Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Analysis of Perceptions Concerning the Environmental Quality of Housing in Geneva

The aim of this paper is to gain a better understanding of the characteristics related to the environment of single-family houses in the greater Geneva area. An Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodology is applied to the data collected by means of a questionnaire which was sent to 850 owners of houses in Geneva. The pairwise comparisons are done with eight criteria. For the 28 comparisons, the standard levels of preferences are used, but with a multiplicative scale rather than the standard linear scale. The results show that distance to a green area and quietness of the area are the two most important factors. Another finding is that the proximity of shopping centres and schools is not as important as in other countries.
Demand for cigarettes: a mixed binary-ordered probit approach

This study analyses the demand for cigarettes fitting observed zero outcomes with a trivariate model consisting of an equation for the starting smoking decision, an equation for the quitting decision, and an equation that models the level of cigarettes consumed. Five competing specifications are considered to explain level, with the ordered probit, which accommodates pile-ups of counts in the dependent variable, providing the best fit. Marginal effects of explanatory variables are calculated providing strong evidence of race and gender differences in consumption patterns. The estimated marginal effects are robust to alternative categorizations of the level of cigarettes.
Technological Catch Up and Diverging Incomes: Patterns of Economic Growth 1960-88

The pattern of worldwide economic growth over the last three decades displays diverging growth paths. Most economies shared the experience of high growth rates in the I950S and I96os, reverting in the 1970S and I98os to rates which are more normal by historical standards. At the same time, however, income disparities across the national economies of the world have been widening. The richer economies have, in per capita terms, been growing faster than the middleincome economies, which in turn have outpaced the poorest economies. Moreover, within each of these broadly defined groups, income levels have been diverging. The divergence of growth paths of GDP per capita is perhaps surprising. The post-war period has witnessed an explosion in world trade, communications and the dissemination of information - all factors which might be supposed to both encourage and enable the technologically backward economies to learn from and adopt the production techniques of the more advanced. At the same time, the integration of capital markets, the emerging dominance of transnational corporations and the development of both transport and communications technology might be expected to lead to growth-enhancing investment in the poorer, low-wage economies. The first of these conjectures is supported by an analysis of the sources of economic growth. There is indeed evidence to support the technological spillover hypothesis: the less advanced economies have tended to experience faster growth in multi-factor productivity (although not necessarily with respect to manufacturing technology in the poorest economies). It appears, therefore, that income divergence has occurred in spite of technological catching up. The proximate causes are lower rates of investment in the poorer countries allied to declining rates of labour force participation in the poorer countries and rising participation in the richer countries. There are several explanations for the divergence of the growth paths of
Gender and Job Turnover in the Dual Labor Market: A Korean Perspective

Abstract This study analyzes gender differences in job turnover and performance in the Korean labor market by using a combined dataset consisting of the Ninth and Tenth year waves of the KLIPS (Korean Labor & Income Panel Study). The results of this empirical analysis show that the female workers in the dataset had a higher turnover rate, by a margin of 9.5 percent compared to male workers. Further, the results suggest that voluntariness and change in employment type are key variables that determine the direction of wage changes. If the turnover was involuntary and separated from regular jobs, the accompanying wage loss will be the greatest among all forms of voluntary turnover. The wage loss of involuntary female turnover separated from regular jobs was much greater than the wage loss of the comparable male turnover. This may be because the involuntary female turnover from regular jobs is likely to be a movement from the core labor market to the peripheral labor market. The estimation results with respect to the determinants of wage changes also suggest that turnover, resulting in a change in market structure, has a greater impact on the wage change than the occupation or industry change within the same core or peripheral market. Even if it is generally true that personal characteristics are important determinants in wage changes, in the process of turnover productive traits such as education and work experience in a large firm reward male turnover more so than female turnover.
Director cash compensation, ownership structure and director pay for performance

