Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Savings and Consumption with an Uncertain Horizon

This paper studies the effect of lifetime uncertainty on optimal consumption decisions. It is shown that for risk averters changing the distribution of lifetime uncertainty decreases consumption due to the higher probability of having a longer life and increases consumption due to the desire for sure consumption in the present. The stronger of these effects determines the effect of lifetime uncertainty on optimal consumption decisions. The major result is that if the utility function is Cobb-Douglas and the rate of return is not too large relative to the amount of future discounting then lifetime uncertainty will always increase consumption.
Who Loses From Inflation?

To know who loses from inflation we must understand the social forces that cause it and be able to predict what will happen if we stop it. We do not know enough to make such a prediction, so my answer to the question is partial. Inflation should not be blamed for the fall in private consumption caused by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), food shortages, or government spending. Rather it is the way we have resolved the conflicts created by the need to cut consumption. The main cost identified by economists is distortion of economic activity as people change their behavior to avoid holding cash; such effects are not severe enough to explain the intensity of public opposition to inflation. This could mean simply that people are deluded, blaming inflation for shortages, rather than the reverse. But here is another possible explanation: the most serious costs of persistent inflation may be that it destroys our confidence that society can solve its problems and creates fear that our social contract is falling apart. Coupled with the fear is resentment, based on suspicion by many that inflation treats them unfairly. Those who lose are all of us who share those fears and frustrations.
Toward integrated ultra-wideband MIMO-sensors

The further development of ultra-wideband (UWB) sensing will largely be affected by the disposability of integrated sensor electronics. In particular, this is important for MIMO-systems since they are dealing with large numbers of measurement channels. Monolithic device integration requires new system conceptions respecting the specific conditions of semi-conductor technology. Nowadays, high quality data capturing means the sensor performance must be challenged against network analyzers. Sensor cores applying the M-sequence principle comply with these requirements. But usual peripheral components such as directional couplers or reference lines revoke integration. This article presents two integration friendly solutions of peripheral components and it shows the steps toward fully integrated UWB-sensors.
Chromatin binding of the fission yeast replication factor mcm4 occurs during anaphase and requires ORC and cdc18

We describe an in situ technique for studying the chromatin binding of proteins in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. After tagging the protein of interest with green fluorescent protein (GFP), chromatin‐associated protein is detected by GFP fluorescence following cell permeabilization and washing with a non‐ionic detergent. Cell morphology and nuclear structure are preserved in this procedure, allowing structures such as the mitotic spindle to be detected by indirect immunofluorescence. Cell cycle changes in the chromatin association of proteins can therefore be determined from individual cells in asynchronous cultures. We have applied this method to the DNA replication factor mcm4/cdc21, and find that chromatin association occurs during anaphase B, significantly earlier than is the case in budding yeast. Binding of mcm4 to chromatin requires orc1 and cdc18 (homologous to Cdc6 in budding yeast). Release of mcm4 from chromatin occurs during S phase and requires DNA replication. Upon overexpressing cdc18, we show that mcm4 is required for re‐replication of the genome in the absence of mitosis and is associated with chromatin in cells undergoing re‐replication.
Islet amyloid polypeptide exerts a novel autocrine action in β‐cell signaling and proliferation

The toxic effects of human islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) on pancreatic islets have been widely studied. However, much less attention has been paid to the physiologic actions of IAPP on pancreatic β cells, which secrete this peptide together with insulin upon glucose stimulation. Here, we aimed to explore the signaling pathways and mitogenic actions of IAPP on β cells. We show that IAPP activated Erk1/2 and v‐akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog 1 (Akt) at the picomolar range (10‐100 pM) in mouse pancreatic islets and MIN6 β cells cultured at low glucose concentrations. In contrast, IAPP decreased the induction of these pathways by high glucose levels. Consistently, IAPP induced a 1.7‐fold increase of β‐cell proliferation at low‐glucose conditions, whereas it reduced β‐cell proliferation at high glucose levels. Strikingly, the specific antagonist of the IAPP receptor AC187 (100 nM) decreased the activation of Erk1/2 and Akt and reduced β‐cell proliferation by 24% in glucose‐stimulated β cells, uncovering a key role of endogenously released IAPP in β‐cell responses to glucose. We conclude that exogenously added IAPP exerts a dual effect on β‐cell mitogenic signaling and proliferation, depending on the glucose concentration. Importantly, secreted IAPP contributes to the signaling and mitogenic response of β cells to glucose through an autocrine mechanism. — Visa, M. , Alcarraz‐Vizán, G. , Montane, J., Cadavez, L. , Castaño, C. , Villanueva‐Peñacarrillo, M. L. , Servitja, J.‐M. , Novials, A. Islet amyloid polypeptide exerts a novel autocrine action in β‐cell signaling and proliferation. FASEB J. 29, 2970‐2979 (2015). www.fasebj. org
Retinex-based perceptual contrast enhancement in images using luminance adaptation

