Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Games and Learning in Auctions

Auctions are pervasive in today’s society and provide a variety of markets, ranging from government-to-business auctions for licenses to consumer-toconsumer online auctions. The success of trading strategies in auctions is highly dependent on the present competitors, hence traders are forced to adapt to the competition to maintain a high level of performance. This adaptation may be modeled by reinforcement learning algorithms, which have a proven relation to evolutionary game theory. This thesis facilitates a strategic choice between a set of predefined trading strategies. It is based on previous work, which suggests to capture the payoff of trading strategies in a heuristic payoff table. A new methodology to approximate heuristic payoff tables by normal form games is introduced, and it is evaluated by a case study of a 6-agent clearing house auction. Learning models of exploration and exploitation, that link to selection and mutation in an evolutionary perspective, are subsequently applied to compare three common automated trading strategies. The information loss in the normal form approximation is shown to be reasonably small, such that the concise normal form representation can be used to derive strategic decisions in auctions. Furthermore, the learning model shows that learners with exploration may converge to different strategies than learners of pure exploitation. The devised methodology establishes a bridge between empirical data in heuristic payoff tables and the means from classical game theory. It might therefore become the basis for a more general framework to analyze strategic interactions in complex multi-agent systems.
On the truth of nanoscale for nanobeams based on nonlocal elastic stress field theory : equilibrium , governing equation and static deflection

This paper has successfully addressed three critical but overlooked issues in nonlocal elastic stress field theory for nanobeams: (i) why does the presence of increasing nonlocal effects induce reduced nanostructural stiffness in many, but not consistently for all, cases of study, i.e., increasing static deflection, decreasing natural frequency and decreasing buckling load, although physical intuition according to the nonlocal elasticity field theory first established by Eringen tells otherwise? (ii) the intriguing conclusion that nanoscale effects are missing in the solutions in many exemplary cases of study, e.g., bending deflection of a cantilever nanobeam with a point load at its tip; and (iii) the non-existence of additional higher-order boundary conditions for a higher-order governing differential equation. Applying the nonlocal elasticity field theory in nanomechanics and an exact variational principal approach, we derive the new equilibrium conditions, domain governing differential equation and boundary conditions for bending of nanobeams. These equations and conditions involve essential higher-order differential terms which are opposite in sign with respect to the previously studies in the statics and dynamics of nonlocal nano-structures. The difference in higher-order terms results in reverse trends of nanoscale effects with respect to the conclusion of this paper. Effectively, this paper reports new equilibrium conditions, governing differential equation and boundary conditions and the true basic static responses for bending of nanobeams. It is also concluded that the widely accepted equilibrium conditions of nonlocal nanostructures are in fact not in equilibrium, but they can be made perfect should the nonlocal bending moment be replaced by an effective nonlocal bending moment. These conclusions are substantiated, in a general sense, by other approaches in nanostructural models such as strain gradient theory, modified couple stress models and experiments.
EVALUATION OF WET-MIX SHOTCRETE CONTAINING SET-ACCELERATOR AND SERVICE LIFE PREDICTION

Over the last decades, extensive research has been conducted to describe and predict the service life of reinforced concrete structures. Unfortunately, the current state of knowledge regarding sprayed concrete durability, and especially service life prediction, is limited. Although the test methods used change from one country or jurisdiction to the other, criteria have been proposed to relate the quality of in-place sprayed concrete to its boiled water absorption, its susceptibility to chloride ions penetration or its permeability. Unfortunately, the available criteria are mostly based on empirical job site observations and have many drawbacks, and they require more fundamental scientific development to be reliably used as durability indicators, if indeed applicable. Following a first project that concentrated on North American shotcrete mix designs, this second paper concentrates on wet-mix shotcrete mixtures incorporating a set-accelerating admixture at various dosages. The main objective of the research program reported is first to study the relevance of boiled water absorption and permeability tests to estimate sprayed concrete durability. The results guide us to a more fundamental aspect of the study with emphasis on sprayed concrete mass transfer properties. The experimental program included more than 11 distinct shotcrete mixtures sprayed in a fully controlled laboratory environment with different addition rates of set-accelerating admixtures. The results are quite interesting and should draw the industry’s attention. It demonstrates the highly positive effect of highspeed pneumatic consolidation of sprayed concrete on its durability. The results also show the importance of limiting the amount of set-accelerating admixture added to shotcrete in order to maintain long-term compressive strength and durability. In this context, the paper concludes with a discussion on a suggested approach for the evaluation of shotcrete during construction, and proposes means to adapt the project specifications accordingly.
Optimal Capital Requirements Over the Business and Financial Cycles

