Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A theoretical review of flexibility, agility and responsiveness in the operations management literature: Toward a conceptual definition of customer responsiveness

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study the often overlapping use of the related terms flexibility, agility and responsiveness in the operations management literature to clarify differences between the terms.Design/methodology/approach – Drawing on the notion of the ladder of abstraction, a conceptual differentiation between the three terms is proposed.Findings – Based on the most common associations of the terms in the literature, the paper proposes a hierarchical interrelationship between the terms in that: flexibility is most commonly associated with the inherent property of systems which allows them to change within pre‐established parameters; agility is predominantly used to describe an approach to organizing that provides for rapid system reconfiguration in the face of unforeseeable changes; and responsiveness commonly refers to a system behavior involving timely purposeful change in the presence of modulating stimuli.Practical implications – As managers of manufacturing firms strive to impr.
Social Work Practice With African American Men: The Invisible Presence

Foreword - Jewelle Taylor Gibbs PART ONE: CONCEPTUAL AND THEORETICAL ISSUES Introduction Social Work Practice and African American Men Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks for Understanding African American Men The Adult Life Cycle of African American Men PART TWO: MICRO PRACTICE ISSUES AND STRATEGIES Individual Therapy with African American Men Couple Therapy with African American Men Family Therapy with African American Men Group Work with African American Men PART THREE: MACRO-PRACTICE ISSUES AND STRATEGIES Policy Issues of Low-Income African American Men Program Development, Implementation and Evaluation Issues in Programs for African American Men Community Practice Issues Creating a Village around African American Men PART FOUR: CREATING LINKAGES BETWEEN PRACTICE, POLICY AND RESEARCH Epistemological, Conceptual, Theoretical and Methodological Issues in Conducting Research on African American Men
Local Luminosity Function at 15 pm and Galaxy Evolution Seen by ISOCAM 15 pm Surveys

A local luminosity function at 15µm is derived using the bivariate (15µm vs. 60µm luminosity) method, based on the newly published ISOCAM LW3-band (15µm) survey of the very deep IRAS 60µm sample in the north ecliptic pole region (NEPR). New IRAS 60µm fluxes are obtained using the SCANPI/SUPERSCANPI software at the new ISOCAM positions of the sources in the sample. It is found to be in excellent agreement with the 15µm local luminosity function published by Xu et al (1998), which is derived from the predicted 15µm luminosities of a sample of IRAS 25µm selected galaxies. Model predictions of number counts and redshift distributions based on the local luminosity function and assumptions of its evolution with the redshift are calculated and compared with the data of ISOCAM 15µm surveys. Strong luminosity evolution on the order of L ∝ (1 + z) 4.5 is suggested in these comparisons, while pure density evolution can be ruled out with high confidence. The sharp peak at about 0.4mJy in the Euclidean normalized differential counts at 15µm can be explained by the effects of MIR broadband emission features, eliminating the need for any hypothesis for a 'new population'. It is found that the contribution from the population represented by ISOCAM 15µm sources can account for the entire IR/submm background, leaving little room for any missing 'new population' which can be significant energy sources of the IR/submm sky.
Partial Identification and Inference in Binary Choice and Duration Panel Data Models

Many semiparametric fixed effects panel data models, such as binary choice models and duration models, are known to be point identified when at least one regressor has full support on the real line. It is common in practice, however, to have only discrete or continuous but possibly bounded regressors. This paper addresses identification, estimation, and inference for the identified set in such cases, when the parameters of interest may only be partially identified. We develop a set of general results for criterion- function-based estimation and inference in partially identified models which can be applied to both regular and irregular models. We apply our general results first to a fixed effects binary choice panel data model. We obtain a sharp characterization of the identified set, propose a consistent set estimator, and establish its rate of convergence under different conditions. Rates arbitrarily close to n 1/3 are possible when a continuous, but possibly bounded, regressor is present. On the other hand, when all regressors are discrete the estimates converge arbitrarily fast to the identified set. We also propose a subsampling-based procedure for constructing confidence regions and show that it is valid in the models we consider. Finally, we carry out a series of Monte Carlo experiments to illustrate and evaluate the proposed procedures. We also consider extensions to other fixed effects panel data models such as binary choice models with lagged dependent variables and duration models.
The Jet and Circumnuclear Environment of 3C 293

