Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Competitiveness in Small Developing Economies

Possibly no group is more conscious of the challenges created by the increasing integration of markets for capital, labour, products and information than small, developing economies. Policy makers from these economies have sought a two-track response to this integration. One response lies in increasing lobbying efforts for these economies to be accorded special, or more equitable treatment in market integration discussions. The second response lies in improving the competitiveness of their economies. It is this second response that provides the subject matter for this book. It explores the challenges and opportunities associated increasing competitiveness in small, developing economies based on research conducted in the Caribbean. The topics covered indicate the breadth of activity that is required to enhance. competitiveness. At the macro-policy level, the book explores the key drivers of competitiveness, examines the role of exchange rate regimes and of government policy, considers the implications sovereignty, and assesses the extent to which competitiveness likely to be improved by attracting foreign direct investment.
Random walks, universal traversal sequences, and the complexity of maze problems

It is well known that the reachability problem for directed graphs is logspace-complete for the complexity class NSPACE(log n) , and thus holds the key to the open question of whether DSPACE(logn)= NSPACE(logn) ([3,4,5,6]). Here as usual OSPACE(logn) is the class of languages that are accepted in logn space by deterministic Turing Ma chi nes, wh i 1eNSPACE( log n) i s the c1ass 0 f 1anguages that are accepted in log n space by nondeterministic ones. The reachability problem for undirected graphs has also been considered ([5]), but it has remained an open question whether undirected graph reachability is logspace-complete for NSPACE(logn). Here we derive results suggesting that the undirected reachability problem is structurally different from, and easier than, the directed version. These results are an affirmative answer to a question of S. Cook.
Bone marrow stromal cells and the upregulation of interleukin-8 production in human T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia through the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis and the NF-κB and JNK/AP-1 pathways

Cytokines released in the bone marrow likely play an important role in the growth of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Findings of this study suggest that CXCL12 (also known as SDF-1) can regulate interleukin-8 production in leukemic T cells. See related perspective article on page 493. Background Cytokines released in the bone marrow and thymic microenvironments play a key role in the growth of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Among such cytokines, interleukin-8 is highly expressed in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells refractory to chemotherapy. In this study we explored whether bone marrow stromal cells can regulate IL-8 expression in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and investigated the role of the stromal CXCL12 chemokine in this event. We also investigated the roles of the nuclear factor-κB and Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK)/activating protein (AP)-1 signaling pathways, which contribute to regulate interleukin-8 production in some cells. Design and Methods We analyzed the expression of interleukin-8 in primary cells from ten adult patients with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia when these cells were cultured with bone marrow stromal cells or stimulated with exogenous CXCL12. Interleukin-8 mRNA was analyzed by a colorimetric assay. Cytokine production was assayed by cytometric antibody array and flow cytometry. Nuclear factor-κB and JNK/AP-1 activation was investigated by using specific inhibitors of these pathways, immunoblotting, electrophoretic mobility-shift assay and cell transfection assays. Results Bone marrow stromal cells upregulated interleukin-8 mRNA in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells through the activity of CXCR4, the CXCL12 receptor, as assessed by the use of neutralizing antibodies. Exogenous CXCL12 induced a significant increase in the production of IL-8 mRNA and protein in all T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cases. We showed that CXCL12 activates the nuclear factor-κB and JNK/AP-1 pathways, and that these events are required for increased expression of interleukin-8. Furthermore, the nuclear factor-κB and AP-1 elements of the interleukin-8 promoter are necessary for both constitutive and CXCL12-induced interleukin-8 expression. Conclusions Interleukin-8 is physiologically regulated by the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis and the nuclear factor-κB and JNK/AP-1 pathways are required for interleukin-8 expression in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. We propose that, by upregulating interleukin-8, the bone marrow microenvironment and the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis may play a role in the pathogenesis of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
The Native Sport and Recreation Program, 1972—1981: Patterns of Resistance, Patterns of Reproduction