In this paper, we propose retinex-based perceptual contrast enhancement in images using luminance adaptation. We use the retinex theory to decompose an image into illumination and reflectance layers, and adopt luminance adaptation to handle the illumination layer which causes detail loss. First, we obtain the illumination layer using adaptive Gaussian filtering to remove halo artifacts. Then, we adaptively remove illumination of the illumination layer in the multi-scale retinex (MSR) process based on luminance adaptation to preserve details. Finally, we perform contrast enhancement on the MSR result. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method successfully enhances contrast in images while keeping textures in highlight regions.
"Official" and "practical" kin: Inferring social and community structure from dental phenotype at Neolithic Çatalhöyük, Turkey.

The Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük, Turkey (7400-5600 cal BC) is widely acknowledged for its role in the study of early farming communities. To better understand the social and community structure of this setting, an intracemetery biological distance analysis was conducted. Metric and nonmetric observations were recorded in both deciduous and permanent dentitions (n = 266) to explore phenotypic patterning of individuals interred within individual buildings. Specifically, this study tests the hypothesis that individuals within houses and house groupings represent family units and the social structure of Çatalhöyük was largely biological-kin based. Multivariate and univariate statistical procedures were applied to phenotypic dental data. Results indicate that inclusion for interment within a house was only minimally related to biological affinity. Moreover, the site does not appear to be organized into larger, biologically related neighborhoods of houses. These findings suggest that Çatalhöyük may not have been a kin-based society, largely because membership within a house cemetery was not solely defined on the basis of biological affinity, such as in a family group. Rather, it appears that social structure was centered on the house as the unifying social principle. The choice for interment location may have transcended biological lines thereby creating an alternate and more fluid definition of "kin. " These findings can be used to understand the transition to settled life and biological patterning in this Neolithic community.
Individual and global optimization of switched flux permanent magnet motors

With the aid of genetic algorithm (GA), global optimization with multiple geometry parameters are feasible in the design of switched flux permanent magnet (SFPM) machine. To investigate the advantages of global optimization over individual one, which has been used extensively for the design of SFPM machines, the comparisons between two approaches are carried out at the fixed copper loss and volume. Little difference may be achieved in the produced torque although the sequence is important in the individual parameter optimization. According to the obtained global optimization the performance in machines having two types of stator and rotor pole combinations, i.e. 12/10 and 12/14, are compared, and higher torque is exhibited in 12/14 SFPM machine. Finally, this paper also demonstrates that global optimization with the restriction of same pole width, magnet thickness and slot opening can maximize the torque density without significantly sacrificing other performance, such as cogging torque and overload capability.
The Place of TRIZ in a Holistic Design Methodology

Design is key to a project’s profitability and therefore increased PROFIT by DESIGN is the goal of improvements to the design process. Business requirements can be summarised as Better, Faster, Cheaper and considerable investment has been made in technology and methods for the design process to enable this. There is evidence to suggest that these investments have resulted in products themselves getting better but not necessarily produced faster or cheaper. A model of the design process has been developed which makes explicit its key elements. The six key elements or dimensions of the design process are: Analyse; Understand; Decide; Create; Capture; and Know. Investments in design technology may not be reaching their full potential due to a mismatch between the relative importance of the attributes of a good designer and the areas where investments have been made, leading to a potential loss of balance in the design process. This is compounded by failure to take a holistic view of changes to the process including mitigation of any downside. In particular the Create dimension, which is seen as the most important attribute of a good designer, has had the least investment and also is the most vulnerable because it is optional. In recognition of this fact, Rolls-Royce is using the TRIZ methodology to provide designers with an improved capability. However it also is recognised that providing capability alone is not enough. The right motivation and opportunity are also needed, and this requires the appropriate organisational and cultural features to be in place. What is needed is a people centred process that is business driven and product focused.
National Responses to the EC Nitrate Policy

This paper reviews the implementation of EU nitrate policy in seven member states of the European Union. The countries reviewed are Belgium, Denmark, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands and the UK. It summarizes the main features of the EU Nitrate Directive, and examines the national nitrate policies formulated by the seven Member States. The analysis shows substantial differences in the interpretation of the directive, and in the size of the affected agricultural area in each country. This discrepancy raises the question of finding a platform for future EU nitrate and nutrient policy.
Characterization of Polish Sewage Sludges with Respect to Fertility and Suitability for Land Application

