Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estimating the Cost of Future Global Energy Supply

This study produces an attempt to estimate the cost of future global energy supplies. The approach chosen to address this concern relies on a comparative static exercise of estimating the cost of three energy scenarios representing different energy futures. The first scenario, the business as usual scenario, predicts the future energy-mix based on the energy plans held by major countries. The second scenario is the renewable energy scenario, where as much of the primary energy supply as possible is replaced by renewable energy by 2050. The cost of the renewable energy generating technologies and their theoretical potential are taken into account in order to create a plausible scenario. The third scenario, the nuclear case, is based on the use of nuclear and renewable energy to replace fossil-fuels by 2050. Endogenous learning rates for each technology are modeled using an innovative approach where learning rates are diminishing overtime. It results from the analysis that going fully renewable would cost between −0.4 and 1.5% of the global cumulated GDP over the period 2009–2050 compared to a business as usual strategy. An extensive use of nuclear power can greatly reduce this gap in costs.
The Long-Run Performance of Secondary Equity Issues: A Test of the Windows of Opportunity Hypothesis

We examine long-run stock and operating performance following secondary equity offerings. For a subsample of issuers in which the seller is an insider, both 3- and 5-year post-issue abnormal stock returns are significantly negative. The findings are robust to alternative long-run abnormal return measurement methodologies. The abnormal returns are large relative to the initial market reaction (the mean 5-year abnormal returns is -33.33%). The operating performance of these firms also declines subsequent to the issue. This supports the hypothesis that the negative performance of secondary equity offerings can be attributed to managers exploiting "windows of opportunity" by issuing overvalued shares.
Dividend Policy and Corporate Social Responsibility: A Comparative Analysis of Multinational Enterprise Subsidiaries and Domestic Firms in Korea

ABSTRACT In this study, we compare and contrast the dividend policies of multinational enterprise (MNE) subsidiaries with local firms in Korea and extract implications for corporate social responsibility (CSR). We find empirical evidence that dividend policies of MNE subsidiaries in Korea are in general determined to meet remittance requirements imposed by their parent company and have weak correlation with local CSR and investment requirements for wealth creation by local stakeholders.
Customer Violence and Employee Health and Safety

This paper seeks to extend current perspectives on occupational health and safety (OHS) by integrating `emotional labour' into OHS debates. We focus on the growing incidence of customer violence in the airline and railway industries and how this intensifies the demands made on employees' emotional labour. We argue that, just as physical labour is considered in terms of volume and intensity, so should emotional labour. Moreover, we argue that high demands on emotional labour may be equally detrimental to employee health. Based on 1173 questionnaire responses, we explore the nature of demands on emotional labour and the related OHS outcomes. We also explore a range of secondary literature which examines the external and internal factors of work organization that have contributed to a rise in customer abuse, where we argue that customer abuse is perpetuated by a range of cost-rational and profit-centred policies. The paper concludes by arguing that, as a factor in OHS, emotional labour is likely to be shown equal disregard to physical labour in terms of management's relative freedom to utilize (exploit) these as far as possible, regardless of possible health and safety implications.
Security price anomalies in the London International Stock Exchange: a 60 year perspective

This paper investigates the existence of security price anomalies, or ‘calendar effects’ in the Financial Times Industrial Ordinary Shares Index over a 60 year period: 1 July 1935 through 31 December 1994. Our results broadly support similar evidence documented for many countries concerning stock market anomalies, as the weekend, January and holiday effects all appear, to some extent, to be present in our data set. We conclude, that even if these anomalies are persistent in their occurrence and magnitude, the cost of implementing any potential ‘trading rules’ may be prohibitive due to the illiquidity of the market and ‘round trip’ transactions costs. This is of course perfectly consistent with the notion of market efficiency, in that no strategy exists that will consistently yield abnormal returns.
The Organization and Regulation of Full Contact Martial Arts: A Case Study of Flanders

To date, martial arts involvement is often described in controversial terms. While some studies report increased anti-social behavior as a result of martial arts involvement, other findings refer to a more positive social and personal development. This paradox has resulted in an ambiguous public discourse on their value and legitimacy as socially accepted sports, often leading to a dichotomization between “good” and “bad” styles of martial arts. Up until now however, there has been a lack of empirical proof that this “good versus bad” perspective divides along the lines of specific martial arts styles. Consequently, the distinct moral and medical concerns regarding the effects of involvement in harder martial arts—combined with their increased popularity, as well as their perceived positive outcomes for specific target groups—have resulted in a growing demand among policy makers to develop (or rethink) their strategy towards the regulation and support of these sports. By means of a case-study approach, the present paper discusses some of the key issues regarding the regulation of a number of full contact martial arts (e.g., kickboxing, Muay Thai, MMA), which are considered to be problematic for (sport) authorities, and which confront sports policy makers in Flanders. In describing the Flemish case, this paper aims to highlight the need to develop a sound martial arts policy that can provide a legitimation base for the provision and organization of full contact martial arts, which have become increasingly popular in recent years.
The contribution of nitric oxide to exercise hyperemia in the human forearm

