Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Using the balanced scorecard to manage performance in public sector organizations

Purpose – This paper aims to examine the use of the balanced scorecard (BSC) as a performance management tool in the public sector. Drawing on a New Zealand study of local government organzations (LGOs), it seeks to identify issues and challenges in implementing the BSC in public sector contexts.Design/methodology/approach – A postal questionnaire was used to solicit public sector managers' views on the usefulness of the BSC and the factors that support or impede its implementation in practice. Follow‐up interviews with selected respondents allowed for more in‐depth exploration of managers' experiences of BSC use and outcomes.Findings – The findings reveal low rates of BSC adoption amongst the studied LGOs. Further, perceived BSC utility is dominated by performance measurement and reporting, while the performance management role of the BSC remains relatively under‐exploited. This study identifies users' perceptions of the key challenges impeding BSC implementation in the public sector, and highlights thei.
MicroRNAs and Drug Addiction

Drug addiction is considered a disorder of neuroplasticity in brain reward and cognition systems resulting from aberrant activation of gene expression programs in response to prolonged drug consumption. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are key regulators of almost all aspects of cellular physiology. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small (∼21–23 nucleotides) ncRNAs transcripts that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Recently, miRNAs were shown to play key roles in the drug-induced remodeling of brain reward systems that likely drives the emergence of addiction. Here, we review evidence suggesting that one particular miRNA, miR-212, plays a particularly prominent role in vulnerability to cocaine addiction. We review evidence showing that miR-212 expression is increased in the dorsal striatum of rats that show compulsive-like cocaine-taking behaviors. Increases in miR-212 expression appear to protect against cocaine addiction, as virus-mediated striatal miR-212 overexpression decreases cocaine consumption in rats. Conversely, disruption of striatal miR-212 signaling using an antisense oligonucleotide increases cocaine intake. We also review data that identify two mechanisms by which miR-212 may regulate cocaine intake. First, miR-212 has been shown to amplify striatal cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) signaling through a mechanism involving activation of Raf1 kinase. Second, miR-212 was also shown to regulate cocaine intake by repressing striatal expression of methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2), consequently decreasing protein levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The concerted actions of miR-212 on striatal CREB and MeCP2/BDNF activity greatly attenuate the motivational effects of cocaine. These findings highlight the unique role for miRNAs in simultaneously controlling multiple signaling cascades implicated in addiction.
Towards Controller Placement for robust Software-Defined Networks

The core concept of software-defined network (SDN) is the separation between control plane and date plane. SDN provides a programmatic interface to network control, significantly simplifies network management and improves the efficiency of network utilization. To further improve network performance, scalability and reliability, it is recommended to deploy multiple controllers in SDN. However, network performance would degrade if operators randomly deploy the controllers, especially in the case of failure, e.g., router crashes, fiber cuts, etc. In this paper, we try to optimally place controllers while taking network failures into account. First, we formally define two problems, 1) Controller Placement under Comprehensive Network States (CPCNS) problem; and 2) Controller Placement under Single Link Failure (CPSLF) problem. Secondly, We propose a network states traversal based algorithm, which optimally solve the problem; and further propose another greedy-based algorithm, which can solve the problem in polynomial time. Finally, we evaluate the algorithms using real topologies and empirical data. The results indicate that the new controller placement strategies can significantly improve the performance when link failures happen.
The Emerging Risk Factors Collaboration Disease Major Lipids , Apolipoproteins , and Risk of Vascular

Supplementary material http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/302/18/1993/DC1 eSupplement Correction Contact me if this article is corrected. Citations Contact me when this article is cited. This article has been cited 1 time. Topic collections Contact me when new articles are published in these topic areas. Myocardial Infarction Lipids and Lipid Disorders; Cardiovascular System; Cardiovascular Disease/ Neurology; Cerebrovascular Disease; Stroke; Nutritional and Metabolic Disorders;
Fabrication and Characterization of Sawdust Composite Biodegradable Film