Twenty-one varieties of sewage sludge from municipal, municipal-industrial and industrial areas were analysed for their suitability for agricultural purposes. The samples were taken from an agricultural area of Poland characterised by a low level of industrialisation. The sewage sludges were characterised for total organic carbon and nitrogen, pH, available phosphorous and potassium, cation exchange capacity, total exchangeable bases, the degree of base saturation, the total trace metals (such as Cd, Co, Ni, Pb, Cu, Mn, Zn, Sr, V, Cr) and the content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (16 PAHs from EPA list). The results showed that the studied sludges can potentially enhance soil's agronomic properties. However in a few cases, the pH, ratio of total organic carbon to total nitrogen (TOC/Nt) and electrical conductivity were the exceptions. Trace metal contents in the sewage sludge studied varied widely (statistical significant) as a result of the size of the sewage producing unit, and especially, the content of industrial sludge. The results obtained for PAHs in sewage sludge showed a clear differentiation in the content of PAHs, which ranged from 2039 to 36439 μg/kg. The predominant contribution of 3- and 4-ring PAHs was observed. In the case of 6 sewage sludges the PAH content twice exceeded the allowable value.
Re‐phasing Neoliberalism: New Labour and Britain's Crisis of Street Homelessness

In this paper we continue the task of fleshing out understandings of “actually existing neoliberalism”. More specifically, drawing on the work of Tom Ling, we suggest that Peck and Tickell's recent distinction between periods of roll-back/roll-out neoliberalisation can usefully be supplemented by the identification of a second, more powerful moment of roll-out neoliberalism—described by Ling in terms of the shift from a system of governance to one of “governmentality”. Illustrating our argument with an analysis of changing central government responses to a crisis of street homelessness in 1990s Britain, however, we draw attention to the uneven and often contrary effects of recent government policy in this field. The paper therefore concludes with a warning of the need to temper a reading of the juggernaut of roll-out neoliberalism with an awareness of the incomplete and plain “messy” character of actually existing neoliberalisation.
Does corporate real estate create wealth for shareholders

This study examines the influence of corporate real estate (CRE) on shareholder value using two value‐based measures: economic value added (EVA) and market value added (MVA). We find that CRE has impacted negatively on non‐real estate firms' EVA and MVA in the period 1997‐2001. This happens for the non‐real estate corporations from different industries. Further, the higher the real estate asset intensity, the greater the negative impact on the firms' EVA and MVA. Our results have important implications for the traditional notion that there is a competitive advantage in owning CRE by diversified conglomerates. Specifically, more studies are needed to explore and compare the main reasons and motivations as to why Asian non‐real estate firms are still more involved with real estate activities than their counterparts in Europe and USA even though ownership of CRE appears to destroy shareholders' wealth.
NSAIDs and breast cancer: a possible prevention and treatment strategy

Context: Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX) and thereby reduce prostaglandin synthesis. Abnormally upregulated COX and prostaglandins are features of breast cancer so NSAIDs might have a role in treatment and prevention of the disease.
Introducing CSR - The Missing Ingredient in the Land Reform Recipe?

In reaction to the unequal land ownership brought about by decades of apartheid, the first democratically elected government embarked on an extensive land reform programme - a programme consisting of the three constitutionally protected pillars: restitution, redistribution and tenure reform. The aim of this programme is not only to provide for restitution to persons who lost their land as a result of racially based measures, but also provide previously disadvantaged South Africans with access to land in order to address the unequal land ownership. This research focuses on the restitution and redistribution pillars of the land reform programme. The progress made in terms of both these sub-programmes has been disappointing. With reference to redistribution the government has set the target to redistribute 30% of white owned commercial agricultural land to black persons by 2014. To date, less than 10% of this target has been achieved and all indications are that the overwhelming majority of land which has been redistributed is not being used productively or have fallen into a state of total neglect. The state of the redistributed land can be attributed to a variety of causes, with the main cause being the government's inability to provide proper post-settlement support to land reform beneficiaries. Against this background it is clear that alternative options have to be identified in order to improve the result of land reform. This article identifies corporate social responsibility (CSR) as one of the missing ingredients in the recipe for a successful land reform programme. The article introduces CSR and discusses the business case for CSR; identifies its benefits; considers its possible limitations; and examines the major drivers behind the notion. From the discussion of these topics it will become evident that an assumption of social responsibility by businesses in especially the agricultural sector might contribute to an improved land reform programme.
Debt as a source of financial stress in Australian households

