Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Revisiting MDG Cost Estimates from a Domestic Resource Mobilisation Perspective

This paper aims at providing an estimate of the resource envelope required in order to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) on the global level. As widely acknowledged by previous contributors to this literature, modelling the cost of achieving the MDGs poses many data and methodological challenges.Like previous contributions, this paper relies on a very simple growth model to relate development financing — private or public — to growth in order to estimate how much it would cost to halve poverty across developing countries. The virtue of this model is precisely its simplicity but the trade-off is that it does not claim to take account of the effects of increases in development financing, tax revenues, public expenditure and transfers on the general equilibrium of the economy to which it is applied. For instance, increasing the supply of schooling does not necessarily guarantee that it will be met with an equivalent increase in the demand for education. The model used in this paper simply provides orders of magnitude that are helpful to size up the challenges that meeting MDGs entails for low- and middle-income countries.Similarly, when measuring the amount of transfers or government expenditure that it would take to achieve the poverty, education and health MDGs across countries, this paper acknowledges that the link between inputs and outcomes is often weak and that absorption and delivery issues can represent significant challenges in developing countries. From this perspective, the orders of magnitude presented cannot be taken to be precise estimates, especially at the country level, of how much public expenditure would be needed to increase in order to achieve specific MDGs. The importance of framing the corresponding debate in the larger framework of the quality of public policy and institutions is, indeed, a key take-away from the MDG costing exercise undertaken in this paper.
The Formation of High-temperature Materials by Direct High-frequency Fusion in a Cold Container

A new technology of the formation of high-temperature non-metallic crystals, glasses, and fused ceramic materials is described. It is based on the method of direct induction fusion in a cold container. An account is given of the physical foundations of the technology and the technological apparatus is described. The possibilities and advantages of the new technology in the synthesis of pure high-temperature compounds in melts, in the growing of single crystals of oxide compounds, and in the preparation of high-temperature glasses and polycrystalline fused ceramics are demonstrated. The properties of the new materials are described. The bibliography includes 83 references.
Computational identification of posttranslational modification sites and functional families reveal possible moonlighting role of rotaviral proteins

Rotavirus (RV) diarrhoea causes huge number deaths in children less than 5 years of age. In spite of available vaccines, it has been difficult to combat RV due to large number of antigenically distinct genotypes, high mutation rates, generation of reassortant viruses due to segmented genome. RV is an eukaryotic virus which utilizes host cell machinery for its propagation. Since RV only encodes 12 proteins, posttranslational modification (PTM) is important mechanism for modification, which consequently alters their function. A single protein exhibiting different functions in different locations or in different subcellular sites, are known to be ’moonlighting‘. So there is a possibility that viral proteins moonlight in separate location and in different time to exhibit diverse cellular effects. Based on the primary sequence, the putative behaviour of proteins in cellular environment can be predicted, which helps to classify them into different functional families with high reliability score. In this study, sites for phosphorylation, glycosylation and SUMOylation of the six RV structural proteins (VP1, VP2, VP3, VP4, VP6 & VP7) & five nonstructural proteins (NSP1, NSP2,NSP3,NSP4 & NSP5) and the functional families were predicted. As NSP6 is a very small protein and not required for virus growth & replication, it was not included in the study. Classification of RV proteins revealed multiple putative functions of each structural protein and varied number of PTM sites, indicating that RV proteins may also moonlight depending on requirements during viral life cycle. Targeting the crucial PTM sites on RV structural proteins may have implications in developing future antirotaviral strategies.
Generalized alpha-approximations for two-stage mixed-integer recourse models

We propose a new class of convex approximations for two-stage mixed-integer recourse models, the so-called generalized alpha-approximations. To guarantee the performance of these approximations we derive corresponding error bounds that depend on the total variations of the probability density functions of the random variables in the model. The error bounds converge to zero if these total variations converge to zero. The advantage of our convex approximations over existing ones is that they are more suitable for eﬃcient computations. Indeed, we use these approximations to construct an algorithm that is able to solve large problem instances in reasonable time. We empirically assess our solution method on nurse scheduling test instances and randomly generated test instances, and show that our method ﬁnds near-optimal solutions if the variability of the random elements in the model is large. Moreover, our method outperforms existing methods in terms of computation time, especially for large problem instances.
A user interface to explore music artists via multimedia content

This article presents an approach to browse collections of web pages about music artists by means of descriptive terms and multimedia content. To this end, a user interface called Three-Dimensional Co-Occurrence Browser (3D-COB) is introduced. 3D-COB automatically extracts and weights terms from artist-related web pages. This textual information is complemented with information on the multimedia content found on the web pages. For the user interface of 3D-COB, we elaborated a three-dimensional extension of the Sunburst visualization technique. The hierarchical data to be visualized is obtained by analyzing the web pages for combinations of co-occurring terms that are highly ranked by a term weighting function. We further investigated, in a first user study, different term weighting strategies to generate the visualization. A second user study was carried out to assess ergonomic aspects of 3D-COB, especially its usefulness for gaining a quick overview of a set of web pages and for efficiently browsing within this set.
On Nelson's stochastic mechanics for a semiclassical parabolic state