This report shows the performance of composite biodegradable film from chitosan, starch and sawdust fiber. The main objectives of this research are to fabricate and characterize composite biodegradable film in terms of morphology and physical properties. The film was prepared by casting method. Sawdust fiber was used as reinforcing agent and starch as polymer matrix in the casting solution. The morphology of the film was characterized using atomic force microscope (AFM). The result showed that the film has smooth structure. Chemical composition of the film was investigated using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) where the result revealed present of starch in the film. The thermal properties were characterized using thermal gravimetric analyzer (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) where the results showed that the film has small difference in melting and degradation temperature. Keywords—Sawdust, composite, film, biodegradable.
The End of the Great Depression 1939-41: Policy Contributions and Fiscal Multipliers

This paper is about the size of fiscal multipliers and the sources of recovery from the Great Depression. Its baseline result is that 89.1 percent of the 1939:Q1-1941:Q4 recovery can be attributed to fiscal policy innovations, 34.1 percent to monetary policy innovations and the remaining -23.2 percent to the combined effect of the basic VAR dynamic forecast and innovations in non-government components of GDP. Traditional Keynesian multipliers assume that there are no capacity constraints to impede a fiscal-driven expansion in aggregate demand. On the contrary, we find ample evidence of capacity constraints in 1941, particularly in the second half of that year. As a result our preferred government spending multiplier is 1.80 when the time period ends in 1941:Q2 but only 0.88 when the time period ends in supply-constrained 1941:Q4. Only the 1.80 multiplier is relevant to situations like 2009-10 when capacity constraints are absent across the economy. Two sets of new insights emerge from a review of contemporary print media. We document that the American economy went to war starting in June 1940, fully 18 months before Pearl Harbor. We also detail the bifurcated nature of the 1941 economy, with excess capacity in its labor market but capacity constraints in many of the key manufacturing industries. By July 1941, the American economy was in a state of perceived national emergency.
What is the Impact of Labour Market Regulation on Employment in LICs? How Does it Vary by Gender?

There is an extensive empirical literature examining the impacts of various labour market regulations on employment outcomes. However, much of this evidence focuses on developed or middle-income countries, resulting in a comparative dearth of literature that analyzes the impact of such policies in low-income countries (LICs). In addition, there are few studies that examine the impacts of such regulations by gender. This systematic review aims to synthesize the literature by focusing on the impact of labour market regulation on employment in LICs and how it varies by gender.
From Single Target to Multitarget/Network Therapeutics in Alzheimer’s Therapy

Brain network dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) involves many proteins (enzymes), processes and pathways, which overlap and influence one another in AD pathogenesis. This complexity challenges the dominant paradigm in drug discovery or a single-target drug for a single mechanism. Although this paradigm has achieved considerable success in some particular diseases, it has failed to provide effective approaches to AD therapy. Network medicines may offer alternative hope for effective treatment of AD and other complex diseases. In contrast to the single-target drug approach, network medicines employ a holistic approach to restore network dysfunction by simultaneously targeting key components in disease networks. In this paper, we explore several drugs either in the clinic or under development for AD therapy in term of their design strategies, diverse mechanisms of action and disease-modifying potential. These drugs act as multi-target ligands and may serve as leads for further development as network medicines.
Business Elites: The Psychology of Entrepreneurs and Intrapreneurs

This work aims to be an in-depth study of the traits that distinguish two equally important business elites: independent entrepreneurs, such as Eddy Shah and Gerald Ronson; and the new breed of corporate "intrapreneurs" who head such firms as W.H. Smith and Cadbury Schweppes. Based on interviews with 40 business leaders, a set of profiles is presented which shows the social origins, childhood influences, education and work ethic which have helped shape these notable people. It is clear that a different pattern emerges in the development of the entrepreneurs from that of the "intrapreneurs". This finding offers insight into the different forces that shape modern leaders of business, both inside and outside the corporation. This study is designed for practising managers and students of management and entrepreneurship.
A statistical path loss model for in-home UWB channels

