Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Firms as Buyers of Last Resort Harrison Hong Princeton University

We develop a model to explore the asset pricing implications of firms being buyers of last resort for their own stocks. Those with more ability to repurchase shares when prices drop far below fundamental value (i.e., less financially constrained ones) should have lower short-horizon return variance (controlling for fundamental variance) than other firms. Using standard proxies for financing constraints such as past repurchases, firm age and the Kaplan and Zingales (1997) index, we find strong support for this predicted relation. Moreover, our theory predicts that this relation should be stronger in environments where repurchases are legally easier to execute. Consistent with our theory, we find that this relation is indeed stronger in the U.S. after 1982 when regulatory reforms lowered the legal cost of conducting repurchases; and among the ten largest stock markets in the world, they are stronger in countries where share repurchases are legally easier to execute. ______________________ We thank an anonymous referee and Heitor Almeida, Doug Diamond, Diego Garcia, Jeffrey Kubik, Hamid Mehran, Lasse Pedersen, Ronnie Sadka, Jeremy Stein, Sheridan Titman, and seminar participants at the University of British Columbia, Ramon Areces Foundation Conference on Financial Economics, Drexel, New York Federal Reserve Bank, Princeton-New York Federal Reserve Bank Liquidity Conference, Pompeau Fabra, and Econometric Society Meeting, for a number of helpful comments.
LyriSys: An Interactive Support System for Writing Lyrics Based on Topic Transition

This paper presents LyriSys, a novel lyric-writing support system. Previous systems for lyric writing can fully automatically only generate a single line of lyrics that satisfies given constraints on accent and syllable patterns or an entire lyric. In contrast to such systems, LyriSys allows users to create and revise their work incrementally in a trial-and-error manner. Through fine-grained interactions with the system, the user can create the specifications of the musical structure and the story of the lyrics in terms of the verse-bridge-chorus structure, the number of lines, words and syllables, and most importantly, the transition over semantic topics such as "scene", "dark" and "sweet love". This paper provides an overview of the design of the system and its user interface and describes how the writing process is guided by a state-of-the-art probabilistic generative topic model that is trained without supervision. The system works for both Japanese and English.
THE PROBLEM WITH REPORTING POLLUTION ALLOWANCES: REPORTING IS NOT THE PROBLEM

Abstract This is a critical review of the paper by Wambsganss and Sanford. They are concerned with the reporting of tradeable pollution allowances in financial reports, and seek an optimal basis for their valuation. This review suggests that the reporting of such allowances is not the real problem in addressing atmospheric pollution, but that the economic philosophy which attempts to address ecological problems in economic terms is the main culprit. In the review, the problems of assigning value to these permits are addressed, along with the broader disadvantages inherent in the instruments themselves. Alternatives are then explored within the economic paradigm in which the authors place their work, and, finally, non-market potential solutions are identified.
Regional specification of the endoderm in the early chick embryo

In the avian embryo, the endoderm, which forms a simple flat‐sheet structure after gastrulation, is regionally specified in a gradual manner along the antero‐posterior and dorso‐ventral axes, and eventually differentiates into specific organs with defined morphologies and gene expression profiles. In our study, we carried out transplantation experiments using early chick embryos to elucidate the timing of fate establishment in the endoderm. We showed that at stage 5, posteriorly grafted presumptive foregut endoderm expressed CdxA, a posterior endoderm marker, but not cSox2, an anterior endoderm marker. Conversely, anteriorly grafted presumptive mid‐hindgut endoderm expressed cSox2 but not CdxA. At stage 8, posteriorly grafted presumptive foregut endoderm also expressed CdxA and not cSox2, but anteriorly grafted presumptive mid‐hindgut endoderm showed no changes in its posterior‐specific gene expression pattern. At stage 10, both posteriorly grafted foregut endoderm and anteriorly grafted mid‐hindgut endoderm maintain their original gene expression patterns. These results suggest that the regional specification of the endoderm occurs between stages 8 and 10 in the foregut, and between stages 5 and 8 in the mid‐hindgut.
Constituents, Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities of Essential Oils from Trachelospermum jasminoides Flowers

The present work reports the chemical compositions, antibacterial and antioxidant activities of essential oils from T. jasminoides flowers collected from two different geographical areas, Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, Thailand. The essential oil of T. jasminoides from the Chiang Rai area had 99 compounds representing 97.9% of the total oil composition, with E-nerolidol and α-phellandrene as the major constituents. In contrast, the essential oil of T. jasminoides collected from the Chiang Mai area contained 93 components representing 94.8% of the total oil, with trans-linalool oxide and citronellol as the major compounds. Flower oils of T. jasminoides exhibited greater antibacterial activities against Gram-negative bacteria than Gram-positive bacteria. Both oils displayed antioxidant activities.
Computer Graphics , Visualization , Imaging , and the GII Technical Challenges and Public Policy Issues