1e 1970s could be considered a "golden age" for Native sport in ~da. During this decade, federal bureaucrats and politicians Instrated a commitment to Native sport through the funding of various mcts. The Native Sport and Recreation Program was central to this era; ~gh it, Native organizers across the country were able to work towards own vision of sport. Over the nine years of this program, Native iizers at times resisted, as well as reproduced, the primarily Euroldian vision within which this program was conceived and nistered. An examination of the program's history provides interesting hts into possibilities for Native sport, as well as shilling perceptions t Native sport and recreation within the federal government.
Capital Flows and their Impact on the Real Effective Exchange Rate

This paper analyzes the impact of capital inflows and the exchange rate regime on the real effective exchange rate. A wide range of developing countries (42 countries) is considered with estimation based on panel cointegration techniques. The results show that both public and private inflows cause the real effective exchange rate to appreciate. Among private inflows, portfolio investment has the biggest effect on appreciation, almost seven times that of foreign direct investment or bank loans, and private inflows have the smallest effect. Using a de facto measure of exchange rate flexibility, we find that a more flexible exchange rate helps to dampen appreciation of the real effective exchange rate caused by capital inflows.
Investigating the Relationships Between Teacher Identity Norms and Collaboration

ii Acknowledgements . iii List of Tables . vi CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY . 1 Ontario Context . 2 Challenges of Policy Development and Implementation . 4 Role of Teacher Collaboration in Educational Change . 8 Statement of the Problem Context . 11 Purpose of the Study . 14 Research Questions . 14 Hypotheses . 14 Rationale . 14 Scope of the Study.18 Outline of Remainder of the Document . 19 . CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW . 21 Organizational Structures of Teacher Collaboration . 22 Purposes of Teacher Collaboration . 24 Impact of Teacher Collaboration . 25 Teacher Identity Norms . 27 Barriers to Teacher Collaboration . 33 Building a Strong Collaborative Landscape . 37 Chapter Summary . 47 CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY AND PROCEDURES . 50 Research Design and Methodology . 50 Pilot Study and Instrument Development . 54 Site and Participant Selection.62 Data Collection and Storage.64 Data Processing and Analysis . 67 Assumptions and Limitations of the Methodology . 69 Reliability and Validity . 73 Research Ethics Considerations . 74 Chapter Summary . 76 CHAPTER FOUR: FINDINGS . 77 Demographic Characteristics . 77 Collaboration and Teacher Identity Norms . 81 Relationships Between and Among Teacher Identity Norms and Teacher Collaboration.89 Impact of Demographic Variables on Teacher IdentityNorms and Collaboration.94 Summary of Results.95
Automatic Avoidance Tendencies for Alcohol Cues Predict Drinking After Detoxification Treatment in Alcohol Dependence

Alcohol dependence is characterized by conflict between approach and avoidance motivational orientations for alcohol that operate in automatic and controlled processes. This article describes the first study to investigate the predictive validity of these motivational orientations for relapse to drinking after discharge from alcohol detoxification treatment in alcohol-dependent patients. One hundred twenty alcohol-dependent patients who were nearing the end of inpatient detoxification treatment completed measures of self-reported (Approach and Avoidance of Alcohol Questionnaire; AAAQ) and automatic (modified Stimulus-Response Compatibility task) approach and avoidance motivational orientations for alcohol. Their drinking behavior was assessed via telephone follow-ups at 2, 4, and 6 months after discharge from treatment. Results indicated that, after controlling for the severity of alcohol dependence, strong automatic avoidance tendencies for alcohol cues were predictive of higher percentage of heavy drinking days (PHDD) at 4-month (&bgr; = 0.22, 95% CI [0.07, 0.43]) and 6-month (&bgr; = 0.22, 95% CI [0.01, 0.42]) follow-ups. We failed to replicate previous demonstrations of the predictive validity of approach subscales of the AAAQ for relapse to drinking, and there were no significant predictors of PHDD at 2-month follow-up. In conclusion, strong automatic avoidance tendencies predicted relapse to drinking after inpatient detoxification treatment, but automatic approach tendencies and self-reported approach and avoidance tendencies were not predictive in this study. Our results extend previous findings and help to resolve ambiguities with earlier studies that investigated the roles of automatic and controlled cognitive processes in recovery from alcohol dependence.
The Impact of War on Children: A Review of Progress Since the 1996 United Nations Report on the Impact of Armed Conflict on Children.