I study economies where banks do not fully internalize the social costs of their lending decisions, which leads to real overinvestment. The bank capital requirement that restores investment efficiency varies over time. During booms, more investment is desirable, so the banking sector must be allowed to expand. This suggests a loosening of the requirement. However, there is also more bank capital. Since the banking sector exhibits decreasing returns to scale, this suggests a tightening instead. I find that the latter effect, which I dub the “bank capital channel,” dominates: the optimal capital requirement is tighter during booms than in recessions. (JEL E32, E44, G21, G28, G32)
Investigation of Cultivate Zone and Ultrasound on Antioxidant Activity of Fenugreek Leaf Extract

According to the problems concerning synthetic antioxidants which the negative effects of this compounds on human health have been proved and also the oxidative stress which occurs in human’s body due to several reasons, caused most of the researchers and industry replace synthetic antioxidants with the natural ones existing in plants, fruits and vegetables as a fact of defeating oxidative stress. In this study, the extraction of phenolic and tocopherols compounds and the antioxidants strength of methanol extracts and the fenugreek leaves methanol/water (50:50) in Ardebil and sari which have been under effect of ultrasound effects was estimated through Folin–Ciocalteu, 1,1-diphenyl-2picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), β-carotene linoleic acid and Oxidative Stability Index (OSI) and compared with synthesis antioxidants of TBHQ. The results showed that the phenolic amount (1062 ppm) and tocopherols (403.243 ppm) of ultrasound methanol extract was high in Ardebil. Also ultrasound-methanol extract of fenugreek leaves in Ardebil with inhibition percent of DPPH (60.903 %) in 900 ppm concentration, β-carotene fading percentage of (91.327%) in 500 ppm concentration and oxidation stability index for 4.92 hour was the highest. The data shows that the fenugreek leaves extract concentration the solution kind and the planting location effects the antioxidant strength.
Reinforcing Innovation Effectiveness â€“ A New Methodological Approach for Policy Evaluation

â€˜Innovation is the ability to take new ideas and translate them into commercial outcomes by using new processes, products or services in a way that is better and faster than the competition' (Nedis & Byler, 2009). Innovation is considered as an important competitiveness factor for companies and a source of wealth for economies. Therefore it is an important subject of policy intervention and regional development. The understanding of what innovation is has evolved in the past decades away from a purely technological definition â€“ of new products and processes introduced on the market, to a wider one including organisational and marketing aspects or incremental innovation in low tech production companies and more recently, innovation in services (European Commission, 2008). The main purpose of this paper is to propose a new methodology for territorial analysis and planning focused on innovation and knowledge transfer and in its governance mechanisms. A new methodology which is intended that can contribute to strengthen the present analytical tools applied to the processes of regional innovation and technology transfer. A new methodology that seeks, for each specific territorial context, contribute to the following results: 1) Evaluate the socio-economic and territorial impacts of knowledge transfer and technology diffusion; 2) Mapping territorial innovation effects and pathways â€“ reinforcing innovation mapping and strategic planning; 3) Monitor innovation productivity, competitiveness and its systemic effects; 4) Monitor the innovation implementing processes and public policies, and support the multidimensional and multiscale evaluation of its results; 5) Better understand the knowledge transfer and technology diffusion in a specific territorial bases; 6) Increase the understanding of local and regional contexts of innovation governance.
Hemolymph acid phosphatase activity in the green mussel (Perna viridis, Linnaeus, 1758) exposed to copper and mercury

The lysosomal system in bivalves is sensitive to changes in the intra and extra cellular environment. The activity pattern of hemolymph acid phosphatase, a marker enzyme of the lysosomal system, was studied in the green mussel (Perna viridis) exposed to sub lethal concentration of 25 µg/l of copper and mercury at 24 hr, 72 hr, 7 th day and 14 th day. The results of the study revealed that at the sub lethal level, copper can induce remarkably higher acid phosphatase activity (hypersynthesis) than mercury. Hypersynthesis of the enzyme occurs much earlier in copper treated mussels than observed in mercury exposed mussels, but on continued exposure, the acid phosphatase activity shows a considerable decline.
Morphometry and growth of sea pen species from dense habitats in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, eastern Canada

