Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
1 Wage Distribution in Chile : Does Gender Matter ? A Quantile Regression Approach

This paper analyzes gender differentials in the returns to education, the returns to experience, and gender wage differentials in the Chilean case. It uses the standard “Mincerian” wage equation and estimates it separately by gender using the quantile regression method. Then, using the Oaxaca decomposition, we breakdown the total wage gap into an explained term (due to differences in endowments) and into a residual (or unexplained term). Chilean nation-wide data for the years 1990, 1992, 1994, 1996 and 1998 are used in the estimations. The results show systematic differences in the returns to education and to experience by gender along the conditional wage distribution. The paper also finds clear evidence that the unexplained wage differential is higher in the upper quantiles of the conditional wage distribution. The results are remarkably stable and consistent across years. * Responsibility for the contents of this paper is entirely that of its author and should not be attributed to The World Bank, its Executive Directors or the countries they represent. I thank without implicating Maria Borda, Wendy Cunningham, Indermit Gill, Elizabeth King, Julian Lampietti, William Maloney, Andrew Mason, Marcelo Olarreaga, Lucia Pardo, Martin Rama, Luz Saavedra, Claudia Sepulveda, Isidro Soloaga, and the participants of the XVII Latin American Meeting of the Econometric Society (Cancun, Mexico, August 1999) for encouraging comments and help. Needless to say, any remaining errors are my own.
High-Level Task Planning in Robotics with Symbolic Model Checking

A robot control system contains a lowlevel motion planner and a high level task planner. The motions are generated with keyframe to keyframe planning while the the tasks are described with primitive action-names. A good starting point to formalize task planning is a mindmap which is created manually for a motion capture recording. It contains the basic actions in natural language and is the blueprint for a formal ontology. The mocap annotations are extended by features into a dataset, which is used for training a neural network. The resulting modal is a qualitative physics engine, which predicts future states of the system.
Direct negative density‐dependence in a pond‐breeding frog population

Understanding population dynamics is critical for the management of animal populations. Comparatively little is known about the relative importance of endogenous (i.e. density-dependent) and exogenous (i.e. density-independent) factors on the population dynamics of amphibians with complex life cycles. We examined the potential effects of density-dependent and -independent (i.e. climatic) factors on population dynamics by analyzing a 15-yr time series data of the agile frog Rana dalmatina population from Târnava Mare Valley, Romania. We used two statistical models: 1) the partial rate correlation function to identify the feedback structure and the potential time lags in the time series data and 2) a Gompertz state-space model to simultaneously investigate direct and delayed density dependence as well as climatic effects on population growth rate. We found evidence for direct negative density dependence, whereas delayed density dependence and climate did not show a strong influence on population growth rate. Here we demonstrated that direct density dependence rather than delayed density dependence or climate determined the dynamics of our study population. Our results confirm the findings of many experimental studies and suggest that density dependence may buffer amphibian populations against environmental stress. Consequently, it may not be easy to scale up from individual-level effects to population-level effects.
The SALT HRS spectrograph: final design, instrument capabilities, and operational modes

The high-resolution échelle spectrograph, SALT HRS, is at an advanced stage of construction and will shortly become available to the user community of the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT). This paper presents a commentary on the construction progress to date and gives the instrument's final specification with refined estimates for its performance based on the initial testing of the optics and the science-grade detectors. It also contributes a discussion of how the fibre input optics have been tailored to specific scientific aspirations to give four distinct operational modes. Finally, the use of the instrument is discussed in the context of the most common science cases.
Hazards in Transferring Knowledge and Contractual Architecture: The Case of Payment Schemes in Technology Licensing Agreements

This article provides an empirical assessment of payment schemes implemented in technology licensing agreements. Following a new institutional and resource-based view analysis, we argue that transaction costs evolve with the quality of the protection provided to the licensor by the institutional environment, the nature of the resources exchanged, and the characteristics of partners. We develop propositions and test them using an original source of data (a French governmental database recording international technology transfers). While we observe no clear effect of the institutional environment on the design of payment schemes, our empirical investigations highlight the key role played by the tacit nature of the licensed knowledge. Our results suggest that precise data measuring what is exchanged might shed new light on previous studies focusing only on sector differences. Furthermore, our results also show that ex-post contractual hazards appear to be particularly acute in the case of technology transfers, which explains why the results of previous studies on other classes of transaction are not confirmed. This suggests that different payment scheme strategies should be retained depending on what is actually exchanged by contracting parties.
Robust Optimal Control of Uncertain Nonlinear Switched System using Approximate Dynamic Programmin