The contribution of nitric oxide (NO) to exercise-induced hyperemia is debated. Previous conclusions that nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibition reduces endothelium-dependent vasodilation during exercise hyperemia may be confounded by inhibitor-mediated increases in resting vascular tone. In this study, nine healthy participants performed wrist flexion exercise before and during intra-arterial administration of the NOS-inhibitor NG-monomethyl-l-arginine (l-NMMA, 2 mg·min-1). Nine additional subjects performed this procedure while nitroprusside (0.2 mg·min-1) was co-infused with l-NMMA to maintain basal flow. Forearm blood flow was assessed with venous occlusion strain-gauge plethysmography at baseline, immediately after cessation of exercise, and continuously for 5 minutes thereafter. l-NMMA alone reduced resting flow by 26%, peak flow immediately after exercise by 20%, and integrated post-exercise hyper-emic volume by 50% (all p, 0.05). Stabilization of resting vasodilator tone by nitroprusside eliminated the effects of l-NMMA on peak flow after exercise, yet l-NMMA still attenuated total hyperemic volume. In a time-control study of 12 subjects, there was no change in peak blood flow or hyperemic volume. This study indicates that NO is not a major regulator of peak limb blood flow measured immediately after cessation of dynamic exercise. The contribution of NO to exercise hyperemia is limited to the recovery period after exercise.
Reliability of transverse plane pelvic alignment measurement during the bridge test with unilateral knee extension.

BACKGROUND The bridge test with unilateral knee extension evaluates the stability of the trunk and pelvis. The evaluation of this stability can contribute to the understanding of the occurrence of musculoskeletal injuries. OBJECTIVES To investigate the intra- and inter-rater reliability of a qualitative analysis and intra-test reliability of a quantitative analysis of transverse plane pelvic alignment during the bridge test with unilateral knee extension. METHOD Thirty participants (24.73±4.24 years old) were tested. The qualitative analysis was conducted by asking two raters to judge the transverse plane pelvic alignment and its reliability was assessed with the weighted kappa coefficient (k(w)). The quantitative analysis was conducted by measuring the greatest pelvic tilt angle in transverse plane and its reliability was assessed by use of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC); the mean change, which was evaluated using 95% confidence interval of the mean difference (95%CI d) and Bland-Altman plot; and the quantification of measurement variability, which was assessed using standard error of measurement (SEM) and the coefficient of variation of the typical error (CVTE). In addition, the minimal detectable change (MDC₉₅) was determined. RESULTS The intra-rater reliability ranged from fair to moderate (k(w)=0.32 to 0.58) and the inter-rater reliability was substantial (k(w)=0.80). The intra-test reliability was excellent (ICC=0.82), the 95%CI d ranged from -0. 51º to 1. 99º, the SEM was 2.38° and the CV(TE) was 28.75%. The MDC₉₅ was 6.59°. CONCLUSIONS The inter-rater reliability was greater than the intra-rater reliability; the intra-test reliability was excellent and showed no systematic or random error.
Fitting International Segmentation for Emerging Markets: Conceptual Development and Empirical Illustration

The increasing attractiveness of emerging markets (EMs), alongside the progression of internationalization, raises the question whether setting up a unified marketing strategy for EMs and high-income countries is appropriate. In this study, the authors use institutionally induced heterogeneity, which refers to distinct consumer patterns evoked by contextual differences, to elaborate on the requirements of an international segmentation that includes EMs, such as microlevel analyses and the inclusion of institutional effects. The authors numerically illustrate the established requirements by applying a multilevel finite mixture modeling of global consumer multichannel (search and purchase) behavior. Doing so provides an initial large-scale analysis that compares consumers from EMs and high-income countries. The findings broadly support the suggested requirements, contributing to the international segmentation and EM literature. Practitioners can apply the insights of this investigation to establish an international marketing strategy. The key recommendation proposes that a case-by-case analysis of EMs is necessary and that solely considering EMs derives incorrect conclusions about international segmentation.
Effective environmental interpretation at Chinese natural attractions: the need for an aesthetic approach