This paper describes a simple statistical model for evaluating the path loss in residential environments. It consists of detailed characterization of path loss model parameters of ultra-wideband band (UWB) signals having a nominal center frequency of 5 GHz. The proposed statistical path loss model is for the in-home channel and it is based on over 300,000 frequency response measurements. Probability distributions of the model parameters for different locations are presented. Also, time domain results such as RMS delay spread and percent of captured power are presented.
TAX EVASION, MONOPOLY, AND NONNEUTRAL PROFIT TAXES

It is known in the literature that tax evasion does not influence the monopolists output decision, and hence, profit taxes are neutral, even in the presence of tax evasion. This result is based on the assumption that the audit probability and the penalty rate are fixed or depend on the understatement or overstatement of relevant economic indicators. However, under alternative and perhaps more reasonable formulations of the audit probability, the neutrality of profit taxes may not be preserved. In particular, if the audit probability or the penalty rate varies with some reports made by the monopolist (such as reported cost or reported revenue or output level), then profit taxes are no longer neutral.
On the Mann iterative process

1. Introduction. A self-mapping F of a Banach space F is said to be nonexpansive provided \\Tx— Ty\\ ^ \\x— y\\ for all x, y e E, and is said to be quasi-nonexpansive provided that if Tp=p then \\Tx— p\\ = \\x— p\\ for all x e E (i.e., Fis nonexpansive about each of its fixed points). Nonexpansive mappings are clearly quasi-non-expansive, and linear quasi-nonexpansive mappings are nonexpansive; but it is easily seen that there exist nonlinear continuous quasi-nonexpansive mappings which are not nonexpansive, e.g. Tx = (x\2) sin (l\x), F(0) = 0, on E1. The concept of quasi-nonexpansiveness is closely related to some ideas which have been investigated recently by J. B. Diaz and F. T. Metcalf [2]. A mapping F is said to be quasi-nonexpansive on a subset C of E provided F maps C into C, and if// e C
Tobacco addiction and smoking cessation in Austrian migrants: a cross-sectional study

Objective Recent observations revealed substantial differences in smoking behaviour according to individuals’ migration background. However, smoking cessation strategies are rarely tailored on the basis of a migration background. We aimed to determine whether smoking behaviour and preferences for smoking cessation programmes differ between Austrian migrant smokers and Austrian smokers without a migration background. Study design Cross-sectional study. Setting Recruitment and interview were performed at public places in Vienna, Austria. Participants The 420 smokers included: 140 Bosnian, 140 Turkish migrant smokers of the first or second generation, as well as 140 Austrian smokers without a migration background. Methods We cross-sectionally assessed determinants of smoking behaviour and smoking cessation of every participant with a standardised questionnaire. Primary outcome measure The Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence. Secondary outcome measures Determinants of smoking behaviour, willingness to quit smoking and smoking cessation. Results Nicotine addiction expressed via the Fagerström score was significantly higher in smokers with a migration background versus those without (Bosnian migrant smokers 4.7±2.5, Turkish migrant smokers 4.0±2.0, Austrian smokers without a migration background 3.4±2.3, p<0.0001). Bosnian and Turkish migrant smokers described a greater willingness to quit, but have had more previous cessation trials than Austrian smokers without a migration background, indicating an increased demand for cessation strategies in these study groups. They also participated in counselling programmes less often than Austrian smokers without a migration background. Finally, we found significant differences in preferences regarding smoking cessation programmes (ie, preferred location, service offered in another language besides German, and group rather than single counselling). Conclusions We found significant differences in addictive behaviour and cessation patterns between smokers with and without a migration background. Our results indicate a strong demand for adjusting cessation programmes to the cultural background.
Generalized Multinomial CRR Option Pricing Model and its Black-Scholes type limit