“The information infrastructure will enable all Americans to access information and communicate with each other easily, reliably, securely and cost effectively in any medium-voice, data, image or video-anytime, anywhere. This capability will enhance the productivity of work and lead to dramatic improvements in social services, education and entertainment. ” Vision for a 21st Century Information Infrastructure, May 1993 report issued by the Council of Competitiveness.
Graphene/Sulfur/Carbon Nanocomposite for High Performance Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

Here, we report a two-step synthesis of graphene/sulfur/carbon ternary composite with a multilayer structure. In this composite, ultrathin S layers are uniformly deposited on graphene nanosheets and covered by a thin layer of amorphous carbon derived from β-cyclodextrin on the surface. Such a unique microstructure, not only improves the electrical conductivity of sulfur, but also effectively inhibits the dissolution of polysulfides during charging/discharging processes. As a result, this ternary nanocomposite exhibits excellent electrochemical performance. It can deliver a high initial discharge and charge capacity of 1410 mAh·g−1 and 1370 mAh·g−1, respectively, and a capacity retention of 63.8% can be achieved after 100 cycles at 0.1 C (1 C = 1675 mA·g−1). A relatively high specific capacity of 450 mAh·g−1 can still be retained after 200 cycles at a high rate of 2 C. The synthesis process introduced here is simple and broadly applicable to the modification of sulfur cathode for better electrochemical performance.
Neuropsychological Correlates of Arousal in Self-reported Emotion

Previous research has indicated a link between the right hemisphere and electrodermal functioning, which in turn has been associated with the arousal dimension that emerges in most factor-analytical studies of self-reported emotion. The present study was therefore undertaken to examine whether the right hemisphere might be differentially associated with self-reports of arousal on the Profile of Mood States (POMS), an adjective checklist. On a free-vision task of face processing that is sensitive to individual differences in perceptual asymmetry, larger left hemispatial (right hemisphere) biases were significantly related to higher levels of self-reported arousal, as measured by various POMS scales and principal components. The results support Heller's (1993) hypothesis that the right parietotemporal region may play an important role in emotion-related arousal.
Analysis on the Mechanism of the Forming and Evolution of the Firm's Innovation Networks Based on Hypercycle

In this paper, the theory of hypercycle is applied to study the mechanism of the forming and evolution of the firm's innovation networks. The networks' genes and enzymes which control the genes' copy are looked into. It is concluded that it is the hypercycle that contributes to the forming and evolution of the firm's innovation networks as it does to the origin and evolution of the life. The forming and evolutionary process of the firm's innovation networks is characterized as self-organization, self-enhancement, mutual enhancement and co-evolution.
The bow leg hopping robot

The bow leg hopper is a novel locomotion design with a highly resilient leg that resembles an archer's bow. During the flight a "thrust" actuator adds elastic energy to the leg, which is automatically released during stance to control hopping height. Lateral motion is controlled by directing the leg angle at touchdown, which determines the angle of takeoff or reflection. The leg pivots freely on a hip bearing, and is automatically decoupled from the leg-angle positioner during stance to preclude hip torques that would disturb body attitude. Upright attitude is maintained without active control by allowing the body to "hang" from the hip joint. Preliminary experiments with a planar prototype have demonstrated impressive performance, high efficiency, and low power requirements. Current experiments are focused on developing control and planning schemes to enable locomotion over discrete "stepping stones" and obstacles.
Better Engaging Social Science Graduate Students in Introductory Research Methods Courses: A Class Activity

Abstract This paper outlines a classroom activity to help students engage in research methods and lessen anxiety and apprehension commonly associated with research methods courses. The described class activity offers students a shared research experience to promote the skills necessary to understand, conduct and translate research into ethical social science practice. The activity was conducted in a graduate social work programme but is applicable across the social sciences. Content covered includes sampling, research design, ethical considerations, brief evaluation and helping students think critically about ways to improve research methods in order to facilitate competencies necessary for evidence-based practice (EBP). An introduction to the activity, class discussion points including integration throughout the course, and implications for curricula and practice are discussed.
Effect of vitamin D therapy in addition to amitriptyline on migraine attacks in pediatric patients