We present new HST NIR polarimetry, broadband and narrowband imaging, and MERLIN 4.5 GHz multifrequency synthesis radio imaging of 3C 293, a unique radio galaxy whose host is an obvious merger remnant, in an exceptionally underdense region of space. We have discovered NIR, optical, and UV synchrotron emission from the jet. In the optical, the jet is mostly obscured by a dust lane, but three knots are clear in our HST NICMOS images at 1.6 and 2.0 μm, clearly aligning with features in the radio. The outer jet knot is highly polarized (≈15%) at 2 μm, confirming the synchrotron emission mechanism. The radio-IR spectral index steepens significantly with distance from the nucleus, as in 3C 273 and in contrast to M87. The inner knot is visible (with hindsight) on the WFPC2 and STIS images obtained for the earlier 3CR HST snapshot surveys. There is no [Fe II] emission seen associated with the jet, constraining the role of shock-induced ionization by the jet. Overall there is a strong implication that the NIR jet emission is indeed synchrotron. From our NIR images, the core of the galaxy is clearly identifiable with the main feature in the western extension of the radio "jet" image, although no unresolved AGN component is identifiable even at K band, consistent with an FR II-like nucleus obscured by an optically thick torus. The galaxy appears to have a single nucleus, with any multiple nuclei falling within the central ≲100 pc.
Comparison of implant quality between intraoperatively built custom-linked seeds and loose seeds in permanent prostate brachytherapy using sector analysis

We compared the implant quality of intraoperatively built custom-linked (IBCL) seeds with loose seeds in permanent prostate brachytherapy. Between June 2012 and January 2015, 64 consecutive prostate cancer patients underwent brachytherapy with IBCL seeds (n = 32) or loose seeds (n = 32). All the patients were treated with 144 Gy of brachytherapy alone. Brachytherapy was performed using a dynamic dose calculation technique. Computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging fusion-based dosimetry was performed 1 month after brachytherapy. Post-implant dose–volume histogram (DVH) parameters, prostate sector dosimetry, operation time, seed migration, and toxicities were compared between the IBCL seed group and the loose seed group. A sector analysis tool was used to divide the prostate into six sectors (anterior and posterior sectors at the base, mid-gland, and apex). V100 (95.3% vs 89.7%; P = 0.014) and D90 (169.7 Gy vs 152.6 Gy; P = 0.013) in the anterior base sector were significantly higher in the IBCL seed group than in the loose seed group. The seed migration rate was significantly lower in the IBCL seed group than in the loose seed group (6% vs 66%; P < 0.001). Operation time per seed was significantly longer in the IBCL seed group than in the loose seed group (1.31 min vs 1.13 min; P = 0.003). Other post-implant DVH parameters and toxicities did not differ significantly between the two groups. Our study showed more dose coverage post-operatively in the anterior base prostate sector and less seed migration in IBCL seed implantation compared with loose seed implantation.
X-Ray Absorption and an X-Ray Jet in the Radio-loud Broad Absorption-line Quasar PG 1004+130