We construct the generalized discrete-time model of the underlying stock price process which serves as a better approximation to the stock price process than classical random walk. The generalized multinomial model of option price with respect to the new model of stock price process is obtained. The corresponding asymptotic procedure allows to obtain the generalized Black-Scholes option pricing formula as a limiting case of generalized discrete-time option pricing model.
A Study of Time-To-Fly Estimates for RUC and ITWS Winds

tables, and brief excerpts from this work in scientific and educational works is hereby granted provided that the source is acknowledged. Any use of material in this work that is determined to be " fair use " under Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act or that satisfies the conditions specified in Section 108 of the U.S. Copyright Act (17 USC §108, as revised by P.L. 94-553) does not require the AMS's permission. Republication, systematic reproduction, posting in electronic form on servers, or other uses of this material, except as exempted by the above statement, requires written permission or a license from the AMS. Additional details are provided in the AMS CopyrightPolicy, available on the AMS Web site located at Permission to place a copy of this work on this server has been provided by the AMS. The AMS does not guarantee that the copy provided here is an accurate copy of the published work. 1. INTRODUCTION Automated air traffic decision support tools must compute the time it takes an aircraft to fly along a path. The estimation of Time-To-Fly (TTF) requires accurate knowledge of the wind (Jardin and Green, 1998). Two proposed sources of wind data for the Center-TRACON Automation System (CTAS) (Denery and Erzberger, 1997) developed by NASA are the Rapid Update Cycle (RUC) (Schwartz, et al., 2000) and the Integrated Terminal Weather System (ITWS) (Evans and Ducot, 1994). The RUC is a mesoscale numerical weather prediction model run by the National Centers for Environmental Prediction. The ITWS was developed by MIT Lincoln Laboratory for the FAA. The ITWS winds product, Terminal Winds (Cole, et al., 2000), takes in RUC forecasts and refines them using recent local measurements of the wind from Doppler radars, aircraft, and ground stations. This report examines the question: does the use of RUC and ITWS wind fields lead to different Time-To-Fly estimates? ITWS provides finer-grained and more accurate wind fields than the RUC, but at the expense of requiring greater bandwidth to disseminate. It is desired to understand if the extra cost of the ITWS winds provides a benefit. An assessment of ITWS Terminal Wind (TW) accuracy versus RUC accuracy at points in space [using Meteorological Data Collection and Reporting System (MDCRS) as " truth " ] has shown that ITWS Terminal Wind typically has an RMS error which is about 1.4 m/sec lower than that of RUC (Cole, et al., 1998). The …
Modeling Autoregressive Processes with Moving-Quantiles-Implied Nonlinearity

We introduce and investigate some properties of a class of nonlinear time series models based on the moving sample quantiles in the autoregressive data generating process. We derive a test fit to detect this type of nonlinearity. Using the daily realized volatility data of Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) and several other indices, we obtained good performance using these models in an out-of-sample forecasting exercise compared with the forecasts obtained based on the usual linear heterogeneous autoregressive and other models of realized volatility.
Association of thromboangiitis obliterans with cigarette and bidi smoking in Bangladesh: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND In addition to cigarettes, bidi, made of unprocessed and low-grade tobacco, is being smoked widely in Bangladesh and in other south Asian countries. The cause-and-effect relationship is established between thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) and smoking. However, type of smoking material(s) most strongly related to TAO is not yet determined. METHODS We conducted a hospital-based case-control study in Rajshahi, Bangladesh, to examine the relationship of type of smoking materials (cigarette versus bidi) with TAO on 103 pairs of cases and controls matched by age and sex during the period 1995 to 1996. The inclusion criteria for cases were newly diagnosed TAO and current smoker, while those for controls were current smokers admitted to the hospital due to non-cardiovascular diseases. RESULTS Among the cases 35.0% and 65.0% were cigarette and bidi smokers, while among the controls 69.9% and 30.1%, respectively. Using logistic regression approach, considering cigarette smoking approximately 10 per day as reference, bidi smoking >20 per day (odds ratio [OR] = 34.76, 95% CI: 6.11-197.67) and 11-20 per day (OR = 7.12, 95% CI: 2.35-21.63) had greater risk of TAO after adjusting confounding factors. Respective OR for bidi smoking approximately 10 per day, cigarette smoking 11-20 per day and cigarette smoking >20 per day, were 2.18 (95% CI: 0.64-7.51), 3.81 (95% CI: 1.37-10.57) and 6.88 (95% CI: 1.87-25.30). CONCLUSION Within the limits inherent to case-control study, our findings suggest that bidi smoking may well play a more important role in causing TAO than cigarettes. It leads to the speculation that unprocessed and low-grade tobacco used for producing bidi might play a more potent role to initiate TAO than cigarettes.
Clinical importance of an elevated circulating chemerin level in incident dialysis patients.