Abstract— This paper presents robust optimal control of an uncertain nonlinear switched system with forced subsystems. The uncertainties include external disturbance and parametric uncertainties. Switching signal and control input are designed to minimize a given cost function. Approximate dynamic programming (ADP) has been efficiently applied to certain switched systems as an optimal control strategy. Since approximate dynamic programming method is model based, there would seem to be some difficulties to apply approximate dynamic programming to uncertain switched system. To overcome these mentioned problems, this paper presents an appropriate model. In order to apply proposed control approach, robust time-delay controller is added with ADP control. At first uncertainties are compensated by robust timedelay controller. Then the switching signal and the control input are design by approximate dynamic programming that provides a feedback solution for unspecified initial conditions. The discussing boundedness of states and simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed control approach.
Initial results and field applications of a polarization imaging camera

The SALSA linear Stokes polarization camera from Bossa Nova Technologies (520-550 nm) uses an electronically rotated polarization filter to measure four states of polarization nearly simultaneously. Some initial imagery results are presented. Preliminary analysis results indicate that the intensity and degree of linear polarization (DOLP) information can be used for image classification purposes. The DOLP images also show that the camera has a good ability to distinguish asphalt patches of different ages. These positive results and the relative simplicity of the camera system show the camera's potential for field applications.
Effects of feed probiotics on serum biochemistry and carcass characteristics of tropically bred exotic turkey

This study was conducted to examine the effect of feed probiotics substituents in serum biochemistry and carcass characteristics of tropically bred exotic turkey. A total of 80 British united turkey (BUT) were assigned to 4 dietary treatments consisting of 4 supplemental levels of equal mixtures of RoxazymeG2 ® at 200 ppm, 250 ppm, 300 ppm and 350 ppm. The polynomial contrast (linear and quadratic) was applied to determine the effect of inclusion of varying mixtures of enzyme and yeast supplementations using SPSS 1999. At starter phase (5-8 weeks), turkeys fed diet containing combination of 200 ppm enzyme and yeast recorded highest (P 0.05) effect of enzyme and yeast supplementation on live weight, dressing percentage, weights of head, neck, drum stick, thigh, breast, lungs, liver, heart, kidney, spleen, gizzard, proventriculus, crop and abdominal fat except back weight and wing weight that were significantly (P<0.05) affected by dietary treatment. In conclusion, inclusion of feed additives in MSP diet such as enzymes and yeast is a good measure in enhancing serum biochemistry and production performance of exotic turkey bred in the humid tropics.
Does the designation of least developed country status promote exports?

In this paper we examine to what extent developing countries export more as a result of having the official Least Developed Country (LDC) status. We estimate a gravity model of trade over the period 1973–2013, in which identification is achieved by exploiting the particularities and asymmetries of ‘inclusion’ and ‘graduation’ criteria of LDC status. As mechanisms through which LDCs might benefit, we evaluate the effectiveness of individual trade preference schemes for LDCs of the European Union, United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, and Turkey and the impact of LDC status on exports. We find that first, individual trade preference regimes are not always beneficial in terms of increased export values. Export promoting effects are found for the individual schemes of some developed countries and some sectors. Second, a country’s official designation as a LDC is associated with higher aggregated exports. This is particularly the case for LDCs that export agricultural goods and light manufacturing products, including textiles and leather after 1990. Third, the positive effect of LDC status is significant and sizable even when controlling for specific trade preference schemes suggesting that there are other benefits of LDC status that play a role in promoting exports.
Estimates of Quasiconvex Polytopes in the Calculus of Variations

We give direct estimates for the quasiconvex polytopes Q(K) generated by a flnite set K ” M N¢n . More precisely, we bound the quasiconvex envelope Qdist(i;K) near a convex exposed face of C(X) which does not have rank-one connections. Our estimates depend on the weak-(1,1) bounds for certain singular integral operators and the geometric features of the convex polytope C(K). We show by an example that our estimate is ‘local’ and independent of the ‘size’ of K, hence it is a better estimate than the polyconvex hull P(K) which is ‘size’ dependent.
Study on Woven Fabric Structure Using 3D Computer Image Analysis for In-Depth Identification of Thread Channels

