Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change Disaggregating Household Transport in the MIT-EPPA Model

The GTAP version 5 dataset has three transportation sectors. However, household transportation expenditures related to private automobiles are not represented explicitly in the data. We augment the existing GTAP data to separately disaggregate household transportation and explore the implications of this extension in the MIT Emissions Predictions and Policy Analysis (EPPA) model. Climate policy designed to limit carbon emissions affects the fuel cost. Thus, we calculate a change in welfare for a carbon policy scenario with and without a separate household transportation sector. Disaggregating transport into purchased and own-supplied increases the welfare costs of a carbon policy by around 5-20% in different regions. A sensitivity analysis with respect to different values of elasticities of substitution in household transportation is performed. The disaggregation allows us to make better use of the extensive work in the transportation sector to understand substitution possibilities.
Axisymmetric flow in a cylindrical tank over a rotating bottom. Part I. Analysis of boundary layers and vertical circulation

Axisymmetric flow in a cylindrical tank over a rotating bottom is investigated and its approximate solution with an analytic expression is obtained. The interior region, comprising the majority of the fluid, consists of two sub-regions. It is easily shown that a rigid-body rotational flow with the same rotation rate as that of the bottom is formed in the inner interior and that a potential flow with constant angular momentum occurs in the outer interior sub-region. However, the radius that divides these two sub-regions has not been determined. To determine this radius, the structures of the boundary layers are investigated in detail. These boundary layers surround the interior regions, and include the boundaries between the interior region and the side wall of the tank, between the interior and the bottom, and between the inner and outer interior sub-regions. By connecting the flows in the boundary layers, the vertical circulation as a whole is established, and consequently the radius dividing the two interior sub-regions is successfully determined as a function of the aspect ratio of the water layer region. This axisymmetric flow will be utilized as the basic state for investigating theoretically various non-axisymmetric phenomena observed in laboratory experiments.
A Neural Theory of Attentive Visual Search : Interactions of Boundary , Surface , Spatial , and Object Representations By : Stephen Grossberg

This study was supported in part by grants from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research and the Office of Naval Research to Stephen Grossberg, Ennio Mingolla, and William D. Ross; a grant from the Northeast Consortium for Engineering Education to Ennio Mingolla: and grants from British Petroleum and the National Science Foundation to William D. Ross. We wish to thank Robin Locke for her valuable assistance in the preparation of this article.
Thermal-depth matching in dynamic scene based on affine projection and feature registration

This paper aims to study the construction of 3D temperature distribution reconstruction system based on depth and thermal infrared information. Initially, a traditional calibration method cannot be directly used, because the depth and thermal infrared camera is not sensitive to the color calibration board. Therefore, this paper aims to design a depth and thermal infrared camera calibration board to complete the calibration of the depth and thermal infrared camera. Meanwhile a local feature descriptors in thermal and depth images is proposed. The belief propagation matching algorithm is also investigated based on the space affine transformation matching and local feature matching. The 3D temperature distribution model is built based on the matching of 3D point cloud and 2D thermal infrared information. Experimental results show that the method can accurately construct the 3D temperature distribution model, and has strong robustness.
Emotional contagion for unseen bodily expressions: Evidence from facial EMG

Emotional contagion refers to the tendency to automatically mimic and synchronize our facial expressions with those of another person. Recent EMG studies have shown that emotionally-congruent expressive reactions in the observer's face may be also elicited by the perception of bodily expressions, thus challenging the view that emotional contagion is simply due to motor imitation based on conscious visual recognition. Here we investigated whether emotional contagion may be triggered by bodily expressions that cannot be consciously perceived. Facial EMG was recorded in response to the presentation of backwardly masked happy and fearful bodily expressions. The subjects reacted with emotionally-congruent facial expressions (i.e., greater zygomaticus major activity for happy expressions, and greater corrugator supercilli activity for fearful expressions), despite the fact that they were unable to consciously detect the triggering body stimuli. The present findings suggest that expressive facial reactions may unfold as an automatic response driven by the activation of emotion-specific affect programs that are independent from conscious visual recognition.
The Impact of Rate Regulation on Claims Evidence from Massachusetts Automobile Insurance

