichia coli of the rubredoxin-encoding gene from Clostridium pasteurianum. The structures of both proteins have been refined with an anisotropic model at atomic resolution (1.1 A, R = 8.3% for Fe-rubredoxin, and 1.2 A, R = 9.6% for Zn-rubredoxin) and are very similar. The most significant differences are increased lengths of the M-S bonds in Zn-rubredoxin (average length, 2.345 A) as compared with Fe-rubredoxin (average length, 2.262 A). An increase of the CA-CB-SG-M dihedral angles involving Cys-6 and Cys-39, the first cysteines of each of the Cys-Xaa-Xaa-Cys metal binding motifs, has been observed. Another consequence of the replacement of iron by zinc is that the region around residues 36-46 undergoes larger displacements than the remainder of the polypeptide chain. Despite these changes, the main features of the FeS4 site, namely a local 2-fold symmetry and the characteristic network of N-H.S hydrogen bonds, are conserved in the ZnS4 site. The Zn-substituted rubredoxin provides the first precise structure of a Zn(Scys)4 unit in a protein. The nearly identical fold of rubredoxin around iron or zinc suggests that at least in some of the sites where the metal has mainly a structural role-e.g., zinc fingers-the choice of the relevant metal may be directed by its cellular availability and mobilization processes rather than by its chemical nature.
Theory of Business Ethics Simulation Games

This article discusses the use of computer-based simulation games to teach business ethics. The current theory of business ethics simulation games (BESGs) is built on two axioms. The first is that BESGs are best used to teach students ethical principles, and the second is that this is best accomplished by presenting students with ethical dilemmas. This article disputes both of these axioms and proposes new theory. The purpose of BESGs, on the new theory, is to induce in students certain thought processes, not to simulate business situations. According to this new theory, simulation games should be designed to induce in players decisionmaking processes analogous to those of managers and employees confronted with ethically fraught decisions that have no obvious right or wrong answer. These ethical conundrums involve balancing risks to others and benefits for oneself in the course of ordinary, everyday work. This new theory is illustrated by describing a BESG designed by the author and currently used at several colleges and universities.
Color Image Segmentation using Median Cut and Contourlet Transform : A Parallel Segmentation Approach

This paper presents a parallel implementation of color image segmentation algorithm using multiresolution technique. The idea is to achieve the complete and significant objects in the image using contourlet transform based image segmentation and to explore current multi-core architectures present in commercial processors in order to speed up the segmentation process for large size images. The algorithm attempts to use contourlet transform for texture feature extraction which can represent boundaries more accurately than that of discrete wavelet transform, so the contourlet transform is applied in proposed algorithm. This segmentation algorithm contains three stages. Initially the color quantization step is used to obtain a coarse image representation followed by parallel feature extraction using contourlet transform algorithm to exploit the multicore architecture. This task is executed sequentially by each assigned thread. Finally results returned by all threads are merged to achieve final segmentation output. Thus, color image segmentation can be obtained with reduced computational cost for large size images by proposed method. The algorithm is able to work with finite number of threads, so as to take full advantage of the upcoming processors having any number of cores. Keywords— Image segmentation, Color quantization, Contourlet transform, Region merging, Multicore processor
EXTRA: Towards an Efficient Open Platform for Reconfigurable High Performance Computing

To handle the stringent performance requirements of future exascale-class applications, High Performance Computing (HPC) systems need ultra-efficient heterogeneous compute nodes. To reduce power and increase performance, such compute nodes will require hardware accelerators with a high degree of specialization. Ideally, dynamic reconfiguration will be an intrinsic feature, so that specific HPC application features can be optimally accelerated, even if they regularly change over time. In the EXTRA project, we create a new and flexible exploration platform for developing reconfigurable architectures, design tools and HPC applications with run-time reconfiguration built-in as a core fundamental feature instead of an add-on. EXTRA covers the entire stack from architecture up to the application, focusing on the fundamental building blocks for run-time reconfigurable exascale HPC systems: new chip architectures with very low reconfiguration overhead, new tools that truly take reconfiguration as a central design concept, and applications that are tuned to maximally benefit from the proposed run-time reconfiguration techniques. Ultimately, this open platform will improve Europe's competitive advantage and leadership in the field.
Implementation of a Simple Wireless Sensor Node for the Detection of Gaseous Substances Leakage