This paper examines the relationship between director cash compensation and ownership structure and their interactions with board independence and firm performance. Using a sample of Canadian public companies with board compensation data from 2003 to 2005, the results suggest that directors in dual class firms with added agency problems resulting from the deviation from the one-vote-per-share structure extract excess cash compensation to entrench themselves at the cost of destroying shareholder value. However, board independence appears to be an effective governance mechanism in mitigating agency conflicts and improving director pay for performance sensitivity.
Detection of financial distress via multivariate statistical analysis

Describes the ability of modern computer‐driven multivariate statistical analysis to deal with complex data and the development of statistical models for predicting financial distress. Applies multivariate techniques to 1986‐1991 financial ratio data for Australian failed (29) and nonfailed (42) companies; and explains the techniques used (principal components analysis, factor analysis, discriminant analysis and cluster analysis) and the different types of information they can provide to help identify the distress levels of companies. Predicts that multivariate methods will change the way researchers think about problems and design their research. An unusually clear exposition of the application of multivariate methods.
Rescue of protein expression defects may not be enough to abolish the pro‐arrhythmic phenotype of long QT type 2 mutations

Most missense long QT syndrome type 2 (LQTS2) mutations result in Kv11.1 channels that show reduced levels of membrane expression. Pharmacological chaperones that rescue mutant channel expression could have therapeutic potential to reduce the risk of LQTS2‐associated arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death, but only if the mutant Kv11.1 channels function normally (i.e. like WT channels) after membrane expression is restored. Fewer than half of mutant channels exhibit relatively normal function after rescue by low temperature. The remaining rescued missense mutant Kv11.1 channels have perturbed gating and/or ion selectivity characteristics. Co‐expression of WT subunits with gating defective missense mutations ameliorates but does not eliminate the functional abnormalities observed for most mutant channels. For patients with mutations that affect gating in addition to expression, it may be necessary to use a combination therapy to restore both normal function and normal expression of the channel protein.
Physical Activity and Global Self-worth in a Longitudinal Study of Children

Purpose Physical activity is associated with an array of physical and mental health benefits among children and adolescents. The development of self-worth/self-esteem has been proposed as a mechanism to explain the mental health benefits derived from physical activity. Despite several studies that have analyzed the association between physical activity and self-worth, the results have been inconsistent. It is also uncertain how related physical health measures, such as sedentary behavior, body composition, and fitness, influence the relationship between physical activity and self-worth over time. In the present study, we 1) analyzed if the association between physical activity and self-worth remained constant over time and whether this relationship varied by sex and 2) investigated if changes in body composition and fitness level mediated the relationship between physical activity and self-worth. Methods Data from the Physical Health Activity Study Team were used for this analysis. The Physical Health Activity Study Team is a prospective cohort study that included 2278 children at baseline (ages 9–10 yr) and included eight follow-up contacts for a 4-yr study period. Linear mixed-effects models were used to estimate global self-worth (GSW) over follow-up. Results Increased physical activity was associated with greater GSW across all waves of data collection, and this relationship did not vary significantly over time or between sexes. Aerobic fitness was positively associated with GSW, whereas body mass index (BMI) was inversely related to GSW. Both aerobic fitness and BMI appeared to mediate the association between physical activity and GSW. Sedentary behavior was not significantly associated with GSW. Conclusion Physical activity is associated with greater GSW, and this relationship appears to be mediated by BMI and aerobic fitness. These findings reinforce the importance of physical behaviors and physical characteristics in shaping GSW in children.
Generating Regular Expressions from Natural Language Specifications: Are We There Yet?