This paper examines the role of demographic, socioeconomic and debt portfolio characteristics as contributors to financial stress in Australian households. The data is drawn from the most-recent Household Expenditure Survey Confidentialised Unit Record Files (CURF) and relate to 3,268 probability-weighted households. Financial stress is defined, amongst other things, in terms of financial reasons for being unable to have a holiday, have meals with family and friends, and engage in hobbies and other leisure activities and overall financial management. Characteristics examined included family structure and composition, source and level of household income, age, sex and marital status, ethic background, housing value, debt repayments and credit card usage. Binary logit models are used to identify the source and magnitude of factors associated with financial stress. The evidence provided suggests that financial stress is higher in families with more children or other dependents and from ethnic minorities, especially those more reliant on government pensions and benefits, and negatively related to disposable income and housing value. There is little evidence to suggest that Australia’s historically high levels of household debt are currently the cause of significant amounts of financial stress in these households.
A cloud computing security solution based on fully homomorphic encryption

With the rapid development of Cloud computing, more and more users deposit their data and application on the cloud. But the development of Cloud computing is hindered by many Cloud security problem. Cloud computing has many characteristics, e.g. multi-user, virtualization, scalability and so on. Because of these new characteristics, traditional security technologies can't make Cloud computing fully safe. Therefore, Cloud computing security becomes the current research focus and is also this paper's research direction[1]. In order to solve the problem of data security in cloud computing system, by introducing fully homomorphism encryption algorithm in the cloud computing data security, a new kind of data security solution to the insecurity of the cloud computing is proposed and the scenarios of this application is hereafter constructed. This new security solution is fully fit for the processing and retrieval of the encrypted data, and effectively leading to the broad applicable prospect, the security of data transmission and the storage of the cloud computing[2].
Technology spillover impacts on total productivity of the manufacturing sector in Pakistan

Productivity measurement, impacts of technology spillovers and trend towards indigenous R&D is seriously lacking in manufacturing sector of Pakistan. There are very few studies carried out in this development sensitive area. This research was conducted to see the impacts of technology spillovers on total productivity of manufacturing sector in Pakistan. Furthermore, it was intended to check the effects of increase in capital stocks, labor employed, collaboration with academia, and technology transfer on the total productivity and technology spillovers. This study was carried out with the help of data provided by Federal Bureau of Statistics (FBS), Economic Surveys (ES), State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Ministry of Industries and Production (MIP) and Planning Commission (PC) of the manufacturing sector of Pakistan and consisted of all major industrial groups including food, tobacco, textile, chemical, cement, fertilizers, automobile, electrical machinery and materials. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, regression and reliability tests on SPSS-17. The results showed that textile sector, although largest manufacturing sector, is least productive, while tobacco sector is most productive sector. Automobile, petroleum and machinery and equipment manufacturing sector are other potential sectors. Furthermore, the study realized the presence of both horizontal and vertical spillovers in all sectors with varying intensities and their positive effect on productivity. This study faced several limitations in the availability of data related to statistics of material inputs, employed labor and R&D investment. Key words: Technology spillovers, foreign direct investment (FDI), productivity, performance management, horizontal spillovers, vertical spillovers, technology gap, economic growth.
Political uncertainty and portfolio managers in emerging economies

ABSTRACT This paper claims that investors dislike political uncertainty about future policies and value stability in the political environment. We test the validity of this hypothesis by first studying variations in equity flows from global investment funds to emerging markets in periods surrounding elections. Second, we interpret changes in democracy score as another event potentially creating political uncertainty and assess their effects on equity flows. Our results corroborate our hypothesis. They indicate that the period following an election is generally characterized by a fall in equity flows, and that this occurs only where the incumbent is not re-elected, suggesting continuity is valued by investors. We also find that this effect is confined to presidential regimes, a result we interpret as further evidence that potentially radical swings in policy affect investors’ choices. Finally, a decrease in the democracy score implies lower equity flows, while democracy in itself does not affect equity flows, which is consistent with our view that equity funds are vigilant when potentially adverse changes in the political environment arise.
Returns from Investing in Equity Mutual Funds 1971 to 1991

Several recent studies suggest that equity mutual fund managers achieve superior returns and that considerable persistence in performance exists. This study utilizes a unique data set including returns from all equity mutual funds existing each year. These data enables the author to more precisely examine performance and the extent of survivorship bias. In the aggregate, funds have underperformed benchmark portfolios both after management expenses and even gross of expenses. Survivorship bias appears to be more important than other studies have estimated. Moreover, while considerable performance persistence existed during the 1970s, there was no consistency in fund returns during the 1980s. Copyright 1995 by American Finance Association.