BACKGROUND Circulating chemerin, a novel adipokine linked to obesity, glucose tolerance and hyperlipidaemia, was recently reported to be increased in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. We explored possible links between chemerin and various clinical, nutritional and biochemical markers as well as its association with 5-year all-cause mortality. METHODS Fasting plasma samples were obtained from 252 CKD Stage 5 patients [median age 56 years, male 61%, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) 7 mL/min] enrolled at the initiation of dialysis. Serum chemerin was measured using commercial ELISA. Chemerin levels were related to clinical status and biomarkers of inflammation, glucose and lipid metabolism and body composition (body mass index and total and truncal fat mass by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry). Survival, censored for transplantation, was recorded for a follow-up time of 5 years. RESULTS In univariate regression, circulating chemerin (119 ± 26 ng/mL) was positively correlated with cholesterol (ρ = 0.21; P = 0.001), triglycerides (ρ = 0.22; P = 0.0007), apolipoprotein B (ρ = 0.33; P < 0.0001), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (ρ = 0.18; P = 0.006), white blood cell count (ρ = 0.23; P < 0.001), insulin (ρ = 0.18; P < 0.05) and homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) index (ρ = 0.17; P < 0.05), whereas we found a negative correlation with GFR (ρ = -0.28; P = 0.007), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (ρ = -0.15; P < 0.05) and homocysteine (ρ = -0.25; P = 0.001). Moreover, a high chemerin predicted a better survival (log-rank χ(2) = 3.85; P < 0.05). Also, in a Cox model, adjustments for age, sex and CRP did not alter this finding (hazard ratio = 1.98 [95% confidence interval = 1.13-3.50], P = 0.01). However, adjusting for GFR made the model non-significant. CONCLUSIONS We report that, in incident dialysis patients, an elevated chemerin is associated with a survival advantage despite its significant positive association with markers of inflammation and dyslipidaemia.
Possible Protective Effect of Diacerein on Doxorubicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats

Nephrotoxicity is one of the limiting factors for using doxorubicin (DOX). Interleukin 1 has major role in DOX-induced nephrotoxicity, so we investigated the effect of interleukin 1 receptor antagonist diacerein (DIA) on DOX-induced nephrotoxicity. DIA (25 and 50 mg/kg/day) was administered orally to rats for 15 days, in the presence or absence of nephrotoxicity induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of DOX (15 mg/kg) at the 11th day. We measured levels of serum urea, creatinine, renal reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), total nitrites (NOx), catalase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD). In addition, caspase-3, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) expressions, and renal histopathology were assessed. Our results showed that DOX-induced nephrotoxicity was ameliorated or reduced by both doses of DIA, but diacerein high dose (DHD) showed more improvement than diacerein low dose (DLD). This protective effect was manifested by significant improvement in all measured parameters compared to DOX treated group by using DHD. DLD showed significant improvement of creatinine, MDA, NOx, GSH, histopathology, and immunohistochemical parameters compared to DOX treated group.