This thesis presents an analysis of a stochastic process characterising a parabolic motion with small random perturbations. This process arises from consid­ erations of the Bohr correspondence limit of the atomic elliptic state. It represents the semiclassical behaviour of a particle, describing a parabolic orbit under a Coulomb potential. By first considering the analogous classical mechanical system, we investigate the difference between the classical and semiclassical systems. Chapter 1 begins by introducing Nelson’s stochastic mechanics as a refor­ mulation of Schrodinger’s wave mechanics. Comparisons are drawn between the classical and quantum Kepler problems. In Chapter 2, we consider earlier results of Durran, Neate and Truman, together with a derivation of the parabolic state by considering the limit of the eccentricity of the semiclassical elliptic diffusion. We proceed to anal­ yse the resulting stochastic differential equation, proving the existence of a solution in the weak sense. A complete analysis of the trajectory and timedependence of the corresponding classical system is also provided. Chapter 3 focuses on asymptotic series solutions to more general stochas­ tic differential equations in both one and two dimensions. Methods consid­ ered are used to find the first order quantum correction to the parabolic orbit in terms of time-ordered products. We conclude in Chapter 4 by applying the Levi-Civita transformation to the semiclassical orbit, yielding first order quantum corrections to both its Cartesian coordinates and areal velocity.
Fungi-based porous carbons for CO2 adsorption and separation

A series of porous carbons (PCs) with adjustable high surface areas and narrow micropore size distributions have been prepared by KOH activation of fungi-based carbon sources. The resulting PCs demonstrate both high CO2 uptake (5.5 mmol g−1) and high CO2/N2 selectivity (27.3) at 273 K and 1 bar, implying their great potential as CO2 capture sorbents.
Source apportionment of mutagenic activity of fine particle organics in Boise, Idaho

A multiple linear regression receptor model has been used to apportion ambient concentrations of fine particle extractable organic matter (EOM) and associated mutagenicity (Salmonella typhimurium TA98 +S9), measured in Boise ID during the 1986-1987 winter. Extensive {sup 14}C measurements were also employed to verify the accuracy of the wood smoke contribution estimate given by the regression approach. In general the Boise results are found to be consistent with those of earlier studies in Albuquerque NM and Raleigh NC, with mutagenic potencies of about 1 and 3 revertants per microgram of EOM for wood smoke and mobile source emissions, respectively. The measurements were performed as part of the U.S. EPA's Integrated Air Cancer Project.
The Economic Performance of Quebec: Facts and Challenges (IV)

I characterize the performance of the Quebec economy over the last quarter century: 1981-2007. Many indicators are presented: GDP, GDP per capita, population, job creation, employment rates, average weekly earnings, private investments, exports, debt, R&D. In spite of some strong sectors, the global economic performance of Quebec has been significantly lower than that of the rest of Canada and the United States. Many challenges are confronting us. We are in a certain sense condemned to be more efficient and more innovative than our main competitors and partners in order to reverse the current trend towards marginality. We need a new quiet revolution capable of both reaffirming the social-democratic goals and principles that have become synonymous with modern Quebec and emerging from a radically different set of ways, means and policies, that is, a new quiet revolution to implement a competitive social-democracy.
High-Q bulk acoustic wave resonators for RF filter applications