We investigate the X-ray properties of PG 1004+130, a radio-loud broad absorption-line (BAL) quasar with a hybrid FR I/II radio morphology. This optically bright, low-redshift quasar was undetected by Einstein, marking it as anomalously X-ray weak relative to other radio-loud quasars. The 22.2 ks XMM-Newton and 41.6 ks Chandra observations presented here are the first X-ray detections of PG 1004+130 and constitute the highest spectral quality X-ray observations of a radio-loud BAL quasar available to date. The Chandra ACIS-S spectrum shows evidence for complex soft X-ray absorption not detected in the data obtained 1.7 yr previously with XMM-Newton, with a best-fit intrinsic column density of NH = 1.2 × 1022 cm-2 for the preferred partial-covering model. There is no significant difference in the hard-band power-law photon index of Γ ≈ 1.5 between the two observations. The Chandra image also reveals extended X-ray emission ≈8'' (30 kpc) southeast of the nucleus, aligned with the FR I jet but upstream of the 1.4 GHz radio brightness peak. The jet is not detected by HST, and the optical upper limit rules out a simple single-component synchrotron interpretation of the radio-to-X-ray emission. The multiwavelength characteristics of the PG 1004+130 jet, including its relatively flat X-ray power law and concave spectral energy distribution, are similar to those of powerful FR II jets. The lack of strong beaming in PG 1004+130 limits the efficiency of inverse Compton upscattering, and we consider the X-ray emission to most likely arise from a second synchrotron component generated by highly energetic electrons.
What Marshall Didn't Know: On the Twentieth Century's Contributions to Economics

Some of this century's many valuable contributions to economics, like macroeconomics, econometrics, and game theory, are widely recognized. However, arguably equally important is the enhanced role of empirical study permitted by more abundant data and improved methods. Also insufficiently recognized are the increased rigor and use of applied economics in public finance, regulation, corporation finance, etc., employing abstract theory and sophisticated data analysis. The striking contrast with earlier intuitively based applied economics and empirical study is illustrated. Comparison with Marshall's Principles also indicates that, except for macroeconomics, remarkably little space in today's texts deals with some ofthe rich contributions ofthis century. (This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)
Six decades of total factor productivity change and sources of growth in Bangladesh agriculture (1948–2008)

This study applies the Fare–Primont index to calculate total factor productivity (TFP) indices for agriculture in 17 regions of Bangladesh covering a 61-year period (1948–2008). It decomposes the TFP index into six finer components (technical change, technical-, scale- and mix-efficiency changes, residual scale- and residual mix-efficiency changes). Results reveal that TFP grew at an average rate of 0.57% p.a. led by the Chittagong, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Dinajpur and Noakhali regions. TFP growth is largely powered by technological progress estimated at 0.74% p.a. Technical efficiency improvement is negligible (0.01% p.a.) due to stagnant efficiency in most of the regions. Decline in scale efficiency is also negligible (0.01% p.a.), but the decline in mix efficiency is high at 0.19% p.a. Decomposition of the components of TFP changes into finer measures of efficiency corrects the existing literature’s blame of a decline in technical efficiency as the main cause of poor TFP growth in Bangladesh. Among the sources, farm size, R&D investment, extension expenditure and crop specialisation positively influenced TFP growth, whereas the literacy rate had a negative influence on growth. Policy implications include encouraging investment in R&D and extension, land reform measures to increase average farm size, promotion of Green Revolution technology and crop diversification.
Literacy and Mothering: How Women's Schooling Changes the Lives of the World's Children

Foreword By Michael Cole Part I. Theoretical Background: Historical and Sociological Perspectives Chapter 1 The Rise and Spread of Western Schooling Chapter 2 Women's Schooling and Social Change in the Developing World after 1950 Chapter 3 Re-Defining Literacy: A Theory of Bureaucratic Schooling Part II. Maternal Literacy in Less Developed Countries Chapter 4 Contexts of Mothers' Lives: The Four-Country Study Chapter 5 Retention of Academic Literacy Skills Chapter 6 Mothers as Pupils in Health Care Settings Chapter 7 Mothers as Teachers at Home Part III. Conclusions: The Processes of Global Change Chapter 8 Communicative Processes: Schooling, Literacy and Maternal Behavior Appendix A: Literacy Assessment Methods Appendix B: Statistical Data
Coordination, Communication and Common Knowledge: A Retrospective on the Electronic Mail Game

Common knowledge plays an important role in coordination problems and coordination problems are central to many areas of economic policy. In this paper, I review some common knowledge puzzles culminating in the electronic mail game. These puzzles may seem distant from practical concerns. However, I then argue why insights derived from this literature are useful in interpreting empirical evidence of how people coordinate under uncertainty and in understanding the role of communication in coordinating behaviour.
THE DETECTION OF INSIDE-OUT DISK GROWTH IN M33