War against ChildrenChild SoldiersChildren Forced to FleeChildren under Siege From HIV/AIDSEnding Gender-based Violence and Sexual ExploitationThe Toll from Malnutrition and DiseaseThe Psycho-social ImpactEducation for SurvivalLandmines and Unexploded OrdnanceLight Weapons, Mass DestructionProtecting Children from SanctionsRaising Standards for Child ProtectionA Children's Agenda for Peace and SecurityReconstruction and ReconciliationWomen the Peace ProcessMedia CommunicationsPreventing War
Heterogeneous Integrated Beam-Switching/ Retrodirective Array Using Synthesized Transmission Lines

By utilizing synthesized transmission lines, in this paper a four-element heterogeneous integrated beam-switching/ retrodirective phased array is proposed and demonstrated. Without using active devices, the innovative array can switch its feeding network in two operational modes, making it identical to a beam-switching Butler matrix array in one frequency band, but become a reflection-type retrodirective array in the other band. The key building blocks of the unique feeding network are the dual-mode crossover and dual-mode delay lines, realized by synthesized transmission lines consisting of quasi-lumped meander-line inductors and series LC tanks in microstrip form. The operational principles, including the architecture and phase compensation scheme, are first discussed, followed by the design considerations and experimental results of the core components. The circuit responses of the feeding network and the radiation characteristics of the heterogeneous integrated array are validated through experiments. Discussion is given at the end of this paper.
High-Density SNP Mapping of the HLA Region Identifies Multiple Independent Susceptibility Loci Associated with Selective IgA Deficiency

Selective IgA deficiency (IgAD; serum IgA<0.07 g/l) is the most common form of human primary immune deficiency, affecting approximately 1∶600 individuals in populations of Northern European ancestry. The polygenic nature of IgAD is underscored by the recent identification of several new risk genes in a genome-wide association study. Among the characterized susceptibility loci, the association with specific HLA haplotypes represents the major genetic risk factor for IgAD. Despite the robust association, the nature and location of the causal variants in the HLA region remains unknown. To better characterize the association signal in this region, we performed a high-density SNP mapping of the HLA locus and imputed the genotypes of common HLA-B, -DRB1, and -DQB1 alleles in a combined sample of 772 IgAD patients and 1,976 matched controls from 3 independent European populations. We confirmed the complex nature of the association with the HLA locus, which is the result of multiple effects spanning the entire HLA region. The primary association signal mapped to the HLA-DQB1*02 allele in the HLA Class II region (combined P = 7.69×10−57; OR = 2.80) resulting from the combined independent effects of the HLA-B*0801-DRB1*0301-DQB1*02 and -DRB1*0701-DQB1*02 haplotypes, while additional secondary signals were associated with the DRB1*0102 (combined P = 5.86×10−17; OR = 4.28) and the DRB1*1501 (combined P = 2.24×10−35; OR = 0.13) alleles. Despite the strong population-specific frequencies of HLA alleles, we found a remarkable conservation of these effects regardless of the ethnic background, which supports the use of large multi-ethnic populations to characterize shared genetic association signals in the HLA region. We also provide evidence for the location of association signals within the specific extended haplotypes, which will guide future sequencing studies aimed at characterizing the precise functional variants contributing to disease pathogenesis.
The Mass Assembly and Star Formation Characteristics of Field Galaxies of Known Morphology

