Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pricing Power by Supermarket Retailers: A Ghost in the Machine?

Pricing Power by Supermarket Retailers: A Ghost in the Machine? Timothy J. Richards and Geoffrey Pofahl JEL Classifications: L13, L66, Q13 During periods of rising prices, consumers, policymakers and media reporters alike tend to place the blame on food retailers (Boyle, 2009). Retail stores represent the final stop for most products on their way through manufacturers, distributors, brokers and wholesalers, so it is perhaps understandable why consumers tend to associate higher prices with profiteering, price-gouging and other nefarious conduct by retailers. Witness the well-publicized attempts to “cure” inflation in Zimbabwe and Venezuela by directly controlling retail prices, or the retailers themselves. Retailers represent a particularly easy target (no pun intended) because of their visibility and ubiquity. Indeed, the largest firm in the United States also happens to be the largest retailer— Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. It is not hard to understand, therefore, why retailers are often asked to explain why they are not trying harder to keep prices down, and why they need to be so big. Whether the perception that retailers possess excessive pricing power is consistent with reality, however, remains an important academic question. In this article, we review the existing literature on market power in food retailing, and describe an empirical framework necessary to provide a definitive answer to this question, if indeed one exists.
Part-of-speech tagging in written slang

Korolainen, Valtteri Part-of-Speech Tagging in Written Slang Jyväskylä: University of Jyväskylä, 2014, 76 p. Information Systems, Master’s Thesis Supervisor: Puuronen, Seppo Contemporary computers have different capabilities to process natural languages. For example speech recognition and machine translation are both due to study of natural language processing (NLP). Still, machines have some problems of understanding a natural language since words can be ambiguous. Most of the time machines are able to understand the single words. Complete sentences are causing more problems. As well, a part of the actual language processing is moved to cloud from local machines due to heavy algorithms that have a high time or space compelexity. English and other European languages have better success rate in NLP solutions than other languages. Mainly this is because of the amount of work and prior analysis done around the language. Even though variety of different NLP solutions exists, they are mainly focused on standard language. Our research contains empirical study which goal is to describe n-gram algorithm suitability in automatic slang annotation context. Slang processing is more problematic than processing standard language, which can be seen in lower accuracy rates. Some of the problems are caused lack of extensive slang analysis when on the other hand some problems are due to complexity of slang. Simultaneous interpreter is one possible solution of upcoming NLP innovations but it has limitations since slang processing is still partly under a development. One way to analyze lingual capabilities of a machine is to evaluate the success rate of Part-of-Speech (POS) tagging. The research problem is how n-gram algorithms are performing in slang tagging compared to previously experimented algorithms. As a result of this study it is been found that tagging algorithm selection is in major part of tagger accuracy. In statistical approaches corpus size is remarkably affecting the accuracy as well. Languages are performing differently with different algorithms. For instance, statistical tagging algorithms are mostly having better accuracies in European languages while rule based tagging algorithms are outperforming statistical taggers in South Indian languages. From the POS tagging point of view English slang can be considered as different language from Standard English. While Standard English text can be automatically tagged with success rate of 97% the slang taggers are only fairly reaching 93% success rate. As a conclusion for research findings, rule-based approaches are important addition for slang POS taggers. Most important of these kinds of tools is word clustering.
Field Study on Cadmium pollution in relation to internal parasitic diseases in cultured Nile Tilapia at Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate