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of supplementary vitamin D therapy in addition to amitriptyline on the frequency of migraine attacks in pediatric migraine patients. Fifty-three children 8-16 years of age and diagnosed with migraine following the International Headache Society 2005 definition, which includes childhood criteria, were enrolled. Patients were classified into four groups on the basis of their 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels. Group 1 had normal 25(OH)D levels and received amitriptyline therapy alone; group 2 had normal 25(OH)D levels and received vitamin D supplementation (400 IU/day) plus amitriptyline; group 3 had mildly deficient 25(OH)D levels and received amitriptyline plus vitamin D (800 IU/day); and group 4 had severely deficient 25(OH)D levels and was given amitriptyline plus vitamin D (5000 IU/day). All groups were monitored for 6 months, and the number of migraine attacks before and during treatment was determined. Calcium, phosphorus alkaline phosphatase, parathormone, and 25(OH)D levels were also determined before and during treatment. Results were compared between the groups. Data obtained from the groups were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance. The number of pretreatment attacks in groups 1 to 4 was 7±0.12, 6.8±0.2, 7.3±0.4, and 7.2±0.3 for 6 months, respectively (all P>0.05). The number of attacks during treatment was 3±0.25, 1.76±0.37 (P<0.05), 2.14±0.29 (P<0.05), and 1.15±0.15 (P<0.05), respectively. No statistically significant differences in calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, or parathormone levels were observed (P>0.05). Vitamin D given in addition to anti-migraine treatment reduced the number of migraine attacks.
Relative importance of managerial skills for predicting effectiveness

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the relative importance of four managerial skill dimensions (technical skill, administrative skill, human skill, and citizenship behavior) for predicting managerial effectiveness. In addition, it aims to explore whether the relative importance of these skill dimensions varies as a function of gender or organizational level.Design/methodology/approach – Participants were 733 managers enrolled in a nationally recognized leadership development program. Ratings of managerial skill were obtained from peers using a well‐validated 360‐degree assessment instrument, while manager effectiveness ratings were provided by supervisors. Moderated multiple regression and relative weight analysis were used to test the study's hypotheses.Findings – Using ratings provided by multiple sources, these results show that all four of the managerial skill dimensions were significantly important predictors of manager effectiveness. Human skills were significantly more important than.
Cell spotting: studying the role of cellular networks in the internet

The impressive growth of the mobile Internet has motivated several industry reports retelling the story in terms of number of devices or subscriptions sold per regions, or the increase in mobile traffic, both WiFi and cellular. Yet, despite the abundance of such reports, we still lack an understanding of the impact of cellular networks around the world. We present the first comprehensive analysis of global cellular networks. We describe an approach to accurately identify cellular network IP addresses using the Network Information API, a non-standard Javascript API in several mobile browsers, and show its effectiveness in a range cellular network configurations. We combine this approach with the vantage point of one of the world's largest CDNs, with servers located in 1,450 networks and clients distributed across across 245 countries, to characterize cellular access around the globe. We find that the majority of cellular networks exist as mixed networks (i.e., networks that share both fixed-line and cellular devices), requiring prefix - not ASN - level identification. We discover over 350 thousand /24 and 23 thousand /48 cellular IPv4 and IPv6 prefixes respectively. By utilizing addresses level traffic from the same CDN, we calculate the fraction of traffic coming from cellular addresses. Overall we find that cellular traffic comprises 16.2% of the CDN's global traffic, and that cellular traffic ranges widely in importance between countries, from capturing nearly 96% of all traffic in Ghana to just 12.1% in France.
Commentary on “Understanding Addictive Vulnerability”

Dr. Khantzian has done a masterful job of summarizing the psychodynamic literature on addiction. Khantzian states, “With some notable exception, it is surprising and unfortunate that since the 1970s there have been so few contributions from psychoanalysts addressing the dynamics of SUDs [substance use disorders]. ” If we add the statistics from McGinnis and Foege (1993) that drug addiction is responsible for 25% of all deaths in the United States (nicotine 19%, alcohol 5%, illegal drugs 1%) and obesity (food addiction) is responsible for another 14% of U.S. deaths, it becomes obvious that addiction is a pressing issue for psychoanalysis. Either many patients undergoing psychoanalytic therapy have active addictive issues and their therapists lack a good theoretical basis for understanding their issues and consequently ignore them, or these extremely common patients are being systematically turned away from psychoanalytic therapy because we lack a good theoretical basis for understanding their issues. I suspect both are true. Since there is a major biological component to addiction, an important difficulty involved in using psychodynamics alone is that the biological nature of the addictive process becomes indistinct rather than standing clearly as one side of a dialectical process between psychology and biology. Neuropsychoanalysis dwells in the margin of psychoanalysis and biology from which Dr. Khantzian indicates synthetic models may be formulated. I will use the definition of neuropsychoanalysis provided by Kaplan-Solms and Solms (2000, p. 62). Neuropsychoanalysis links mind and brain “to dissect the internal psychological structure of the various changes in personality, motivation, and complex emotion that occur following damage to different cerebral structures. Thereafter, the multiple underlying factors producing these symptoms and syndromes can be identified and each correlated with its anatomical ‘scene of action. ’” There is no doubt that drug addiction causes brain sequelae, and yet these changes are not sufficient to explain the nature of addiction. In a biological review, “Molecular Basis of Long-term Plasticity Underlying Addiction,” Nestler (2001) is careful to include nonbiological contributions to an addictive diathesis:
Computer Hacking: Just Another Case of Juvenile Delinquency?