Abstract The paper presents the steps involved in implementing a customizable wireless sensor node for the detection of gaseous substances leakage in both internal and external environments. The node consists of various modules namely, sensors, signal conditioning, computational unit, wireless communication and power supply. The measurand to be measured are carbon dioxide, oxygen, relative humidity and temperature. A computational analysis is performed using a nano-watt PIC18LF4620 microcontroller and the wireless communication is realized through a MRF24J40MA Zigbee module. The results obtained prove that the sensor node possess good features such as, low cost, simple to use, minimal power consumption, long network range and compatibility with analog/digital sensors. The simple construction procedures create the possibility of implementing such customizable sensor node for the different environmental monitoring applications.
Performance Comparison between Conventional and LogicProgramming Systems

This work compares and analyses conventional and logic programming systems using a qualitative and quantitative approach. Logic programming is known to be easier and simpler than imperative programming, but it is not very popular because of its believed ineeciency. Our work shows that logic programming can be as eecient as imperative programming for a wide range of symbolic and scientiic applications. We used diierent Prolog-based systems, including SICStus, XSB, Yap, CLP(R) and Aurora and compared to C, a structured language. We focus our studies on programmability, execution times and memory usage, and show that the use of techniques such as compilation, code specialization, tabling, constraints and parallelisation can improve the performance of declarative systems allowing them to behave better than imperative systems. Our best result shows that a logic program can run 200 times faster than its correspondent in C.
Neural processing of multisensor signals at the 8-bit microcontroller

An approach of multisensor signals processing at microcontrollers is described in this paper. This approach is based on the identification neural method of conversion individual function for a multisensor. It allows reducing an amount of calibration points and improving an accuracy of identification in a comparison with existing methods. Proposed approach was implemented in the developed system for measurement of the ultraviolet radiation level using 8-bit microcontrollers.
A Texture-Aware Salient Edge Model for Image Retargeting

Image retargeting aims at adapting a given image to fit the size of arbitrary displays without severe visual distortions. To achieve this task successfully, it is essential to define a reliable image importance map (IIM) since it guides subsequent retargeting procedures. In this letter, we introduce a novel IIM for effective image retargeting. Specifically, we define our IIM by exploiting the higher order statistics (HOS) of the diffusion space for image retargeting. We call it texture-aware salient edge (TASE) map. Based on the proposed TASE map, we obtain visually acceptable retargeting results, even in the cluttered background and in the presence of noise as well. The proposed method has been extensively tested, and experimental results show that the proposed scheme is effective for image retargeting compared to other various state-of-the-art methods.
State-Parameter Estimation of Ecosystem Models Using a Smoothed Ensemble Kalman Filter

Much of the effort in data assimilation methods for carbon dynamics analysis has focused on estimating optimal values for either model parameters or state variables. The main weakness of estimating parameter values alone (i.e., without considering state variables) is that all errors from input, output, and model structure are attributed to model parameter uncertainties. On the other hand, the accuracy of estimating state variables may be reduced if the temporal evolution of parameter values is not incorporated. This research develops a smoothed ensemble Kalman filter (SEnKF) to estimate simultaneously the system states and model parameters of an eddy flux partition model. The approach is used to assimilate observed fluxes of carbon and major driving forces at an AmeriFlux forest station: Howland, Maine, USA. The aim of applying a kernel-smoothing algorithm to an ensemble Kalman filter is to overcome the dramatic, sudden change of parameter values in time and the loss of continuity between two consecutive points in time. Our analysis demonstrates that model parameters, such as light use efficiency, respiration coefficients, minimum and optimum temperatures for photosynthetic activity, and so on, are highly constrained by eddy flux data at daily-to-seasonal time scales. The SEnKF stabilizes parameter values quickly regardless of the initial values of the parameters. Potential ecosystem light use efficiency demonstrates a strong seasonality. Results show that the simultaneous parameter estimation procedure significantly improves model predictions. Results also show that the SEnKF can dramatically reduce variance in state variables stemming from the uncertainty of parameters and driving variables. The SEnKF is a robust and effective algorithm in evaluating and developing ecosystem models and in improving understanding and quantification of carbon cycle parameters and processes.
Peak experiences and the afterglow phenomenon: When and how do therapeutic effects of hallucinogens depend on psychedelic experiences?