The aim of this study is to explain the relation ship between cadmium pollution and internal parasitic infestation in tilapia fish. The present study was carried out on 400 specimens of Tilapia fish ( Oreochromis niloticus (O.niloticus) ranged from 20 - 30 cm. While as their average body weights were ranged from 180 ± 10 g. The clinical signs revealed no pathognomonic abnormalities on the external body surface except in heavily naturally infested fish, represented as respiratory manifestation. The postmortem findings of investigated fish revealed the presence of black spots in different parts of the body in some infested fishes. While, internal organs were appeared anemic with enlargement and congestion. As well as, haemorrhage and ulceration of intestine and stomach mucous membrane, white nodules in posterior kidney. The isolated parasites from examined tilapia were 6 types namely: Enterogyrus cichlidarum, Orientocreadium batrochoides, Heterophidae, Polyonchobothrium sp, Paracamallanas cyathopharynx and Acanthocentis tilapiae. Helminth infestations of O. niloticus in Sidi Salem district fish farms in autumn season were 11 , 8, 1 and 4 % trematodes , nematode , cestode and Acanthocentis tilapiae respectively. Also, in Alirad district fish farms were 9 , 4 , 1 and 2 % respectively. While, in Meutobeus fish farms were 6 , 3 , 1 and 2 % respectively. The residues of cadmium in water and O. niloticus tissues naturally exposed to cadmium were determined and discussed. The correlation between naturally exposed to cadmium O. niloticus tissues and internal parasitic diseases was studied. Also, cadmium displayed a significant decrease in PCV%, RBCs and Hb while elevation in the level of WBCs , blood glucose , serum AST, ALT, urea and creatinine at Sidi Salem district fish farms decreased in Alirad district fish farms and Metobus District fish farms throughout the periods of study.Besides, the histopathological alterations in different organs of O. niloticus were recorded. (Eissa, I.A. M.; Mona, S. Zaki; Noor El Deen, A I Eand Ibrahim, A Z. and Osman, K. Abdel Hady Field Study on Cadmium pollution in relation to internal parasitic diseases in cultured Nile Tilapia at Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate. Journal of American Science 2011;7(4):650-660). (ISSN: 1545-1003). http://www.americanscience. org.
Interstitial Oxygen and Dopant Atoms Arrangement in Tin-Doped Indium Oxide

In the present study an attempt to clarify discrepancy between experimental and theoretical results for preference substitution of d or b indium cation sites by tin is performed. For this purpose, the density functional calculations for a number of oxidized and reduced states of ITO with different configurations for tin substituted cation sites are carried out. For reduced states the probability for tin substituents to occupy the b positions is significantly larger than the same value for the d sites. These results indicate that the more favorable occupancy of either b or d cation positions by tin substituent depends on the way of the defect formation.
A Study on the Nutritional Status of Preschool Children in Three Districts of Bangladesh

Malnutrition is the main nutritional problem in the developing countries like Bangladesh. The most vulnerable groups are under-5 children, adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating mothers. This study investigated the nutritional status of children aged 2-5 years of urban and rural areas of three different districts (Kushtia, Jhenidah and Jessore) of Bangladesh. The study was conducted on 200 children among those 100 were from Kushtia, 50 from Jhenidah and 50 from Jessore district. Among the children of Kushtia 55 were male & 45 were female. Among the children of Jhenidah 27 were male & 33 were female. Among the children of Jessore 32 were male & 28 were female. Analyzing anthropometric data we found that the mean height, weight and MUAC of males were 90.47 cm, 13.31 kg and 14.88 cm respectively while 88.51 cm, 12.58 kg and 14.70 cm respectively in case of female. Among the children 57% were under weight, 60% were stunted and 24.5% were found wasted. According to MUAC 35% children were normal and 12.5% children were severely malnourished in those three districts of Bangladesh.
The Forest Map of Spain 1:200,000. Methodology and analysis of general results

First of all, the main descriptive elements of vegetation used in the Spanish Forest Map on scale 1:200,000 (MFE2C) are put forward. Secondly, this paper includes an explanation of how plant cover maps are a supplementary tool for forest inventories in order to evaluate the actual state of vegetation. As an example, there is a description of characteristics of the current Spanish vegetation regarding the 4 descriptive elements of MFE2C: large climatic domains, structure, evolution level and dominant plant communities.
ECONOMIC FUNCTIONS OF OPEN-AIR TRADE IN THE CONTEXT OF LOCAL FOOD SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT

