Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
America’s Job Crisis and the Role of Regional Economic Development Policy

Fellows Address: The biggest issue facing the United States in recent years is the poor economy, most dramatically illustrated by the lack of job creation. The lack of jobs is not a phenomenon that began with the 2007-2009 Great Recession and sluggish recovery, but has been a feature of the entire early 21st Century. There are federal fiscal and monetary policy responses that would help lift job creation. Yet, in lieu of federal efforts, state and local officials have aggressively promoted job creation by a host of schemes including cluster-based policies and tax incentives and subsidies. While data are hard to come by, anecdotal evidence suggests that state and local efforts to lure businesses with generous inducements have escalated to a feverous pitch. The distinctive feature of such efforts is that governments are increasingly more inclined to offer these inducements to individual firms or industries as opposed to general business tax cuts for all firms, in which the former is a case where officials are “picking winners,” while in the latter, markets and relative comparative advantage determine business location. State and local officials justify such “picking winners” as a way to fend off competition in neighboring jurisdictions and as a way to make their region more competitive. In this paper I examine whether these efforts have helped matters.
Bridge Defect Diagnosis for Multiple-Voltage Design

Multiple-voltage is an effective dynamic power reduction design technique, commonly used in low power ICs. To the best of our knowledge there is no reported work for diagnosing multiple-Vdd enabled ICs and the aim of this paper is to propose a method for diagnosing bridge defects in such ICs. Using synthesized ISCAS benchmarks, with realistic extracted bridges and parametric fault model; the paper investigates the impact of varying supply voltage on the accuracy of diagnosis and demonstrates how the additional voltage settings can be leveraged to improve the diagnosis resolution through a novel multi-Vdd diagnosis algorithm.
Missing generations of spermatocytes and spermatids in seminiferous epithelium contribute to low efficiency of spermatogenesis in humans.

Daily sperm production per gram parenchyma (DSP/g) in humans is only 25 or 35% of that for most species including rats and nonhuman primates. To explain the low efficiency of spermatogenesis in humans, the number of generations of germ cells (spermatocytes and spermatids) and the number of these germ cells in each generation were determined for each spermatogenic stage in men with varied efficiencies. Testes were obtained at autopsy, fixed by vascular perfusion with glutaraldehyde, further fixed in osmium, and embedded in Epon 812 before 0.5-micron sections were stained with toluidine blue. Tubular cross sections were photographed, and spermatogenic stages were determined by two observers. Testes were divided into three groups on the basis of DSP/g. The number of generations of spermatocytes and spermatids was greater (p < 0.05) in the high (2.01 +/- 0.05) and intermediate (1.77 +/- 0.04) than in the low (1.45 +/- 0.15) DSP/g group. All groups had a lower number of generations of spermatocytes and spermatids compared to the optimum value of three. The number of these generations per cross section was related (r = 0.85; p < 0.01) to DSP/g in these men. The number per cross section of spermatocytes, spermatids, and the combined number of germ cells was higher (p < 0.01) in the high than in the low DSP/g group. The combined number of germ cells per cross section was related (r = 0.85; p < 0.01) to DSP/g. The combined number of germ cells was higher in the high versus the low DSP/g group in stages I through V, but this difference was significant only in stages IV and V. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Stimulation of the Nonneuronal Cholinergic System by Highly Diluted Acetylcholine in Keratinocytes

The physiological effects of acetylcholine on keratinocytes depend on the presence of nicotinic and muscarinic receptors. The role of nonneuronal acetylcholine in keratinocytes could have important clinical implications for patients with various skin disorders such as nonhealing wounds. In order to evaluate the efficacy of highly diluted acetylcholine solutions obtained by sequential kinetic activation, we aimed to investigate the effects of these solutions on normal human keratinocytes. Two different concentrations (10 fg/mL and 1 pg/mL) and formulations (kinetically activated and nonkinetically activated) of acetylcholine were used to verify keratinocyte viability, proliferation, and migration and the intracellular pathways involved using MTT, crystal violet, wound healing, and Western blot compared to 147 ng/mL acetylcholine. The activated formulations (1 pg/mL and 10 fg/mL) revealed a significant capacity to increase migration, cell viability, and cell proliferation compared to 147 ng/mL acetylcholine, and these effects were more evident after a single administration. Sequential kinetic activation resulted in a statistically significant decrease in reactive oxygen species production accompanied by an increase in mitochondrial membrane potential and a decrease in oxygen consumption compared to 147 ng/mL acetylcholine. The M1 muscarinic receptor was involved in these effects. Finally, the involvement of ERK/mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and KI67 confirmed the effectiveness of the single treatment on cell proliferation. The intracellular pathways of calcium were investigated as well. Our results indicate for the first time that highly diluted and kinetically activated acetylcholine seems to play an active role in an in vitro model of wound healing. Moreover, the administration of acetylcholine within the physiological range may not only be effective but is also likely to be safe.
Modeling and performance analysis for a receiver-initiated MAC protocol in wireless sensor networks