Rate regulation has a long history in insurance markets. In many states an important goal of regulation is to reduce price variation across purchasers, and specifically to reduce price levels for high-risk purchasers. That feature of rate regulation leads to price cross-subsidies from low-risk purchasers to high-risk purchasers. Consumers who are charged higher prices in order to finance cross-subsidies to high-risks may be less likely to purchase insurance and to reduce participation in insured activities. These adverse selection effects will lead to a higher proportion of high-risk consumers and a higher proportion of insurance purchased by high-risks. 1 In addition, because cross-subsidies reduce the links between insurance risk and insurance prices, all consumers face reduced incentives for loss prevention and safety investments due to moral hazard. The article tests the hypothesis that insurance price subsidies lead to higher insurance cost growth. To squarely focus on the impact of regulatory price subsidies rather than that of price regulation more generally, the paper makes use of data from the Massachusetts private passenger automobile insurance market. Cross-subsidies were explicitly built into the rate structure through rules that limit rate differentials and differences in rate increases across driver rating categories. Two approaches were taken to study the potential loss cost reaction to the Massachusetts cross-subsidies that began in systematic form in 1977 and continued through 2007. The first approach compared Massachusetts to all other states on demographic, regulatory and liability coverage levels. Loss cost levels that were 44 to 50 percent above the expected level were found for Massachusetts during the 1978-1995 periods when premiums charged were those fixed by the state and included explicit cross subsidies from low risk drivers to high risk drivers. A second approach considered changing cost levels across Massachusetts by studying loss cost changes by town and relating those changes to subsidy providers and subsidy receivers. Subsidy data for 1999-2007, with underlying accident year data for 1993-2004
Approximating structured singular values for discrete Fourier transformation matrices

In this article, we present the numerical computations of singular values and lower bounds of structured singular values, known as μ-values, for a family of Discrete Fourier Transform matrices. The μ-value is a well-known mathematical tool in linear control theory which speaks about the stability and instability analysis of feedback systems. The comparison of lower bounds of μ-values with the well-known MATLAB routine mussv is investigated.
Experimental study of sloshing noise in a partially filled rectangular tank under periodic excitation

Liquid sloshing is becoming a major source of noise in hybrid and high-end luxury cars, especially during acceleration/deceleration driving conditions. This is due to the reduction in noise from other sources, namely, engine, transmission system, road–tyre interaction and so on. Sloshing noise is highly dependent on fluid motion in the containers. Based on the fluid motion in the containers, sloshing is classified into different regimes. The present experimental study discusses the noise generation mechanisms for various sloshing regimes. It is done by emulating different sloshing regimes in a partially filled rectangular tank by imposing longitudinal periodic excitation. The effect of fill level on noise generation phenomenon in each regime is analysed, individually, using dynamic response parameters and high-speed camera images. In this study, the measured dynamic response parameters are pressure, force, acceleration and sound pressure levels as a function of time. The fundamental reasons for the cause of sloshing noise in partially filled rectangular tanks are identified in terms of fluid motion and its interaction with the surrounding objects. The excitations upto the sloshing resonance condition cause hydraulic jumps along the tank walls leading to hit noise. Excitations beyond the sloshing natural frequency cause the predominant interaction of surface waves with surrounding fluid leading to splash noise.
Coupling Stokes-Darcy flow with transport on irregular geometries

This thesis studies a mathematical model, in which Stokes-Darcy flow system is coupled with a transport equation. The objective is to develop stable and convergent numerical schemes that could be used in environmental applications. Special attention is given to discretization methods which can handle irregular geometry. First, we will use a multiscale mortar finite element method to discretize coupled Stokes-Darcy flows on irregular domains. Especially, we will utilize a special discretization method called multi-point flux mixed finite element method to handle Darcy flow. This method is accurate for rough grids and rough full tensor coefficients, and reduces to a cell-centered pressure scheme. On quadrilaterals and hexahedra the method can be formulated either on the physical space or on the reference space, leading to a non-symmetric or symmetric scheme, respectively. While Stokes region is discretized by standard inf-sup stable elements. The mortar space can be coarser and it is used to approximate the normal stress on the interface and to impose weakly continuity of normal flux. The interfaces can be curved and matching conditions are imposed via appropriate mappings from physical grids to reference grids with flat interfaces. Another approach that we use to deal with the flow equations is based on non-overlapping domain decomposition. Domain decomposition enables us to solve the coupled Stokes-Darcy flow problem in parallel by partitioning the computational domain into subdomains, upon which families of coupled local problems of lower complexity are formulated. The coupling of the subdomain problems is removed through an iterative procedure. We investigate the properties of this method and derive estimates for the condition number of the associated algebraic system. To discretize the transport equation we develop a local discontinuous Galerkin mortar method. In the method, the subdomain grids need not match and the mortar grid may be much coarser, giving a two-scale method. We weakly impose the boundary condition on the inflow part of the interface and the Dirichlet boundary condition on the elliptic part of the interface via Lagrange multipliers. We develop stability for the concentration and the diffusive flux in the transport equation.
Two multivariate generalized beta families