The food sector is constantly reformulating, adjusting to technological changes, consumer needs, trends and habits. In recent years the local food system approach applied in rural development has gained much popularity. Consuming locally produced food is not only a matter of health care or fashion, but also environmental protection, sustainable rural development or identification with tradition and cultural heritage. In this study, local food systems have been reviewed explaining the significance of short supply chains and direct sale. The main part of the article aims to focus on open-air markets in Poland as the most popular form of direct sale. The arguments presented in this article indicate that open-air trade has a positive effect on the development of local food markets and the local economy as a whole.
Assessment of HIV/AIDS educational intervention on stigma reduction among nurses: a quasi-experimental study

Background: In a setting where HIV/AIDS is highly endemic, nurses may respond to patients with increase fear of being at risk of acquiring HIV infection, decrease willingness to care, or both. The resulting stigmatization creates social barriers and discrimination between nurses and patients with HIV/AIDS. Objectives: This study aimed to increase nurses’ knowledge on HIV/AIDS and reduce HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination in healthcare through HIV/AIDS educational intervention. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was carried out in all nursing departments of Shaqra General Hospital from February to April 2014. Nurses (n = 58), meeting the eligibility criteria, were included in the sample and were non-randomly assigned in one-group pre-test and post-test using purposive sampling technique. Results: The results of the preand post-intervention phases were compared using paired-sample t-test. Significant increase in nurses’ knowledge was demonstrated following HIV/AIDS educational intervention (p = 0.000). HIV/AIDS educational intervention was significantly associated with less stigmatization for ‘attitudes towards imposed measures’ (p = 0.002). In pre-intervention phase, the greatest stigmatizing attitude was observed in statement concerning the need for screening all inpatients for HIV/AIDS. The assessment at preand post-intervention for ‘comfortableness dealing with HIV/AIDS patients’ did not differ significantly, indicating least stigmatizing attitude. However, a statistical significant difference (p = 0.044) on nurses’ overall attitude towards patients with HIV/AIDS was detected between preand post-intervention assessment. Pooled mean revealed no observed discriminatory act among nurses at preand postintervention assessment. Conclusion: The utilization of HIV/AIDS educational intervention improved nurses’ theoretical knowledge about HIV/AIDS. Although nurses’ knowledge on HIV/AIDS was improved significantly, their attitudes of blame or judgment as well as their comfortableness dealing with HIV/AIDS patients have not changed. The effectiveness of HIV/AIDS educational intervention in reducing HIV/AIDS-related discrimination as well as its impact on nurses’ attitudes towards patients with HIV/AIDS warrants further investigation.
Comparison Guidelines and Benchmark Procedure for Sparse Array Synthesis

A benchmarking procedure for sparse linear array synthesis methods is proposed. Our approach is based on the comparison of the performance of the array synthesis algorithm under test with the performance of a reference solution based on a optimally equispaced array. The benchmark procedure is demonstrated considering some examples regarding sparse synthesis method proposed in literature. Guidelines for the correct comparison of synthesis methods and some “tough problems” for the test of new sparse synthesis algorithms are also provided.
Mañana and Manners may not be Enough! The Cultural Interface of New Zealand and Argentinean Business Negotiating Preferences

Being one of the smaller players in Australasia, New Zealand and its exporters have no choice but to seek new trading partners in countries with often-unfamiliar cultures. This paper presents guidance for marketing managers seeking to trade with an emerging Pacific Rim trading partner for the Australasian region, Argentina. Prior research into international cultural differences was used to construct a negotiating-preference questionnaire sent to New Zealand /Argentinean business managers doing business with each other. New Zealand and Argentinean managers tended to rank and rate negotiation elements similarly, but the behaviours comprising these elements were seen differently. Argentinean evaluations were dramatically opposed to stereotypical conceptions of South American behaviour regarding the relative importance of social elements and the supposed unimportance of time. The results suggest further research and represent a strong warning against basing Australasian/South American market actions on stereotypical notions alone -regardless of how widely they may be held.
Industrial Organization Theory and Development Economics