This thesis proposes a novel design method for optimizing bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonators, including film bulk acoustic resonators (FBAR) and solidly mounted resonators (SMR). The purpose is to enhance their quality factors Q at the frequencies of interest. These resonators are targeted for the filters in the radio frequency (RF) front-end module of mobile devices. The significant losses at such high frequencies make the optimization more challenging. In the present work, acoustic loss induced by lateral leakage of Lamb waves in an FBAR or generalized Lamb waves in an SMR is alleviated to obtain a high Q factor at its antiresonance frequency. This is done by systematically modifying the resonator geometry. A dual-step frame placed atop the periphery region of a resonator serves as a lateral Bragg reflector. Each step of this frame is considered as a “mirror layer” of the reflector. Laterally propagating waves once encountering this reflector bounce back into the resonator. These waves are inhibited from escaping to the outside area and their energy is thus confined within the resonator’s active region. The key feature of the proposed frame is its ability to reflect the two wave modes that carry the largest energy. Accordingly, the step widths are calculated by means of the diffraction grating method that was previously recommended for the Bragg reflector of an SMR in literature. The step heights are estimated so that sufficient acoustic impedance mismatches are created between the non-frame regions and the step, and between the two steps. Since these computations require insight about lateral waves propagating in a BAW resonator, the characteristics of these waves in a mixed-multilayer stack of non-piezoelectric and piezoelectric materials are studied. Both Finite element method (FEM) simulations and matrix methods are utilized to determine the phase velocities of the waves, mode shapes, energy carried by each mode and acoustic impedance of each resonator region. FEM simulations are then used to evaluate the operation and performance of all the designed resonators. The inclusion of more filters in modern RF front-end modules with limited areas suggests the device miniaturization. The impact of a reduced area on the working frequencies and performance of BAW resonators is thus investigated. As the area shrinks, the significance of lateral edge contribution to the main resonance is more prominent. The effects of a micro variation in the resonator area on its Q factor v at antiresonance frequency are also determined. This finding provides an essential guideline to designing the resonators using 2D FEM simulations. The SMR-type resonators of three different non-framed designs are fabricated and measured to demonstrate the impact of a resonator size and shape on its performance. The (vertical) Bragg reflectors of these SMRs are designed to reflect both longitudinal and shear waves. The samples are fabricated in a consecutive sequence so that the later one can overcome the problems faced by its former one.
Who's in to Win?: Participation Rate in a Primary Personal Information Market

Understanding individuals’ willingness to share their personal data with companies is an important theme in social media research. Yet there is a dearth of research into the issue of granting access to social media data in exchange for financial compensation. Currently there is no readily available means by which individuals can reap a financial benefit by selling their personally generated data. One solution which could address this is a permissions-based Primary Personal Information Market (PPIM). This paper investigates the willingness of digital citizens to grant access to their social media data in exchange for financial compensation. We simulated requests to access personal information and found that the 90% confidence interval for the proportion of digital citizens who accepted one or more request was [79.8%, 91.3%] with a sample estimate of 86.5%. We found significant factors in this decision were, age, ethnic background, price offered, contact channel, use and company type.
Cenozoic biogenic silica sedimentation in the Antarctic Ocean, based on two deep sea drilling project sites

The Antarctic Ocean during Cenozoic time experienced four periods of enhanced siliceous productivity. The beginning of the Miocene and the Pliocene-Quaternary are the two major periods. The Pliocene-Quaternary increase in productivity began 5 m.y. ago and has progressively increased to the present level of intense surface productivity. Two short-lived periods of slightly increased surface productivity were the middle Eocene and the middle Miocene. The major control of Antarctic surface productivity through the Cenozoic has been climate. Climate in the Southern Ocean is ultimately controlled by tectonic changes in the Antarctic Ocean basin, which altered the patterns of surface and thermohaline circulation. Antarctic surface waters became more conducive to siliceous biological productivity with the progressive latitudinal and thermal isolation of Antarctica. Opal production during the Neogene increased particularly during globally cooler times, due to the intensification of upwelling south of the Polar Front. This intensification was caused by accelerated atmospheric circulation and an increased volume production of Antarctic Bottom Water. Since the Oligocene, times of increasing productivity in the Antarctic correspond to periods of decreasing productivity in the central equatorial Pacific Ocean. It appears that high concentrations of limiting nutrients upwelling in the Southern Ocean have enabled the region to successfully “compete” for silica. The efficiency of the biological cycling of silica has progressed to the extent in the Antarctic that much of the silica assimilation and accumulation has transferred to the Antarctic at the expense of other productive oceanic regions such as the central equatorial Pacific.
ESC / EAS Guidelines for the management of dyslipidaemias

Authors/Task Force Members: Željko Reiner* (ESC Chairperson) (Croatia) Alberico L. Catapano* (EAS Chairperson)* (Italy), Guy De Backer (Belgium), Ian Graham (Ireland), Marja-Riitta Taskinen (Finland), Olov Wiklund (Sweden), Stefan Agewall (Norway), Eduardo Alegria (Spain), M. John Chapman (France), Paul Durrington (UK), Serap Erdine (Turkey), Julian Halcox (UK), Richard Hobbs (UK), John Kjekshus (Norway), Pasquale Perrone Filardi (Italy), Gabriele Riccardi (Italy), Robert F. Storey (UK), David Wood (UK).
Prediction of Monthly Fluoride Content in Tigris River using SARIMA Model in R Software

The need to create the optimal water quality management process has motivated researchers to pursue prediction modeling development. One of the widely important forecasting models is the sessional autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) model. In the present study, a SARIMA model was developed in R software to fit a time series data of monthly fluoride content collected from six stations on Tigris River for the period from 2004 to 2014. The adequate SARIMA model that has the least Akaike's information criterion (AIC) and mean squared error (MSE) was found to be SARIMA (2, 0, 0) (0,1,1). The model parameters were identified and diagnosed to derive the forecasting equations at each selected location. The correlation coefficient between the actual and predicted values for fluoride concentration at the six locations, Al-Karakh, East Tigris, Al-Wathbah, AL-Karamah, Al-Rashid and Al-Wahda WTP intakes, was 0.93, 0.82, 0.86, 0.90, 0.83 and 0.89, respectively. Model verification results indicated that the model forecasting outputs rationally estimated the actual monthly fluoride content in the selected locations.
Nunn, Patrick D., 1998. Sea-Level Changes over the Past 1,000 Years in the Pacific. Journal of Coastal Research, 14(1), 23-30.