Polipowski M, Wiecek P, Wiecek B, Jasinska I. Study on Woven Fabric Structure Using 3D Computer Image Analysis for In-Depth Identification of Thread Channels. FIBRES & TEXTILES in Eastern Europe 2015; 23, 2(110): 33-39. Study on Woven Fabric Structure Using 3D Computer Image Analysis for In-Depth Identification of Thread Channels Miroslaw Polipowski, *Piotr Wiecek, **Boguslaw Wiecek, Izabela Jasinska
Mode Choice, Commuting Cost, and Urban Household Behavior

In this paper, we extend the partial equilibrium urban model of DeSalvo l1985r to include mode choice. DeSalvo demonstrated that the urban model of Muth l1969r was robust to the extension to leisure choice. We show that the model is robust to mode choice as well. In addition, we derive the comparative static results that commuters choose higher speed modes for longer commutes, at higher wage rates, with greater tastes for housing, and with lower housing prices. Also, for a given distance commuted, we derive the comparative static result that commuters chose shorter duration commutes at higher wage rates. Whereas it is typically assumed that marginal commuting cost is positive and non-increasing with distance, we derive these results. Moreover, we derive the results that marginal commuting cost rises with an exogenous increase in housing price and falls with increased tastes for housing. We also explore the effects of exogenous commuting-cost changes on the endogenous variables of the model. The remaining comparative static results on housing consumption and location are qualitatively the same as in DeSalvo. Copyright Blackwell Publishers, 2005
Estimating recreational values of coastal zones

The present study tries to improve our understanding of why some people value coastal zone using attitudinal and preference factors in a Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) study. Specifically, it aims at public preferences for improving the quality (protection) of Pagasitikos coastal area in Greece and explores the influence of environmental attitude on preference to people’s willingness to pay (WTP) coastal zone conservation. It also presents the results of a discrete CVM survey which investigates households’ WTP for a set of wetland attributes. The proposed approach uses applied methodological methods like Principal Components and Cluster Analyses together with logistic regression. Various demographic variables (as education and income) together with people’s preferences for coastal zone show a strong impact on WTP and the specific amounts stated. At a second stage people who accept the CVM scenario results and grouped into two segments, with different attitude against coastal zone management and ecological view.
Safety, efficacy, regulations and bioethics in herbal medicines research and practice

Herbal medicines are used by about 80% of the populations in Africa. Despite being the main management strategy for a number of medical conditions, few studies have been done to suggest their toxicity and efficacy. Moreover, herbal medicines are not prescriptive. Users commonly find information from relatives, and friends. The classification of plant herbal medicines as complementary and alternative medicines also remains to be recognised as nutritional products. This therefore presents a special bioethical challenge in both research and practice for both researchers and medical physicians. Research on herbal medicines also demonstrates the lack of consistency in repeatability and reproducibility of their findings. Some studies have also established efficacy while others demonstrate otherwise. Variation in their findings has been attributed to variations in geographical locations of sources of plant materials and soil diversity. Moreover, ethical consideration in research may not have the appropriate social value, validity in research, risk benefit ratio and collaborations required for ethical sustainability. This may be as a result of the different cultures and traditions in the use of plant materials among different communities. In addition, ethical principles such as beneficence and no malfeasance may not be sustainable for all the medical physicians using plant herbal medicines in the management diseases in patients. The patient autonomy is also not valid table from the existing toxicity and safety studies. More research on bioethics is needed to bridge the gap between ethics, research and practice for herbal medicines.
Gravity and Trade Effects of Regional Trading Arrangements: The Central-Eastern European Experience

A gravity model is used to examine the direction of exports of OECD countries, EU entrants and OECD countries. Given the redirection of exports by transition economies, cross section analysis was undertaken for years in the 1990s and 2000s and the effects of preferential agreements between trade blocs were quantified. The uncertainty of bilateral trade is captured by a measure of corruption of the exporting and receiving country. Findings suggest that membership of the RTAs does not always increase bilateral whereas reducing a country’s corruption increases trade flows, even when measures of communication are taken into account.
Adopting a Cleaner Technology: The Effect of Driving Restrictions on Fleet Turnover

Driving restrictions —limits on car use based on the last digit of a car’s license plate— are increasingly popular forms of pollution and congestion control, notwithstanding the literature has shown they typically result in more pollution by moving the fleet composition toward higher emitting vehicles. We study a design feature present in some restriction programs but much overlooked in the literature: that cleaner cars be exempted from the restriction. Based on evidence from Santiago- Chile’s 1992 program, we find this exemption feature to have a large impact on fleet composition toward cleaner vehicles. We also develop and calibrate for Santiago a vertical differentiation model of the car market to show that driving restrictions that make optimal use of these exemptions can be way more effective in the fight against local air pollution than alternative instruments such as scrappage subsidies and gasoline taxes.
A Selection Method of Database System in Bigdata Environment: A Case Study From Smart Education Service in Korea