ABSTRACT We examined four species of sea pen (Anthoptilum grandiflorum, Halipteris finmarchica, Pennatula aculeata and Pennatula grandis) collected from the Gulf of St. Lawrence and mouth of the Laurentian Channel, eastern Canada. An exponential length–weight relationship was found for all four species, where growth in weight was progressively greater than growth in length with increasing colony size. Halipteris finmarchica, P. grandis and P. aculeata presented the better allometric fits, explaining over 80% of the variance. In addition, a count of growth increments visible in transverse sections in 86 A. grandiflorum and 80 P. aculeata samples was made. Presumed ages ranged between 5 and 28 years for A. grandiflorum and 2 and 21 years for P. aculeata. Radiocarbon assays were inconclusive and could not be used to confirm these ages; further age validation is required. Radial growth of the rod is slow during the first years, increasing at intermediate sizes of the colony and slowing down again for large colonies. Similar results were obtained from the relationship between colony length and number of growth increments where a logistic model was the best fit to the data. On average Spearman’s rank correlations showed 11% of shared variance between sea pen length or weight and environmental variables. Bottom temperature and salinity, depth and summer primary production were significantly correlated to sea pen size for most species.
Tests of Gravitation at Solar System scales beyond the PPN formalism

In this communication, the current tests of gravitation available at Solar System scales are recalled. These tests rely mainly on two frameworks: the PPN framework and the search for a fifth force. Some motivations are given to look for deviations from General Relativity in other frameworks than the two extensively considered. A recent analysis of Cassini data in a MOND framework is presented. Furthermore, possibilities to constrain Standard Model Extension parameters using Solar System data are developed.
Total Phenolics, Antioxidant Activity and Anti-Diabetic Capacities of Selected Iraqi Medicinal Plants PP. 47-59

DOI: 10.20286/ajlsr-040285 In Iraq, medicinal plants have not received much attention in terms of quantifying their antioxidant and other biological/pharmacological activities so the objective of the present study was to assess the antioxidant activity of selected medicinal plants grown in Iraq and relate it to their total phenolic contents and their inhibitory effect on carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes. Antioxidant activity was assessed by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and oxygen reactive absorbance capacity (ORAC) methods. The possible inhibitory effect on carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes was also investigated. In almost all the parameters used, the aqueous extracts from Mentha piperita showed significantly higher (P< 0.0001) activities than other plants. Antioxidant activity was significantly correlated (P< 0.0001) with TPC among all the plants studied. In addition, the plant extracts showed strong inhibition against pancreatic α-amylase and yeast α-glucosidase. Only Cyperus rotundus and Prosopis farcta have been used traditionally for the treatment of diabetes in Iraq. In conclusion, to the best of our knowledge, the remaining four plants and herbs ( Glycyrrhiza glabra , H. Sabdariffa, Matricaria chamomilla, and M. piperita ) have no records in the literature for their antidiabetic effects. Consequently, this study identifies these four medicinal plants as novel inhibitors of key enzymes (α-glucosidase and α-amylase) relevant for type 2 diabetes that showed even higher activity than the currently being used for the treatment of diabetes by the Iraqi herbalists.
Unification of business processes in a multi-site company

Companies operating as multi-site organizations usually operate disparate business processes across sites and IT systems written in various technologies. Therefore, unification of business processes as well as IT systems and technologies are becoming matters of high significance. The purpose of the paper is to present a method for unifying business processes of a multi-site company. The method addresses also the matter of IT support to selected activities within business processes. The method, proposed in the paper, examines the similarity of processes and is based on a comparison of pairs of nodes on the label and type. During unification, two version of the same process are compared. To the new, unified version, only the most time-efficient activities are selected. Corresponding, less effective activities are omitted. The method assumes refinement of business processes which stems from ability to execute business process in a different manner thanks to support of IT systems. An example of a business process unification in the medical sector with the participation of the Polish National Health Fund (NHF) was enclosed. In the paper are presented: AS-IS state, method of unification and TO-BE state of medical prescription lifecycle. In that example, selected similarity metrics of business processes are used. Furthermore, formulae are proposed for calculating savings that can be gained through unification of business processes in a multi-site company. A specific example of such calculations is presented. The reduction of time needed to carry out business process activities is realistic and can become a source of financial savings for a multi-site company. The medical example shows ability to reduce process execution time from hours to minutes. Such a significant time gain is possible not only owing to unification of the business process activities, but mainly through IT support and automation of most of the process activities.
Incorporating elements from image recommender systems within a personalized virtual tour framework