In western society since the 1970s, interpretation has played an important role in improving tourists’ appreciation of the natural environment, developing their environmental attitudes and facilitating the adoption of environmentally sensitive behaviour. In China, interpretation of natural attractions is a more recent phenomenon and a largely cognitive approach has been taken, focusing on the presentation of scientific information. This paper questions whether the “scientific” approach used in the development of environmental interpretation in Chinese natural areas meets the needs of Chinese tourists. It explores this theoretically through an examination of the relationship between Chinese tourists and the natural landscape, noting that landscape memories and intangible cultural heritage are important mediators of Chinese landscape appreciation. Practically, research in the Danxia Shan National Natural Reserve and Geo-Park demonstrates that self-guided interpretation using the “western” scientific approach with signage, an information centre and a geological museum, is ineffective, and ignored by the majority of visitors. Guided tours, employing an “aesthetic” approach to interpretation, using stories, art and poetry to emotionally engage visitors with the landscape, appear more appropriate, culturally relevant and effective in China. Key techniques used by guides include numerous adjectival words, figurative or metaphorical landscape descriptions and exaggeration of the landscape's beauty.
The impact of monitoring and sanctioning on unemployment exit and job-finding rates

Job search monitoring imposes a cost on monitored individuals and benefit sanctions impose a cost on sanctioned individuals. Yet evidence consistently shows that job search monitoring and benefit sanctions reduce the duration of unemployment and increase the rate of job entry, making them potentially attractive policy options. On the other hand, there is some evidence that such measures can drive people out of the labor force and may reduce the quality of job matches. Substantial gaps in the evidence base remain, however, particularly concerning the longerterm effects of monitoring and sanctions on job quality. ELEVATOR PITCH
B Lymphocyte-Induced Maturation Protein (Blimp)-1, IFN Regulatory Factor (IRF)-1, and IRF-2 Can Bind to the Same Regulatory Sites1

The transcriptional repressor B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein-1 (Blimp-1) is expressed in some differentiated cells and is required for terminal differentiation of B cells. To facilitate identification of Blimp-1 target genes, we have determined the optimal DNA recognition sequence for Blimp-1. The consensus is very similar to a subset of sites recognized by IFN regulatory factors (IRFs) that contain the sequence GAAAG. By binding competition and determination of equilibrium dissociation constants, we show that Blimp-1, IRF-1, and IRF-2 have similar binding affinities for functionally important regulatory sites containing this sequence. However, Blimp-1 does not bind to all IRF sites, and specifically does not recognize IRF-4/PU.1 or IRF-8 sites lacking the GAAAG sequence. Chromatin immunoprecipitation studies showed that Blimp-1, IRF-1, and IRF-2 all bind the IFN-β promoter in vivo, as predicted by the in vitro binding parameters, and in cotransfections Blimp-1 inhibits IRF-1-dependent activation of the IFN-β promoter. Thus, our data suggest that Blimp-1 competes in vivo with a subset of IRF proteins and help predict the sites and IRF family members that may be affected.
Risk of Alzheimer's disease and duration of NSAID use

Article abstract-In a longitudinal study of 1,686 participants in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, we examined whether the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) was reduced among reported users of aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In addition, we examined use of acetaminophen, a pain-relief medication with little or no anti-inflammatory activity, to assess the specificity of the association between AD risk and self-reported medications. Information on use of medications was collected during each biennial examination between 1980 and 1995. The relative risk (RR) for AD decreased with increasing duration of NSAID use. Among those with 2 or more years of reported NSAID use, the RR was 0.40 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.19-0.84) compared with 0.65 (95% CI: 0.33-1.29) for those with less than 2 years of NSAID use. The overall RR for AD among aspirin users was 0.74 (95% CI: 0.46-1.18), and no trend of decreasing risk of AD was observed with increasing duration of aspirin use. No association was found between AD risk and use of acetaminophen (RR = 1.35; 95% CI: 0.79-2.30), and there was no trend of decreasing risk with increasing duration of use. These findings are consistent with evidence from cross-sectional studies indicating protection against AD risk among NSAID users and with evidence suggesting that one stage of the pathophysiology leading to AD is characterized by an inflammatory process. NEUROLOGY 1997;48: 626-632
The Innervation of Canine Hip Joint Capsule: An Anatomic Study