There arc Iwo broad ways in which industrial organization and develop­ ment economics relate to each other. First, industrial organization, being more advanced in terms of techniques of analysis, provides a readymade box of tools for some branches of economics relevant to developing societies. This potential is increasingly recognized and there is an emer­ gent literature, which applies ideas from game theory and industrial organization to problems of agrarian relations (see, for example Bell, 1989; Dutta, et al., 1989; Basu and Bell, 1991), international debt modell­ ing (see Bulow and Rogoff, 1989; Basu, 1991; Deshpandc, 1994), tech­ nology transfer and trade (Marjit, 1990; Kabiraj and Marjit, 1993), and other fields. In some cases the availability of these instruments of analysis have actually influenced the research agenda. Secondly, industrial organization in the context of a developing nation raises issues and concerns which are, frequently, distinct from those raised in industrialized nations. Thus, there is a case for constructing industrial organization models for developing nations. In India, research on agricul­ tural economics has raised a variety of novel theoretical issues which have led to the creation of new concepts, categories and theories. An example is ‘factor-market interlinkage’. Micro-empirical studies of Indian agrarian relations (e.g. Bardhan and Rudra, 1978) suggested that in backward agrarian markets the contracts struck between agents in different markets were often interlinked. Thus, a labourer may agree to work for a landlord
TRANSFORMADA DA INCERTEZA PURAMENTE NUMÉRICA PARA O MAPEAMENTO DE DISTRIBUIÇÕES DE PROBABILIDADE

In this work, we developed a numerical version of the Unscented Transform. In the approach developed, any probability distributions can be mapped by linear or non-linear functions, thus enabling fast acquisition of the probability distributions of the outputs of the simulation model, or more specifically, the evaluation of model uncertainties. An appropriate degree of accuracy can be achieved, since the equation allows the arbitrary increment of sample points of mapping functions, at the expense of increased computational cost. Nevertheless, for practical purposes of mapping distributions, the computational cost is still considerably lower than that demanded, for example, by the Monte Carlo method, which is based on a massive random sampling, thus presenting a very high computational cost. Applications in problems of assessment of uncertainties in engineering show the applicability and efficiency of the proposed method.
Chemistry, Manufacture and Applications of Natural Rubber

The growing demand for more sustainable materials has led to increased research on the properties of natural rubber. Chemistry, Manufacture and Applications of Natural Rubber summarizes this research and its significance for the industrial applications of natural rubber. Chapters in part one explore the properties and processing of natural rubber, including the biosynthesis of natural rubber in different rubber-producing species, chemical modification of natural rubber for improved performance, and the effect of strain-induced crystallization on the physical properties of natural rubber. Further chapters highlight hydrophobic and hydrophilic silica-filled cross-linked natural rubber and computer simulation of network formation in natural rubber. Part two focusses on applications of natural rubber, including eco-friendly bio-composites using natural rubber matrices and reinforcements, soft bio-composites from natural rubber and marine products, natural rubber for the tire industry, the application of epoxidized natural rubber in pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs), and the use of natural rubber for vibration isolation and earthquake protection of structures. Finally, chapters in part three consider environmental and safety issues associated with natural rubber, including improving the sustainable development of natural rubber, the recycling of natural and synthetic isoprene rubbers and of sulfur cross-linked natural rubber, and recent research on natural rubber latex allergy. Chemistry, Manufacture and Applications of Natural Rubber is a comprehensive resource for academics, chemists, chemical engineers, mechanical engineers, and other professionals in the rubber industry, as well as those industries, including automotive, civil, and medical engineering, using natural rubber products.An updated review with systematic and comprehensive coverage of natural rubbersCovers a broad range of topics, including the chemistry, processing, sustainability, and applications of natural rubbersCoverage of the best international research, including key experts from Asia, the United States, South America, and Europe
Recruitment in a scent trail laying stingless bee (Scaptotrigona aff. depilis) : Changes with reduction but not with increase of the energy gain