Relational databases have been widely used in organizations for decades. Although relational databases have significant advantages for data preservation and concurrency controlling as the standard model in databases, there are disadvantages as well, such as object relationship inconsistency and heavy dependence on strict database schema. Recently, NoSQL became the alternative for big data utilization in that it can be operated without a specific schema while works well in cluster environment in the 21st century. However, its utilization still has pros and cons. In this backdrop, we do not only enumerate the advantages and disadvantages of NoSQL on relational databases, but also show the comparison between the NoSQL databases. More importantly, this research does not necessarily recommend the specific single type database to build an information system. Instead, using the polyglot persistence concept, we suggest the database management system selection criteria. Then we present an optimal combination of the database system in order to demonstrate our suggestion from the example of the smart education service in Korea.
Role of Human Resource Information System in Strategic Human Resource Management

This paper presents theoretical excerpts to inundate the case for building a strong Human Resource Information System (HRIS) model as an operational link between strategic organizational vision and human resources implementations in organizations. The researcher has clearly put forth the argument for adopting HRIS as a functional reality for facilitating Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM). Keeping well in mind that the usage, implementation and impact of HRIS must be weighed with respect to the strategic direction of the firm. This study is meant to provide a perspective to the reader to understand the relevance of adopting HRIS as a suitable model and at the same time leaves scope for field research to examine how Human Resource (HR) professionals and managers in different organizations can establish suitable model of HRIS with clear understanding of the effects of HRIS on strategic HR tasks and job roles. Management scholars have long called for stronger and more explicit paths between strategic planning and applications in human resources. Yet implementation guidance for this vital connection has proved elusive (Lawler, E. E., Levenson, A., & Boudreau, J. W. 2004). Based on literature review, this paper contends that HRIS is a powerful tool in forging this link, and advocates an increased understanding of this concept to develop its maximum potential. The study aims at investigating what role if any do HRIS play in SHRM. This study describes how Information technology is expected to drive Human Resource’s transition from a focus on HRM to SHRM. This strategic role is expected not only to add a valuable dimension to the HR function, but also change the competencies that define HR professional and practitioner success. The subject of the strategic relevance of human resource management in organizational plans and models provides a deep foray into one of the core success factors that effectively underpins the achievement of leadership and managerial objectives. This insight drives the current inquiry into one of the principal levers of modern human resource management identified as Human Resource Information System. This research encompasses theoretical investigation and comprises of the Introduction to the study, the objectives of the study and theoretical concepts related to Human Resource Management (HRM), Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM), Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS), and an analysis of the previous research, to establish the usage, role and implementation of HRIS as an operational link between strategic organizational vision and human resources implementations in organizations. The study further leaves scope for examining how HR professionals and managers in different organizations see the effects of HRIS on strategic HR tasks and job roles
A digital soil textural class determination from the percentages of silt and clay

The input of the percentages of silt and clay on the interface generated with the C Sharp (C#) computer programme gave an automated soil textural class determination. The programme incorporated in the coding, the percentage silt and clay values in order to classify the soil into one of the categories of the sand, loamy sand, sandy loam, sandy clay loam, sandy clay and clay textural classes. The Design Interface was created in Microsoft Visual Studio and the Toolbox activated for the application of the Label, Text and Button Tools. The parameters ‘Enter percent silt’ and ‘Enter percent clay’ were typed in the two Label boxes respectively while empty box spaces were created against each for the information of percent silt and percent clay to be filled by the user. The debugging of code page brought up the User Interface. When the percent silt and clay were entered in the spaces on the User Interface and the ‘Determine the Soil Texture’ button clicked, the soil textural class category was generated and displayed. The automated method gave an instant soil textural class without the use of the soil textural triangle.
Target function location based on code coverage analysis

How to locate the target function faster and more accurately is a key problem of Automatic Reverse-Engineering of Software Programs. In order to solve this problem, a target function location method based on code coverage analysis is proposed. Firstly, it obtains function call information of the program and calculate the suspicious rate of each function. And then a stability factor is proposed to reduce the noise functions. Finally, the target function is successfully located. The experimental results show the method proposed has linear time complexity. For software programs with million function calls, it can accurately locate the target function within several minutes, the performance and accuracy are greately improved compared to the contrast methods.