We discuss a new method for inferring the stellar mass of a distant galaxy of known redshift based on the combination of a near-IR luminosity and multiband optical photometry. The typical uncertainty for field galaxies with I < 22 in the redshift range 0 < z < 1 is a factor of 2. We apply this method to a newly constructed sample of 321 field galaxies with redshifts and Hubble Space Telescope morphologies enabling us to construct the stellar mass density associated with various morphologies as a function of redshift. We find a marked decline with time in the stellar mass associated with peculiar galaxies accompanied by a modest rise in that observed for elliptical galaxies. The result suggests that peculiar galaxies decline in abundance because they transform and merge into regular systems. The star formation rate per unit stellar mass indicates that massive systems completed the bulk of their star formation before redshift 1, whereas dwarf galaxies continue to undergo major episodes of activity until the present epoch.
The Flip Side of Financial Synergies: Coinsurance Versus Risk Contamination

This paper characterizes when joint financing of two projects through debt increases expected default costs, contrary to conventional wisdom. Separate financing dominates joint financing when risk-contamination losses (associated to the contagious default of a well-performing project that is dragged down by a poorly-performing project) outweigh standard coinsurance gains. Separate financing becomes more attractive than joint financing when the fraction of returns lost under default increases and when projects have lower mean returns, higher variability, more positive correlation, and more negative skewness. These predictions are broadly consistent with existing evidence on conglomerate mergers, spin-offs, project finance, and securitization. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Codes: G32, G34. Keywords: Default costs, conglomeration, mergers, spin-offs, project finance, risk contamination, coinsurance.
Development of ganglion cell topography in ferret retina

The adult ferret has approximately 90,000 retinal ganglion cells, arranged in a prominent area centralis and visual streak. The role of differential cell generation, cell death, and retinal growth in the control of adult retinal ganglion cell number and distribution was evaluated by examining basic aspects of retinogenesis, including growth in retinal area, developmental changes in the number, size, and distribution of retinal ganglion cells (identification aided by retrograde transport of HRP), and the incidence of degenerating cells in the ganglion cell layer. Retinal development in the ferret was also compared to retinal development in the cat (which has an even more differentiated area centralis) to determine what alterations of developmental parameters are most closely associated with this species difference in adult morphology. The area of the retina increases linearly from birth (12 mm2) to postnatal day 24 (54 mm2), reaching an eventual adult value of 64 mm2. Ganglion cell numbers peak at 155,000 (approximately twice the adult number) on postnatal day 3, and fall to adult numbers by postnatal day 6. The remaining cells of the ganglion cell layer, principally displaced amacrine cells, reach their peak number on postnatal day 10 (approximately 280,000), falling to 200,000 by adulthood. Degenerating cells are abundant in the ganglion cell layer in the immediate postnatal period. A difference in the incidence of degenerating cells in the presumptive area centralis versus that in the retinal periphery was not observed postnatally, though there were other striking spatial nonuniformities, suggesting that differential cell loss might contribute to other features of retinal topographic organization. Ganglion cell density is virtually uniform across the retina at birth. Cell density is first reduced in the dorsal retina, resulting in a dorsal-to-ventral gradient in cell density that persists until day 10, when ganglion cell number has stabilized. By postnatal day 24, an area centralis and visual streak has emerged, but not of adult magnitude. Because ganglion cell number has stabilized long before the area centralis and visual streak emerge, we conclude that differential retinal growth is the principal mechanism producing this feature of retinal topography. Comparison with the cat suggests that the proportionately greater nonuniform growth of the cat's eye accounts for the greater differentiation of its area centralis.
THE K-BAND HUBBLE DIAGRAM FOR BRIGHTEST CLUSTER GALAXIES IN X-RAY CLUSTERS