ABSTRACT A multivariate generalized beta distribution is introduced that extends the univariate generalized beta distribution and includes many multivariate distributions, such as the multivariate beta of the first and second kind, the generalized gamma, and the Burr and Dirichlet distributions as special and limiting cases. These interrelationships can be illustrated using a distributional family tree. The corresponding marginal distributions are univariate generalized beta distributions and their special cases. Selected expressions for the moments are reported, and an application to the joint distribution of income and wealth is presented. A simple transformation of the multivariate generalized beta distribution leads to what will be referred to as a multivariate exponential generalized beta distribution, which includes a multivariate form of the logistics and Burr distributions as special cases.
Calculation of precise firing statistics in a neural network model

A precise prediction of neural firing dynamics is requisite to understand the function of and the learning process in a biological neural network which works depending on exact spike timings. Basically, the prediction of firing statistics is a delicate manybody problem because the firing probability of a neuron at a time is determined by the summation over all effects from past firing states. A neural network model with the Feynman path integral formulation is recently introduced. In this paper, we present several methods to calculate firing statistics in the model. We apply the methods to some cases and compare the theoretical predictions with simulation results.
Explicit Solutions for Root Optimization of a Polynomial Family With One Affine Constraint

Given a family of real or complex monic polynomials of fixed degree with one affine constraint on their coefficients, consider the problem of minimizing the root radius (largest modulus of the roots) or root abscissa (largest real part of the roots). We give constructive methods for efficiently computing the globally optimal value as well as an optimal polynomial when the optimal value is attained and an approximation when it is not. An optimal polynomial can always be chosen to have at most two distinct roots in the real case and just one distinct root in the complex case. Examples are presented illustrating the results, including several fixed-order controller optimal design problems.
COMMITTEE ON TOXICITY OF CHEMICALS IN FOOD , CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND THE ENVIRONMENT Scoping paper on the potential adverse effects of CBD products

5. CBD products are becoming increasing popular. According to Forbes magazine the market could grow 700% by 2020. The CBD market could pull in $16 billion by 2025 (Cowen Survey). The Cowen survey found that CBD use is highest among consumers aged 18 to 34. Liquid extracts accounted for the biggest chunk of the market at 44 percent, followed by other topicals at 26%, capsules at 22% and beverages at 19%.
COMMITTEE ON TOXICITY OF CHEMICALS IN FOOD, CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND THE ENVIRONMENT

2. The available toxicity data on chlorinated paraffins had previously been reviewed under the EU Existing Substances Regulation, with the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as rapporteur for these risk assessments by the European Chemicals Bureau (ECB). This statement summarises the relevant data from the risk assessment reports and details relevant papers published since the EU risk assessments were completed (1999 for short chain compounds and 2004 for medium chain compounds). The search strategy used to identify papers subsequent to the EU risk assessments is provided in Annex A. The statement also takes into account an update of the EU risk assessment for short chain CPs, which was published in 2008. Changes in the updated risk assessment related mainly to the section on environmental risk, but the section on human health was augmented to include consideration of human infants exposed via milk.
Plantarflexor Muscle-Tendon Properties are Associated With Mobility in Healthy Older Adults.

BACKGROUND Muscle mass, strength, and power are known determinants of mobility in older adults but there is limited knowledge on the influence of muscle architecture or tendon properties on mobility. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between mobility and plantarflexor muscle-tendon properties in healthy older adults. METHODS A total of 52 subjects (age 70-81 years) were measured for 6-minute walk test (6MWT), timed "up and go"-test (TUG), isometric plantarflexion strength, Achilles tendon stiffness, triceps surae muscle architecture, lower extremity lean mass, isometric leg extension strength, and leg extension power. Partial correlations and multivariate regression models adjusted for sex, age, body mass, and height were used to examine the relationship between mobility (6MWT and TUG) and lower limb muscle-tendon properties. RESULTS Multivariate regression models revealed that Achilles tendon stiffness (p = .020), plantarflexion strength (p = .022), and medial gastrocnemius fascicle length (p = .046) were independently associated with 6MWT. Plantarflexion strength (p = .037) and soleus fascicle length (p = .031) were independently associated with TUG. CONCLUSIONS Plantarflexor muscle-tendon properties were associated with mobility in older adults independent of lower extremity lean mass, leg extension strength, or power. Plantarflexion strength was a stronger predictor of mobility than leg extension strength or power. The novel finding of this study was that muscle architecture and tendon properties explained interindividual differences in mobility. This study highlights the importance of the plantarflexors for mobility in older adults and provides understanding of possible mechanisms of age-related decline in mobility.
Supercontinuum generation in photonic crystal fibers using quasi-CW pumping