mais non avec la hausse du gain d'energie. Chez les abeilles sans aiguillon (Apidae, Meliponini), comme chez d'autres insectes sociaux, la profitabilite de la source de nourriture influence le recrutement. Il avait ete montre jusqu'a present chez des especes ne laissant pas de trace odorante que les abeilles etaient recrutees en nombre d'autant plus grand que la source de nourriture etait avantageuse (Biesmeijer et Ermers, 1999). Ce travail etudie pour la premiere fois comment la concentration en sucre de la nourriture influence le recrutement d'une abeille sans aiguillon, qui conduit les recrues a la source de nourriture le long d'un chemin olfactif. On a fait butiner trois abeilles a une source de nourriture durant 3 h et le nombre de recrues par h a ete compte. En outre le comportement de Scaptotrigona aff. depilis a l'entree de la colonie a ete filme et les vibrations du thorax enregistrees avec un vibrometre laser. Les concentrations en sucre utilisees (20 %, 40 %, 60 % en poids) etaient dans le domaine des valeurs biologiques. Le sirop a ete consomme en plus grande quantite (pL) quand sa concentration etait de 20 % et la prise de nourriture a ete la plus longue avec la concentration de 60 % (Fig. 1). Quand on a offert une concentration en sucre constante, le nombre de recrues a la source de nourriture est reste lui aussi constant (Fig. 2). Ce fut aussi le cas lorsqu'on a offert une source de nourriture avec une profitabilite augmentant d'heure en heure. Ce n'est qu'en diminuant la profitabilite que le recrutement horaire a chute (Fig. 2). L'analyse du comportement de recrutement a l'interieur du nid a montre que ni leur activite de bousculade ni leur vitesse de deplacement dans le nid n'augmentaient lorsqu'on leur offrait une profitabilite croissante (Fig. 3). Quand la profitabilite a diminue les butineuses n'ont reduit leur activite qu'a partir de la concentration de 20 % (Fig. 3). La structure dans le temps des vibrations du thorax ne s'est pas modifiee quand la profitabilite a augmente (Figs. 4, 5). Ce n'est que lorsque la concentration est tombee a 20 % que les impulsions sont devenues significativement plus courtes et les pauses significativement plus longues (Figs. 4, 6). De ces resultats on conclut que le recrutement de Scaptotrigona aff. depilis ne depend pas directement de la concentration en sucre de la nourriture, mais des changements de la profitabilite. Les abeilles ne modifient leur activite que lorsque la concentration tombe a 20 % et le recrutement de membres de la colonie est arrete. Nous supposons qu'il s'agit d'un mecanisme qui conduit la colonie a cesser le recrutement pour des sources qui se deprecient afin de laisser les butineuses se tourner vers des sources meilleures.
Coupling of Elastic Isotropic Medium Parameters in Iterative Linearized Inversion

An elastic isotropic medium is described with three parameters. In seismic migration the perturbation of one elastic parameter affects the images of all the three, which means that these parameters are coupled. For an effective quantitative reconstruction of the true elastic medium reflectivity one can apply an iterative linearized migration/inversion, where minimization of the misfit functional is done by the conjugate gradient method. The final result of the iterative approach can be obtained directly by Newton’s method, using the pseudo-inverse Hessian matrix. Calculation of this matrix for a realistic model is an extremely resource-intensive problem, but for a model of a scatterer in a homogeneous elastic medium it is quite feasible. This paper presents the numerical results of elastic linearized inversion for this simple model, calculated both with iterative approach and Newton’s method. Experiments show that in the both cases the elastic parameters have coupled weaker than in the case of migration. The iterative approach allows achieving acceptable quality of the inversion, but requires a large number of iterations. For faster convergence it is necessary to use the preconditioned conjugate gradient method. The optimal preconditioning will improve the convergence of the method as well as the quality of inversion.