This paper concerns the K-band Hubble diagram for the brightest cluster galaxies (BCGs) in a sample of X-ray clusters covering the redshift range 0.05 2.3×1044 erg s−1 (in the 0.3–3.5 keV band) is no more than 0.22 mag, and is not significantly reduced by correcting for the BCG structure parameter, α, or for X-ray luminosity. This is the smallest scatter in the absolute magnitudes of any single class of galaxy, and demonstrates the homogeneity of BCGs in high-LX clusters. By contrast, we find that the brightest members of low-LX systems display a wider dispersion (∼0.5 mag) in absolute magnitude than commonly seen in previous studies, which arises from the inclusion, in X-ray flux-limited samples, of poor clusters and groups which are usually omitted from low-redshift studies of BCGs in optically rich clusters. Spectral synthesis models reveal the insensitivity of K-band light to galaxy evolution, and this insensitivity, coupled with the tightness of its Hubble relation, and the lack of evidence of significant growth by merging (shown by the absence of a correlation between BCG structure parameter, α, and redshift), makes our sample of BCGs in high-LX clusters ideal for estimating the cosmological parameters ΩM and ΩL, free from many of the problems that have bedevilled previous attempts using BCGs. The BCGs in our high-LX clusters yield a value of ΩM=0.28±0.24 if the cosmological constant Λ=0. For a flat Universe we find ΩM=0.55+0.14−0.15 with a 95 per cent confidence upper limit to the cosmological constant corresponding to ΩΛ<0.73. These results are discussed in the context of other methods used to constrain the density of the Universe, such as Type Ia supernovae.
Growing Trees in Child Brains: Graph Theoretical Analysis of Electroencephalography-Derived Minimum Spanning Tree in 5- and 7-Year-Old Children Reflects Brain Maturation

The child brain is a small-world network, which is hypothesized to change toward more ordered configurations with development. In graph theoretical studies, comparing network topologies under different conditions remains a critical point. Constructing a minimum spanning tree (MST) might present a solution, since it does not require setting a threshold and uses a fixed number of nodes and edges. In this study, the MST method is introduced to examine developmental changes in functional brain network topology in young children. Resting-state electroencephalography was recorded from 227 children twice at 5 and 7 years of age. Synchronization likelihood (SL) weighted matrices were calculated in three different frequency bands from which MSTs were constructed, which represent constructs of the most important routes for information flow in a network. From these trees, several parameters were calculated to characterize developmental change in network organization. The MST diameter and eccentricity significantly increased, while the leaf number and hierarchy significantly decreased in the alpha band with development. Boys showed significant higher leaf number, betweenness, degree and hierarchy and significant lower SL, diameter, and eccentricity than girls in the theta band. The developmental changes indicate a shift toward more decentralized line-like trees, which supports the previously hypothesized increase toward regularity of brain networks with development. Additionally, girls showed more line-like decentralized configurations, which is consistent with the view that girls are ahead of boys in brain development. MST provides an elegant method sensitive to capture subtle developmental changes in network organization without the bias of network comparison.
A Randomized Sampling Clock for CPU Utilization Estimation and Code Profiling

Theunix rusagestatistics are well known to be highly inaccurate measurements of CPU utilization. We have observed errors in real applications as large as 80%, and we show how to construct an adversary process that can use an arbitrary amount of the CPU without being charged. We demonstrate that these inaccuracies result from aliasing effects between the periodic system clock and periodic process behavior. Process behavior cannot be changed but periodic sampling can. To eliminate aliasing, we have introduced a randomized, aperiodic sampling clock into the4.4bsd kernel. Our measurements show that this randomization has completely removed the systematic errors.
Examination of gender effects on intention to stay among information systems employees

This study attempted to explcre disparities between men and women in the IS profession. Specifically, it examined the effect of gender on IS employees’ job satisfaction, organizational commitment and intention to stay. The results of our study--based on the survey responses of about 350 employees in the IS field-suggest that significant gender differences do exist. For instance, women were younger, had fewer years of jcb tenure, were in lower-level positions and ‘were paid less than men. Moreover, women had fewer olpportunitics to interact with people outside their departmental boundaries and were motivated more by intangible rewards compared to men. Contrary to our expectation, we dild not find any gender-based differences in role ambiguity, role cmfliet or career outcomes.