Energy efficiency is a very important requirement in designing a MAC protocol for wireless sensor networks using battery-operated sensor nodes. We proposed a new energy-efficient MAC protocol, RIX-MAC, based on asynchronous duty cycling and receiver-initiated scheme. In this article, we analyze the performance such as throughput, delay, and energy consumption of RIX-MAC with modeling and simulation. For mathematical analysis, we first use the Markov chain model and determine the transmission and state probabilities and set the equations to solve throughput and delay. We also calculate the energy consumption by separating a cycle period into TX and RX durations. Our analysis results are validated by comparing with the simulation results obtained by NS-2.
Causes of Direct Investment: Foreign Firms' Shares in Canadian and United Kingdom Manufacturing Industries

FOREIGN direct investment which I shall associate with the multinational corporation varies greatly in its prominence from country to country and sector to sector. The analytical apparatus of international trade and industrial organization supplies some hypotheses to explain this variation, but they have not been drawn together and tested competitively. The purpose of this paper is to explain statistically the substantial inter-industry variance that we observe in the prevalence of multinational corporations. In the first section I review the hypotheses that have been advanced to explain this variance. The second and third sections report tests of these hypotheses on the shares of sales held by foreign-owned enterprises in Canadian and United Kingdom manufacturing industries.
Spatial divisions of expertise: Knowledge intensive business service firms and regional development in Norway

This article explores the regional geography of professional, information and intellectual services in Norway. Norway is used as one way of critiquing the global cities literature by exploring the multiple ways in which knowledge intensive services are created and consumed outside global cities. Norway's regional geography of knowledge services is one of concentration and dispersal; both processes are explained by the ways in which clients access external expertise. An evolving spatial division of expertise is identified based on the ways in which service suppliers and consumers access and combine expertise that is available in different locations. Part of this evolving spatial division of expertise is illustrated in the ways in which large European providers of consultancy expertise have displaced American providers from Norway's top ten ranking of consultancy providers. The paper identifies a series of fundamental changes that are taking place in the consultancy industry that affect the ways in which consultancy is provided to the Norwegian market.
In Vitro Interaction of Caspofungin Acetate with Voriconazole against Clinical Isolates of Aspergillus spp

ABSTRACT The interaction between caspofungin acetate and voriconazole was studied in vitro by using 48 clinical Aspergillus spp. isolates obtained from patients with invasive aspergillosis. MICs were determined by the NCCLS broth microdilution method. Synergy, defined as a fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index of <1, was detected in 87.5% of the interactions; an additive effect, defined as an FIC index of 1.0, was observed in 4.2% of the interactions; and a subadditive effect, defined as an FIC index of 1.0 to 2.0, was found in 8.3% of the interactions. No antagonism was observed. Animal models are required to validate the in vivo significance of these in vitro data presented for the combination of caspofungin and voriconazole.
The Bombay Stock Exchange: seasonalities and investment opportunities

Investigates whether the Bombay Stock Exchange behaves like an efficient market, or whether it displays a typical seasonal pattern. Takes mean daily returns between 1979 and 1990 to discover by regression that there is a December effect. Considers whether this is because of holidays, broker recommendations or window dressing by mutual fund managers. Notes a weekend effect like the New York Stock Exchange, and considers Bombay to be weak‐form efficient; but points out that banking and transport are nationalized in India but private in the USA. Explains that government regulation, which prevents foreign trading in Bombay or Indian trading on the New York Stock Exchange, has left the Bombay exchange autonomous, less affected by external factors and more by domestic conditions.
Image-based hand pose classification using faster R-CNN

Recently, augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/VR) have been commercialized in game, industry and education fields. For the interaction of a human with virtual objects, hand pose is estimated by using remote controllers or depth sensors. However, using the controllers or sensors are inconvenient or impossible in outdoor environments. AR/VR devices such as smart phones and glasses are equipped with cameras, which are ready to be used in outdoor environments. For such devices to be controlled with human hands in outdoor environments, we propose an image-based hand-pose classification method based on Faster R-CNN. For the training and test of the Faster R-CNN, we newly collected a hand pose dataset with 111,362 images. The dataset consists of images of left hands, which are flipped to generate right hand images, resulting in 6 different classes. Segmented hand regions and their classes are also provided with the dataset. Our model shows mean Average Precision of 95%.
The Longitudinal Effect of Drug Use on Productivity Status of Nonmetropolitan African American Young Adults