We present resolved stellar photometry of four fields along the major axis of the M33 disk from images taken with the Advanced Camera for Surveys aboard the Hubble Space Telescope. The photometry provides a detailed census of the red clump in all fields and reaches the ancient main sequence in the outermost field. Through detailed modeling of the color–magnitude diagrams, we find that the percentage of the stellar mass formed prior to z = 1 changes from 71 ± 9% in the innermost field to 16 ± 6% in the outermost field. The disk shows a clear trend of increasing scale length with time, evolving from rs = 1.0 ± 0.1 kpc 10 Gyr ago to rs = 1.8 ± 0.1 at times more recent than 5 Gyr ago, in agreement with analytical predictions for disk growth. Beyond the disk truncation radius, however, the stellar density profile steepens with time and the age gradient reverses, in agreement with recent simulations. The late and slow growth of the stellar disk may be due in part to the low mass of M33.
The Impact of Index and Swap Funds on Commodity Futures Markets: Preliminary Results

This preliminary study examines the impact of index and swap fund participation in agricultural and energy commodity futures markets. Based on new data and empirical analysis the study finds that index funds did not cause a bubble in agricultural futures prices. Using Granger causality methods the study finds no statistically significant relationship between changes in index and swap fund positions and increased market volatility. The evidence is strongest for agricultural futures markets because the data on index trader positions are measured with reasonable accuracy. The evidence is not as strong in the two energy markets examined here because of considerable uncertainty about the degree to which the available data actually reflect index trader positions in these markets.
Impact of Climate Change on Health and Disease in Latin America

Climate change is a widely known problem and consequence of multiple interacting phenomena. Nobody can deny it, and several issues are identified as cause and implications of this global problem. Among these causes there is a basic important element, its anthropogenic origin. Many styles and quality of modern life, explained by the use and abuse of contaminating energy sources, including the forms of generating, producing and distributing it. Additionally, demographical changes of the World have intensified this climate change crisis, including the increase in the magnitude of the global population, its utilization of more equipment and electrical devices. Climate change has multiple effects on society, including direct and indirect influences on human health and is one of the spheres that has been recently highlighted by multiple research reports in regard to the importance of climatic change for global public health (Martens et al, 1997). General effects of climate change have been already detected; physical sciences have shown it clearly, the earth is warming up. If the trend of global warming continues, man will face many threats, diseases and deaths related to natural disasters: hurricanes, torrential rains, heat waves and other climate anomalies. In some regions of the world numerous populations will be displaced by the increase of the level of the sea or will be seriously affected by droughts and famines, decrease of suitable lands for the agriculture, increase of the food-borne diseases, water-borne diseases, vector-borne diseases as well as an increase of premature deaths and diseases related to the air pollution (Mills, 2009; PAHO, 2008; United Nations, 2006). Global warming and climate change are products of many physical imbalances but also from biological and social ones in the way of evolution of mankind. Apparent modern quality of life, assumed in the last years and particularly during the last century, as well as population growth and overpopulation in some areas of the World, have lead to modern societies that have significantly increased the consumption of energy and waste production (Mills, 2009; PAHO, 2008; United Nations, 2006; Diaz, 2006). 24
The Moderating Role of Perceived Effectiveness of Third-Party Control on Trust and Online Purchasing Intentions

This study proposes a research model to understand the moderating role of customers’ perceived effectiveness of third-party control in the e-commerce environment on (1) the trust building process and (2) the effect of trust on customers’ online purchasing intention. The model was tested using a sample of 383 online consumers collected in New Zealand. The results show that perceived effectiveness of third-party control moderates the effect of trust in predicting online purchasing intention. Furthermore, the results differentiated the mediating effects of trust between online vendor-specific factors (i.e., perceived website quality, capability of order fulfillment, and reputation) and purchasing intention, such that trust does not mediate when perceived effectiveness of third-party control is low. Academic and practical implications and future research are also discussed
A New Approach to Shock Isolation and Vibration Suppression Using a Resetable Actuator