To clarify the contributions of the nerves supplying the canine hip joint capsule for clinical application, cadaver study of six healthy mongrel dogs was performed. The pelvises and hindlimbs of cadavers were dissected and fixed in formaldehyde. Innervation of the joint capsule was investigated with the aid of an operative microscope. As a result, the canine hip joint capsule receives multiple innervations from articular branches of four nerves. They are articular nerve fibres of femoral, obturator, cranial gluteal and sciatic nerves from the cranioventral, caudoventral, craniolateral and dorsolateral directions of the joint, respectively. No branch originating from the caudal gluteal nerve was observed innervating the hip joint capsule. Our data provides useful information for research on the canine hip joint, including pain analysis with hip disorders and surgical nerve blockade to relieve pain.
New management practices and enterprise training in Australia

The widespread implementation of new management practices (NMPs) in industrialised countries has had a significant impact on employee training. Examines five NMPs: the learning organisation; total quality management; lean production/high performance work organisations; teamworking; and business process re‐engineering. Focuses on the relationship between organisational change and training at the enterprise level. The research identified important findings in six key areas: small business; the use of the vocational education and training system; the importance of the individual; the nature of training; the importance of behavioural skills; and organisational change. The study confirmed that workplace change is a major driver of improved training provision in enterprises. It showed unambiguously that most NMPs are associated with higher levels of training. The integration of training with business strategy was found to be the most important factor in driving training across a wide range of training activities and appears to lead to an across the board boost to enterprise training in all its forms.
What We Know about the Strategic Management of Technology

The key challenges for the strategic management of technology depend on a company9s size and its core business: small firms must focus on defining and defending their product niche; large firms on building and exploiting competences based on R&D or on complex production or information systems. In all cases, they require continuous learning, the capacity to integrate specialists, and a willingness both to break down established functional and divisional boundaries and to take a view to the long term.
Aggregate Supply in the United States: Recent Developments and Implications for the Conduct of Monetary Policy

The recent financial crisis and ensuing recession appear to have put the productive capacity of the economy on a lower and shallower trajectory than the one that seemed to be in place prior to 2007. Using a version of an unobserved components model introduced by Fleischman and Roberts, we estimate that potential GDP in late 2014 was about 7 percent below the trajectory it appeared to be on prior to 2007. We argue that a significant portion of the recent damage to the supply side of the economy plausibly was endogenous to the weakness in aggregate demand. Endogeneity of supply with respect to demand provides a strong motivation for a vigorous policy response to a weakening in aggregate demand, and we present optimal-control simulations showing how monetary policy might respond to such endogeneity in the absence of other considerations. We then discuss how other considerations—such as increased risks of financial instability or inflation instability—could cause policymakers to exercise restraint in their response to cyclical weakness.
Respiratory Influenza Virus Infection Induces Memory-like Liver NK Cells in Mice

Although NK cells are classified as innate immune cells, recent studies have demonstrated the transformation of NK cells into long-lived memory cells that contribute to secondary immune responses in certain mouse models. However, whether NK cells mount an Ag-specific memory response to acute influenza virus infection has not yet been examined. Here, we show that, consistent with previous studies, lung NK cells play an important role in controlling viral proliferation after primary influenza virus infection. However, although lung NK cells display a memory phenotype at the late stage of infection, these cells do not protect mice against secondary influenza virus infection. Interestingly, liver NK cells from influenza virus–infected mice possess a memory phenotype and protect mice against secondary influenza virus infection. Memory-like liver NK cells display a CD49a+DX5− phenotype, and the adoptive transfer of purified liver CD49a+DX5− NK cells into naive mice followed by viral infection results in protective immunity and decreased viral titer. Moreover, we demonstrate that primary inactivated influenza virus induces memory NK cells residing in the liver of Rag1−/− mice. Collectively, these data suggest that liver CD49a+DX5− NK cells remember encountered Ag from influenza virus after primary infection and are more protective upon subsequent infection.
Advocacy for Breastfeeding: Making a Difference One Community at a Time

In response to the need for health care professionals skilled in lactation management, a breastfeeding course was developed and taught at the University of Pennsylvania. Since 1995, Nursing 361 has been offered to undergraduate junior and senior students. The aim of this article is to discuss how through coursework, nursing students can provide breastfeeding advocacy and change the breastfeeding culture one community at a time. This article provides guidelines for others to conduct such projects, as well as exemplars to demonstrate how advocacy can change communities. Through development of an advocacy project during the course of a semester, a student learns about his or her identified community and is able to make an impact that often lasts years after his or her project is completed. Journal of Human Lactation. 21(2):186-190