The purpose of this study was to investigate the longitudinal effect of marijuana and heavy alcohol use on the productivity status of nonmetropolitan African American young adults. This analysis was based on secondary data from the Family and Community Health Study. For alcohol, the study evaluated the effects on productivity status for individuals with heavy alcohol use trajectories from adolescence into young adulthood while marijuana effects were evaluated during the period when adolescents are more likely to have initiated usage (14–16 years of age). Productivity status was measured when study participants were between 18 and 21 years, for both alcohol and marijuana. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to test the association between subjects’ drug use and productivity. Bivariate analysis of the effects of marijuana use indicate that marijuana users by age 16 are 35% less likely to be productive at age 21 than those who have not initiated marijuana use (p < .005). After controlling for individual, community, and family factors, the multivariate logistic models for alcohol and marijuana use suggest that early adolescence drug use (marijuana and heavy alcohol use) do not have an impact on productivity status during early adulthood. Analyzing and understanding the different drug use trajectories in relation to a productivity outcome is important for policies and research geared to preventing drug use and in identifying its relation with micro- and macro-level labor market outcomes.
Vector perturbations in a contracting Universe

In this note we show that vector perturbations exhibit growing mode solutions in a contracting Universe, such as the contracting phase of the pre big bang or the cyclic/ekpyrotic models of the Universe. This is not a gauge artifact and will in general lead to the breakdown of perturbation theory--a severe problem that has to be addressed in any bouncing model. We also comment on the possibility of explaining, by means of primordial vector perturbations, the existence of the observed large-scale magnetic fields. This is possible since they can be seeded by vorticity.
An Examination of Collaboration and Knowledge Transfer: China-Singapore Suzhou Industrial Park

This paper examines alliance knowledge transfer using a case study of the China-Singapore Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP), an alliance involving the Chinese and Singaporean governments, their agencies, and various private sector organizations. The objective is to extend existing knowledge in the alliance learning area and provide deeper understanding of some process-oriented aspects of alliance learning performance. We found that tacit knowledge was particularly difficult to transfer and that issues involving collaborative interactions between the partners both facilitated and impeded knowledge transfer. We also found that competitive learning occurred, which impacted the partner relationship and knowledge transfer. Copyright Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2006.
Shifts in the Public–Private Divide in Flood Management

Flood management is changing in many countries across the globe. In spite of the different institutional paths taken in these countries, various common shifts in the governance arrangements for flood management can be observed, most notably decentralization and the increasing influence of the private sector. The central argument of this paper is that a new conceptualization of the public–private divide in flood management, which is based on the dimensions of collectivity and visibility, is helpful in understanding and judging these shifts. Modern flood risk management asks for new cooperative arrangements between state, market and civil society in which the visibility and collectivity dimensions are reunited.
Measuring the Rate of Technological Progress in Structures

How much technological progress has there been in structures? An attempt is made to measure this using panel data on the age and rents of buildings. The data are interpreted with the help of a vintage capital model where buildings are replaced with some chosen periodicity. The results indicate there has been significant technological advance in structures that accounts for an important part of economic growth. (Copyright: Elsevier)
Nonparametric Modeling of U.S. Interest Rate Term Structure Dynamics and Implications on the Prices of Derivative Securities

Abstract This paper develops a nonparametric model of interest rate term structure dynamics based on a spot rate process that permits only positive interest rates and a market price of interest rate risk that precludes arbitrage opportunities. Both the spot rate process and the market price of interest rate risk are nonparametrically specified so that the model allows for maximal flexibility in fitting into the data. Marginal density of interest rates and historical term structure data are exploited to provide robust estimation of the nonparametric term structure model. The model is implemented using U.S. data, and the estimation results are compared to those in the available literature. Empirical results not only provide strong evidence that most traditional spot rate models and market prices of interest rate risk are misspecified, but also confirm that the nonparametric model generates significantly different term structures and prices of common derivatives.
Komonditi Export Mining Sector Analysis of Southeast Sulawesi

This study purposed to analyze the factors that affect the mining sector exports commodity. Data used in this study is data from 1995 to 2013. Sources of data obtained from the Department of Trade and Industry, Bureau of Statistics. Mining commodity exports data, prices, economic growth and the importing country exchange value. The method of data analysis used in this study is the multiple linear regression method. The results showed that simultaneous variables nickel prices, exchange rates, China's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of importing countries affect the value of exports. In partial, price variables and GDP of the importing country has a positive influence on the value of exports. While the exchange rate variable does not affect the value of commodity exports of mining in the Southeast. The coefficient of determination (R square) equal to 0.850 means that the independent variable is pricing capability, GDP importers of commodities and exchange rate together in explaining the dependent variable is export values of ferronickel by 85 percent. While the 15 percent explained by other variables not included in the model.
The growth of family farms in Hungary