A novel low power control technique along with a new class of actuators is developed for shock isolation and control of structural vibrations. In contrast to other techniques, including conventional viscous or rate damping, the force produced by the actuator has no velocity dependence. Several experimental, analytical, and simulation results are presented in support of this new, semi-active technique for structural control. The basic approach is to manipulate the system stiffness through the use of resetable actuators. With the proposed control approach, the actuator behaves like a linear spring. However, at appropriate times, the effective unstretched length of the actuator is changed—or reset—to extract energy from the vibrating structure. Experimental validation of the actuator model, analytical results on stability and actuator-placement, and simulation results for earthquake applications are presented. @S0022-0434~00! 01603-8#
Circulating MicroRNAs as Biomarkers in Biliary Tract Cancers

Biliary tract cancers (BTCs) are a group of highly aggressive malignant tumors with a poor prognosis. The current diagnosis is based mainly on imaging and intraoperative exploration due to brush cytology havinga low sensitivity and the standard markers, such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate 19-9 (CA19-9), not having enough sensitivity nor specificity to be used in a differential diagnosis and early stage detection. Thus, better non-invasive methods that can distinguish between normal and pathological tissue are needed. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, single-stranded non-coding RNA molecules of ~20–22 nucleotides that regulate relevant physiological mechanisms and can also be involved in carcinogenesis. Recent studies have demonstrated that miRNAs are detectable in multiple body fluids, showing great stability, either free or trapped in circulating microvesicles, such as exosomes. miRNAs are ideal biomarkers that may be used in screening and prognosis in biliary tract cancers, aiding also in the clinical decisions at different stages of cancer treatment. This review highlights the progress in the analysis of circulating miRNAs in serum, plasma and bile as potential diagnostic and prognostic markers of BTCs.
The impact of free convection on late morning ozone decreases on an Alpine foreland mountain summit

Exceptional patterns in the diurnal course of ozone mixing ratio at a mountain top site (998 m a.s.l.) were observed during a field experiment (September 2005). They manifested themselves as strong and sudden decreases of ozone mixing ratio with a subsequent return to previous lev- els. The evaluation of corresponding long-term time series (2000-2005) revealed that such events occur mainly during summer, and affect the mountain top site on about 18% of the summer days. Combining (a) surface layer measurements at mountain summit and at the foot of the mountain, (b) in-situ (tethered balloon) and remote sensing (SODAR-RASS) mea- surements within the atmospheric boundary layer, the origin of these events of sudden ozone decrease could be attributed to free convection. The free convection was triggered by a rather frequently occurring wind speed minimum around the location of the mountain.
Liver GlucokinaseA456V Induces Potent Hypoglycemia without Dyslipidemia through a Paradoxical Induction of the Catalytic Subunit of Glucose-6-Phosphatase

Recent reports point out the importance of the complex GK-GKRP in controlling glucose and lipid homeostasis. Several GK mutations affect GKRP binding, resulting in permanent activation of the enzyme. We hypothesize that hepatic overexpression of a mutated form of GK, GKA456V, described in a patient with persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy (PHHI) and could provide a model to study the consequences of GK-GKRP deregulation in vivo. GKA456V was overexpressed in the liver of streptozotocin diabetic mice. Metabolite profiling in serum and liver extracts, together with changes in key components of glucose and lipid homeostasis, were analyzed and compared to GK wild-type transfected livers. Cell compartmentalization of the mutant but not the wild-type GK was clearly affected in vivo, demonstrating impaired GKRP regulation. GKA456V overexpression markedly reduced blood glucose in the absence of dyslipidemia, in contrast to wild-type GK-overexpressing mice. Evidence in glucose utilization did not correlate with increased glycogen nor lactate levels in the liver. PEPCK mRNA was not affected, whereas the mRNA for the catalytic subunit of glucose-6-phosphatase was upregulated ~4 folds in the liver of GKA456V-treated animals, suggesting that glucose cycling was stimulated. Our results provide new insights into the complex GK regulatory network and validate liver-specific GK activation as a strategy for diabetes therapy.