Supercontinuum generation is often achieved using pulses from a femtosecond laser. Recent advances in highpower continuous-wave (CW) fiber lasers have made it possible to use these compact and rugged sources for supercontinuum generation. We briefly review the physical mechanisms behind supercontinuum generation and also treat some of the intricacies of numerically modelling a CW pump. This allows an investigation of, e.g., how the pump spectral linewidth affects the supercontinuum spectrum.
An integrated 13.56-MHz RFID tag in a printed organic complementary TFT technology on flexible substrate

This paper presents the first printed organic 13-MHz RFID on flexible substrate. The proposed sol ution includes a planar near field antenna bonded to an R FID tag, which is printed on flexible foil using an organic complementary TFT technology. Thanks to an active envelope detect or, ASK modulation with modulation depth as low as 20% can be adopted to increase the available input power for the recti f er. The RFID functionality is demonstrated at the internally generated supply voltage of 24 V, for a reading range of 2-5 cm and a bit-rate up to 50 bit/s. With more than 250 transistors on the same foil, this work represents the most complex circuit ever publi shed in a printed organic complementary TFT technology.
Predictability of Pi Angle and Comparison with ANB Angle, W Angle, Yen Angle, and Beta Angle in South Indian Population

Objectives: Anteroposterior jaw relationship measurement is an important aspect of orthodontic diagnosis. Commonly used parameters for anteroposterior assessment are Wit's appraisal, ANB, Beta, Yen, and W angles, but they have shortcomings. The present study assesses the predictability of Pi angle and compares it with the other anteroposterior dysplasia indicators. Materials and Methods: A total of 150 lateral cephalograms were obtained. They were further subdivided into Classes I, II, and III groups on the basis of ANB angle. Pi, Yen, W, and Beta angle were measured in all three groups. analysis of variance analysis and correlation coefficient analysis were done to assess the significance of association between these variables. Results: Yen angle is a good determinant to differentiate between the three groups. Chi Square test indicated Yen and Pi angle to be most predictable for differentiating Class I cases, with 64% and 66% accuracy, respectively. Pi angle was found to be less predictable for differentiating Class II and III cases, with an accuracy of 16% and 24%, respectively. Conclusion: Beta angle was most predictable for Class II and III subjects. Yen angle had a significant correlation with W angle for Class I subjects. Pi angle had a significant correlation with Yen angle and W angle for Class II subjects.
A practical guide to trade policy analysis

Overview - Trade flows and trade policies need to be properly quantified to describe, compare or follow the evolution of policies between sectors or countries or over time. This is essential to ensure that policy choices are made with an appropriate knowledge of the real conditions. - This practical guide introduces the main techniques of trade and trade policy data analysis. It shows how to develop the main indices used to analyse trade flows, tariff structures and non-tariff measures. It presents the databases needed to construct these indices as well as the challenges faced in collecting and processing these data, such as measurement errors or aggregation bias. - Gravity models are a means to understanding the determinants and patterns of trade and assessing the trade effects of certain trade policies, such as WTO accession or the signing of preferential trade agreements. The appropriate specification of the model and estimation method is crucial for reliable results. This practical guide guides you in making the right choice. - Trade policies generally have diverse effects across economic sectors and ultimately individuals. The welfare impact of trade policies is therefore an important concern for policy-makers. - This practical guide provides an overview of how applied partial and general equilibrium models can be used to assess the impact of policy reforms such as tariff reductions. The aim is to provide the reader with an understanding of how these models work, what they can and cannot do, and what is required to make them operational. - In particular, the practical guide offers a hands-on introduction on how to use the most common partial equilibrium models and how to estimate the distributional effects of trade policies on welfare, in particular on inequality and poverty.
The Instability of Democratic Decisions

PHILIP D. STRAFFIN JR. Beloit College Decisions I n any society, people with different preferences have to decide on common courses of action. In a democratic society, we often do this by voting, usually by majority rule. When there are many possible courses of action, a decision may require a sequence of votes-a legislature might vote on amendments to amendments, then on amendments, then on a final bill. When this happens, it's important to understand how stable the result is. We would like to think that the result of democratic decision-making reflects "the will of the people. " If the decision were made again tomorrow by the same people with the same preferences, but perhaps by a different sequence of votes, the decision should be the same, or at least approximately the same. One way that political scientists have approached this question is by building and analyzing mathematical models. I'd like to show you how one class of models-geometric or "spatial" models-deals with the question of the stability of democratic decisions. I think you'll find the insights they offer surprising, and perhaps disturbing.