The article investigates the validity of Gibrat's Law for Hungarian family farms using FADN data collected between 2001 and 2007. Gibrat's Law states that the growth rate of firms will be independent of their initial size. Regression results allow us to reject Gibrat's Law for all quantiles. Evidence suggests that smaller farms tend to grow faster than larger ones. Results do not support the hypothesis of "disappearing middle" in Hungarian agriculture. We study a number of socio-economic factors that can help to explain farm growth. We find that total subsidies received by a farm and the farm operator's age are the most significant factors correlated with farm growth. Copyright (c) 2009 International Association of Agricultural Economists.
Managing channel quality: The consequential impacts of the grey market

In today's competitive markets, manufacturers increasingly rely on their authorised distributors to perform value-adding functions and improve service quality. However, if branded goods are sold through unauthorised distributors, channel quality will be problematic. Furthermore, the unauthorised distributors may cause customers dissatisfaction and the brand owner still should be liable for that. The grey market occurs when branded goods are sold through unauthorised marketing channels. To control the grey market from the demand aspect, managers of international brands must evaluate the influence of reactions to the grey market. This study examines the effect of the grey market and management's responses on consumers' attitudes toward a brand and a retailer. A conceptual model and six hypotheses are proposed. Experimental data collected in Taiwan indicate that the appearance of grey-market goods negatively affects consumers' brand trust; that comparative advertising negatively influences brand loyalty, and that increasing service fees for grey-market goods negatively impact consumers' store image. Implications for brand managers and directions for future research are proposed.
Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 mutations in childhood acute leukemias and their association with prognosis.

INTRODUCTION In recent years, Fms-like tyrosine kinase (FLT) 3 has been the subject of several studies as a prognostic marker. OBJECTIVE In this study, the presence of FLT3 mutations in childhood acute leukemias patients and their association with prognosis were investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 120 patients, 80 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and 40 with acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML), were included. Real time polymerase chain reaction methods on a high resolution melting analysis device were used to determine FLT3 mutations. RESULTS FLT3/ITD (internal tandem duplication) mutations were found in 6 (7.5%) of the patients with ALL and in 9 (22.5%) of those with AML, whereas no FLT3/TKD (trans kinase domain) mutation was evident in any case. There was no difference between the ALL patients positive and negative for FLT3/ITD with regard to overall survival (OS), event free survival (EFS) and disease free survival (DFS) (p=0.37, p=0.23, p=0.023, respectively). However, in FLT3/ITD positive and negative AML patients, there was a statistically significant difference in OS (p=0.0041), but not EFS and DFS (p=0.09, p=0.095, respectively). A significant difference was found between age and FLT3/ITD positivity (p=0.036). CONCLUSION We found that FLT3/ITD positivity increased with age and that it was associated with decrease in OS in AML patients, providing further evidence that it is an independent factor negatively influencing prognosis.
Efficacy, Mistrust, and Political Mobilization

Using data from the eight-nation Political Action opinion survey undertaken during the mid-1970s, this article tests the mistrustful-efficacious hypothesis outlined by William Gamson—the idea that a combination of high political efficacy and low political trust is the optimum combination for political mobilization. Several different versions of the hypothesis are tested and several different combinations of control variables are included in the analysis, but no matter how the hypothesis is tested, the results are consistently weak. The concluding discussion centers on the reasons for this poor performance and its implications.
Hypoglycemia and outcome in critically ill patients.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether mild or moderate hypoglycemia that occurs in critically ill patients is independently associated with an increased risk of death. PATIENTS AND METHODS Of patients admitted to 2 hospital intensive care units (ICUs) in Melbourne and Sydney, Australia, from January 1, 2000, to October 14, 2004, we analyzed all those who had at least 1 episode of hypoglycemia (glucose concentration, <81 mg/dL). The independent association between hypoglycemia and outcome was statistically assessed. RESULTS Of 4946 patients admitted to the ICUs, a cohort of 1109 had at least 1 episode of hypoglycemia (blood glucose level, <81 mg/dL). Of these 1109 patients (22.4% of all admissions to the intensive care unit), hospital mortality was 36.6% compared with 19.7% in the 3837 nonhypoglycemic control patients (P<.001). Even patients with a minimum blood glucose concentration between 72 and 81 mg/dL had a greater unadjusted mortality rate than did control patients (25.9% vs 19.7%; unadjusted odds ratio, 1.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-1.80; P=.004.) Mortality increased significantly with increasing severity of hypoglycemia (P<.001). After adjustment for insulin therapy, hypoglycemia was independently associated with increased risk of death, cardiovascular death, and death due to infectious disease. CONCLUSION In critically ill patients, an association exists between even mild or moderate hypoglycemia and mortality. Even after adjustment for insulin therapy or timing of hypoglycemic episode, the more severe the hypoglycemia, the greater the risk of death.