Based on data from American Samoa, Fiji, the Gambier Islands, Guam, Kosrae, New Zealand, Rota and the Tuamotus, NUNN (1998) presented a sea-level envelope for the southern Pacific basin covering the past 1200 years. He identified: (1) a slow sea-level rise between ~1000 BP and ~700 BP from close to present sea level to ~0.9 m above present sea level; (2) a rapid fall of sea level around ~700-650 BP of ~1.4 m; (3) stable sea level between ~650 BP and --~450 BP; (4) a rise to 'a little above present sea level' around 430 BP; (5) slowly falling sea level to 0.9 m below present sea level between 430 BP and 200 BP; and (6) rapid sea-level rise in the past 150-200 years. Episodes 1 and 3-5 were associated with the Little Climatic Optimum and the Little Ice Age, respectively. It may be argued that sea-level data from such a wide geographical area should not be presented in the same diagram, even when selected data are from presumed 'stable' coastlines, because true isostatic stability does not exist (MITROVICA and PELTIER, 1991). However, the sole purpose of this discussion is to demonstrate that the proposed relationships between climate and sea level are not supported by the data if all height uncertainties and, particularly, age uncertainties are considered.
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF WINE ECONOMISTS

The standard economic analysis of product-line pricing by Mussa and Rosen (1978) implies that higher-quality varieties command higher absolute mark-ups. It is widely claimed that this property does not apply to wine lists. Restaurateurs are believed to overprice the second-cheapest wine to exploit naïve diners embarrassed to choose the cheapest option. This paper investigates which view is correct. We find that the mark-up on the second cheapest wine is significantly below that on the four next more expensive wines. It is an urban myth that the second-cheapest wine is an especially bad buy. Percentage mark-ups are highest on mid-range wines. This is consistent with the profit-maximising pricing of a vertically differentiated product line with no behavioral elements, although other factors may contribute to the price pattern. * Thanks for very helpful comments to Orley Ashenfelter, Dan Ariely, Stefen Huck, Yona Rubinstein, Karl Storchmann, Catherine Thomas, David Webb and seminar participants at the American Association of Wine Economists and the Competition and Capabilities seminar, LSE a Department of Management, London School of Economics. Email: D.De-Meza@lse.ac. uk b Economics Department, University of Sussex. Email: V.Pathania@sussex.ac. uk
Seeing the heart ; the success story of cardiac imaging

On 29 January 1896 a large audience at the Würzburg Physical Medical Society attended a lecture and a demonstration of a new kind of ray produced by electrical discharges from an induction coil through a Hittorf–Crookes tube. The demonstrator was Wilhelm Konrad Röntgen (1845–1923), professor of physics, who, a few months earlier, had discovered in his modest laboratory in Elberfeld, that these unknown and invisible rays (he called them ‘X-rays’) caused a paper coated with barium platinocyanide to glow with a mysterious light. He had also observed that when he held his hand before it, the shadow of his bones was cast on the paper. He published his discovery on 28 December 1895 in a paper ‘Eine Neue Art von Strahlen’ in the Annals of the Society and the news rapidly spread over the civilized world. During this public demonstration, an image of the hand of the famous anatomist F. Von Kölliker (1817– 1905) was visualized, who unhesitatingly suggested that the rays be called Röntgen-rays rather than X-rays. This demonstration was the only formal lecture presented by W. K. Röntgen — he even declined to give a lecture on the occasion of his election as the first Nobel prize laureate in Physics in 1901. Doctors immediately realized the diagnostic possibilities of the X-rays — as an unprecedented method of viewing organs within the body! Imaging had entered medicine and cardiology! Modern cardiac imaging aims to provide comprehensive evaluation of (patho)anatomy, (patho)physiology, prognosis and management, and includes a variety of methods using many different energy forms: X-rays, ultrasound, radioactivity and magnetic resonance. The 50th anniversary of the European Society of Cardiology offers a timely opportunity to reflect on the many European contributions and the early pioneers who, by a combination of observation, receptiveness and serendipity, made remarkable discoveries resulting in the amazing imaging technologies we use today — the success story of cardiac imaging!