Recent discussions of computer 'hacking' make explicit reference to the disproportionate involvement of juveniles in this form of computer crime. While criminal justice, computer security, public and popular reflections on hacking seldom refer to formal criminological analyses of youth offending, they nonetheless offer a range of explanations for the over-representation of young people amongst computer hackers. Such accounts of hacking can be seen to converge with criminological analyses, by stressing a range of causal factors related to gender psychology, adolescent moral development, family dysfunction and peer-group and subcultural association. The homologies between 'lay', 'administrative', 'expert', 'popular' and criminological discourses, it is suggested, offer considerable scope for developing a critical, academically-informed, and policy-oriented debate on young people's participation in computer crime.
MANAGEMENT BY PANACEA: ACCOUNTING FOR TRANSIENCE

The cyclical nature of much consultant-led activity designed to improve managerial effectiveness is explored through three consultant-driven approaches to organizational improvement - management by objectives, organization development and total quality management. Such packaged programmes seem to proceed through phases of high enthusiasm and much activity followed by a period of disillusionment, to be replaced by the next stage panacea. an attempt is made to offer some explanation of the transitory nature of much managerial activity which is believed to lie fundamentally in cultural and psychodynamic phenomena. Such an analysis may provide some clues to the search for remedial steps which might be taken to find more enduring ways to bring about increased managerial effectiveness in organizations, although by the very nature of our diagnosis we remain pessimistic.
Job Scheduling in Mesh Multicomputers

A new approach for dynamic job scheduling in mesh-connected multiprocessor system, which supports a multi-user environment, is proposed. The proposed job scheduler combines a priority-based scheduling policy with a submesh reservation policy to obtain high performance in terms of high throughput, high utilization and low turn-around times for jobs. The proposed scheduling strategy offers the flexibility of achieving high performance at the expense of short-term 'fairness' towards certain jobs. A fast and efficient implementation of the proposed scheduler has also been presented. Simulation results indicate that our scheduling strategy outperforms the FCFS policy significantly by reducing the average waiting delay significantly.
Impacts of radio-frequency electromagneticfield (RF-EMF) from cell phone towers and wireless devices on biosystem and ecosystem – a review

This paper summarizes the effect of radio-frequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) from cell towers and wireless devices on the biosphere. Based on current available literature, it is justified to conclude that RF-EMF radiation exposure can change neurotransmitter functions, blood-brain barrier, morphology, electrophysiology, cellular metabolism, calcium efflux, and gene and protein expression in certain types of cells even at lower intensities. The biological consequences of such changes remain unclear. Short-term studies on the impacts of RF-EMF on frogs, honey bees, house sparrows, bats, and even humans are scare and long-term studies are non-existent in India. Identification of the frequency, intensity, and duration of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields causing damage to the biosystem and ecosystem would evolve strategies for mitigation and would enable the proper use of wireless technologies to enjoy its immense benefits, while ensuring one’s health and that of the environment
Effect of physical education and activity levels on academic achievement in children.

PURPOSE This study was conducted to determine the effect of physical education class enrollment and physical activity on academic achievement in middle school children. METHODS Participants were 214 sixth-grade students randomly assigned to physical education during either first or second semesters. Moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (number of 30-min time blocks) outside of school was assessed using the 3-d physical activity recall (3DPAR). The 3DPAR time blocks were converted to ordinal data with scores of 1 (no activity), 2 (some activity), or 3 (activity meeting Healthy People 2010 guidelines). Academic achievement was assessed using grades from four core academic classes and standardized test scores (Terra Nova percentiles). RESULTS Grades were similar regardless of whether students were enrolled in physical education during first or second semesters. Physical education classes averaged only 19 min of MVPA. Students who either performed some or met Healthy People 2010 guidelines for vigorous activity had significantly higher grades (P < 0.05) than students who performed no vigorous activity in both semesters. Moderate physical activity did not affect grades. Standardized test scores were not significantly related to physical education class enrollment or physical activity levels. CONCLUSION Although academic achievement was not significantly related to physical education enrollment, higher grades were associated with vigorous physical activity, particularly activity meeting recommended Healthy People 2010 levels.