A major vehicle that makes personalization possible is the recommender system that offers solution to overcome today’s world of information overflow. It provides specific suggestions based on user requirements, profiles or similar cases that have been previously handled by the system. This paper intends to illustrate the key elements summarized from previous image recommender systems, to be embedded within the suggested personalized virtual tour framework conducted in this research. This discussion will start by reviewing recommendation strategies that implement different ways of providing recommendations. As the focus of this paper is on image recommender systems, five key elements for better recommendations have been compiled based on a literature survey. Subsequently, these key elements were incorporated within a preliminary hybrid personalized virtual tour framework known as the ‘See What You Want, Feel What You See’ (SeeWYW, FeelWYS) model. Basically, the objective of this research on image recommendation is to implement a hybrid recommendation approach, which includes the socio-demographic and context-aware recommender engines. The socio-demographic recommender will deliver a suitable virtual route based on user demographic profiles. Following the suggested virtual route, a context-aware recommender will present a sequence of panorama that can be adapted based on user’s emotion as contextual information. It is hoped that these initial findings will provide insight on how to produce improved personalized and adaptive recommender system with good usability and good user feedback as well.
THE INDONESIAN STOCK MARKET PERFORMANCE DURING ASIAN ECONOMIC CRISIS AND GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS

Volatility in the stock market had strongly affected by the movement of publicly or even inside information. The movements of this information will generate the perspectives and expectations of investors in decision-making. How strong is the level of market efficiency in determining the movement of stock market, especially to achieve stability in the stock market during the economic crisis? How effective are the policies of central banks in controlling the movement of the stock market? This study aims to measure the factors that influence changes in the movement of stock price in Indonesian stock market in terms of market efficiency hypothesis. This research also aims to investigate the effectiveness of central bank policy in controlling and stabilizing the movement of stocks in Indonesia. The research will focus on the economic crisis in 1997 and the global crisis in 2008 as case studies. Thepaperutilizesthe vector error-correction model, impulse responses and variance decomposition in measuring the contribution of the factors that affect the movement of stock and determine the effectiveness of central bank policy. The findings are beneficialto central banks, governments, companies and investors in strengthening the Indonesian Stock Market particularly in facing the threat of financial crisis.
High-Speed Low-Power Global On-Chip Interconnect Based on Delayed Symbol Transmission

This paper describes a novel global on-chip interconnect scheme, in which a one UI-delayed symbol as well as the current symbol is sent for easing the sensing operation at receiver end. With this approach, the voltage swing on the channel for reliable sensing can be reduced, resulting in performance improvement in terms of power consumption, peak current, and delay spread due to PVT variations, as compared to the conventional repeater insertion schemes. Evaluation for on-chip interconnects having various lengths in a 130 nm CMOS process indicated that the proposed on-chip interconnect scheme achieved a power reduction of up to 71.3%. The peak current during data transmission and the delay spread due to PVT variations were also reduced by as much as 52.1% and 65.3%, respectively.
Towards a pragmatics of weblogs

El weblog ha sorgit com una de les formes mes dinamiques de comunicacio, en la qual els usuaris d'Internet “pengen” qualsevol informacio que consideren que pot atreure l'atencio d'altres usuaris. Ja s'han escrit molts articles i llibres sobre aquest fenomen comunicatiu, pero fins ara el weblog no ha estat analitzat en termes purament pragmatic-cognitius. Aquest article proporciona una primera analisi pragmatica des de la teoria de la rellevancia del discurs dels weblogs i les seves qualitats comunicatives i limitacions.
Financialization and Structural Change in Commodity Futures Markets

The first decade of the 21st century has perhaps witnessed more structural change in commodity futures markets than all previous decades combined. Not only have trading volumes and open interest increased markedly, but this time period also saw historic changes in both trading and participants. The available literature indicates that the irrational and harmful impacts of the structural changes in commodity futures markets over the last decade have been minimal. In particular, there is little evidence that passive index investment caused a massive bubble in commodity futures prices. There is intriguing evidence of several other rational and beneficial impacts of the structural changes over the last decade. In particular, the expanding market participation may have decreased risk premiums, and hence, the cost of hedging, reduced price volatility, and better integrated commodity markets with financial markets.
ACCURATE MODELING OF MICROSTRIP DUMBBELL SHAPED SLOT RESOANTOR (DSSR) FOR MINIATURIZED TUNABLE RESOANTOR AND BAND-PASS FILTER

In this paper, a novel dumbbell shaped slot resonator (DSSR) is introduced and investigated based on a circuit theory and electromagnetic (EM) simulation. Lumped and distributed equivalent circuit models are then presented for an analysis of the proposed DSSR. The circuit and EM simulated results validate the DSSR's equivalent circuit models and their analysis methodologies. Since the proposed DSSR does not employ ground slots, additional etching process for the ground plane is not necessary. Thus, one can minimize the cost and fabrication errors. For the DSSR's applications, the miniaturized tunable DSSR and band-pass fllter (BPF) are designed, simulated, and measured. The tunable DSSR does not require additional lumped DC- block capacitors since DC is isolated due to the coupled gap structures in an input and output. In the BPF design, two DSSRs are simply coupled by input/output ports. Both simulated and measured results of the designed tunable resonator and BPF show good agreement.