Interest in the therapeutic potential of psychedelic substances has recently resumed. During an early phase of human psychedelic research, their therapeutic application in different pathologies had been suggested, and the first evidence for efficacy was provided. The range of recent clinical applications of psychedelics spans from cluster headaches and obsessive-compulsive disorder to addiction and the treatment of fear and anxiety in patients suffering from terminal illness, indicating potentially different therapeutic mechanisms. A variety of approaches in psychotherapy emphasize subjective experiences, such as so-called peak experiences or afterglow phenomena, as differentially mediating therapeutic action. This review aims to re-evaluate earlier and recent concepts of how psychedelic substances may exert beneficial effects. After a short outline of neurophenomenological aspects, we discuss different approaches to how psychedelics are used in psychotherapy. Finally, we summarize evidence for the relationship between subjective experiences and therapeutic success. While the distinction between pharmacological and psychological action obviously cannot be clear-cut, they do appear to contribute differently from each other when their effects are compared with regard to pathologies.
An Exploratory Analysis of Leadership Preparation Selection Criteria.

This analytical report draws together findings from multiple sources that reflect current admission processes used by principalpreparation programs and explores their implications for initial educationalleadership development. The sources are a web-based review of state regulations for school-leadership credentials, a review of selected literature about reform of administrator-preparation programs, and findings from recent studies of admission standards. Following are some of the report's findings: (1) The prevailing practice for acceptance to leadershippreparation programs continues to use GRE scores, GPA, and letters of recommendation. (2) Candidates' career aspirations may play a significant role in the recruitment and selection of program participants and the identification of future principals. (3) Many viable candidates for preparation programs never apply because they question their own ability to lead. (4) Many entrants into educational-leadership positions do not feel fully prepared for the reality of the tasks required of them. (5) Careful recruitment and selection of candidates are cited often as necessary elements in the restructuring or reform of preparation programs. The results of this analysis will be used to develop a research design for an expanded study of the effectiveness of principal-preparation programs. (Contains 85 references.) (WFA) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. An Exploratory Analysis of Leadership Preparation Selection Criteria Tricia Browne-Ferrigno Assistant Professor of Administration and Supervision College of Education University of Kentucky 111 Dickey Hall Lexington, KY 40506-0017 859-257-5504 (Phone) 859-257-1015 (FAX) ferrign@uky.edu Alan Shoho Associate Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies College of Education and Human Development University of Texas at San Antonio 6900 North Loop 1604 West San Antonio, TX 78249-0654 210-458-5411 (Phone) 210-458-5848 (FAX) ashoho@utsa.edu Paper Prepared for the Research Symposium (Session 5.11) How Effective Are We? Presented at the Annual Meeting of The University Council for Educational Administration Pittsburgh, PA November 2002 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Educational Research and Improvement EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) 12( This document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it. Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality. Points of view or opinions stated in this document do not necessarily represent official OERI position or policy. C) 1 PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY
Influence of State Policy on Standards and School Practices: A Comparison of Three Urban Districts.

This study examined the implementation of standards-based reforms in urban schools with high concentrations of low-income students, highlighting the influence of state policy on the development and implementation of school standards. Researchers examined the type of state policy three school districts were exposed to, level of teachers' awareness of the state policy on standards, and teachers' perceptions of the implementation of standards. Data collection occurred during the 1997-98 and 1998-99 school years and involved surveys, interviews, observation, and document analysis. Results indicated that the different policy environments within which schools and districts operated related to how districts and schools interpreted standards. These differences translated into differences in teachers' awareness of standards and perceptions of how well they were implemented. While teachers reported high levels of awareness of standards, they were not the driving force behind their classroom practices. Instead, district accountability policies that were narrowly focused on raising standardized test scores influenced school practice and directed it at improving standardized test scores. Policies were interrelated, with one policy establishing the context for another. The implementation of standards-based reform involved actors at multiple levels of the educational system with different levels of authority. (Contains 22 references.) (SM) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document.