Recent state-of-the-art approaches automatically generate regular expressions from natural language speciﬁcations. Given that these approaches use only synthetic data in both training datasets and validation/test datasets, a natural question arises: are these approaches effective to address various real-world situations? To explore this question, in this paper, we conduct a characteristic study on comparing two synthetic datasets used by the recent research and a real-world dataset collected from the Internet, and conduct an experimental study on applying a state-of-the-art approach on the real-world dataset. Our study results suggest the existence of distinct characteristics between the synthetic datasets and the real-world dataset, and the state-of-the-art approach (based on a model trained from a synthetic dataset) achieves extremely low effectiveness when evaluated on real-world data, much lower than the effectiveness when evaluated on the synthetic dataset. We also provide initial analysis on some of those challenging cases and discuss future directions.
High-Geometrical-Accuracy Embroidery Process for Textile Antennas With Fine Details

An embroidery process with high geometrical accuracy is presented for antennas with fine details. Previous embroidery processes employed thicker threads, leading to resolution not better than 1 mm. Therefore, fine details (e.g., sharp corners) could not be realized, and geometrical accuracy was low, viz. > 1 mm. To overcome these limitations, in this letter we: 1) employ much thinner E-fibers to enable the “printing” of sharp corners, and 2) increase embroidery density to boost surface conductivity. Two Liberator E-fibers were tested: 1) 40-strand ( diameter = 0.27 mm), and 2) 20-strand ( diameter = 0.22 mm). Embroidery density was optimized using double-layer stitching of 7 threads/mm. To validate our embroidery approach, we fabricated and tested a dipole antenna with intricate details operating at 2.4 GHz. This design could not be formerly “printed” on textiles. Both E-fiber (40/20-strand) prototypes exhibited excellent performance, comparable to that of copper antennas. The achieved geometrical accuracy was ~ 0.3 mm (viz. 3 times better).
Akrinor-induced Relaxation of Pig Coronary Artery In Vitro is Transformed into α1-Adrenoreceptor-mediated Contraction by Pretreatment With Propranolol

Akrinor (AKR), a mixture of theodrenaline (TDR) and cafedrine (CDR), is a sympathomimetic agent used to counter transitory hypotension. Although some cases of vascular complications associated with AKR have been reported there are no experimental data about its direct effects on coronary arteries. The effects of AKR, TDR, CDR, and ephedrine (EDR) were studied on the isometric contraction of the ring preparations of pig coronary arteries precontracted with KCl. The influence of endothelium removal and preincubation with nonselective β-adrenoreceptor antagonist propranolol (PROP), α1-adrenoreceptor antagonist prazosin, dopamine receptor antagonist SCH 23390, and adenosine receptor antagonist CGS 15943 were also tested. AKR, TDR, and CDR produced relaxation of the preparations. Preparations without endothelium were more sensitive to AKR relaxing effects. EDR produced an increase of vascular ring tonus. AKR, TDR, and EDR produced contraction in preparations pretreated with PROP. Higher concentrations of AKR relaxed PROP-pretreated preparations. AKR-induced contraction could be prevented by pretreatment with prazosin. Dopamine and adenosine receptor antagonists did not influence relaxing effects of AKR. In conclusion, AKR and its constituents induce the relaxation of pig coronary artery preparations precontracted with KCl. The observed contraction in the preparations pretreated with PROP was probably due to stimulation of unmasked α1-adrenoreceptors.
Surfactant Protein D Inhibits Adherence of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli to the Bladder Epithelial Cells and the Bacterium-induced Cytotoxicity

Background: Surfactant protein D (SP-D) exists in bladder urothelium. Results: SP-D decreased uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) adherence to bladder cells and UPEC-induced cytotoxicity both by direct interaction with UPEC and by competing with FimH, a lectin on UPEC, for uroplakin Ia binding. Conclusion: SP-D protects the urothelium against UPEC infection. Significance: This report suggests a possible function of SP-D in urinary tract. The adherence of uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) to the host urothelial surface is the first step for establishing UPEC infection. Uroplakin Ia (UPIa), a glycoprotein expressed on bladder urothelium, serves as a receptor for FimH, a lectin located at bacterial pili, and their interaction initiates UPEC infection. Surfactant protein D (SP-D) is known to be expressed on mucosal surfaces in various tissues besides the lung. However, the functions of SP-D in the non-pulmonary tissues are poorly understood. The purposes of this study were to investigate the possible function of SP-D expressed in the bladder urothelium and the mechanisms by which SP-D functions. SP-D was expressed in human bladder mucosa, and its mRNA was increased in the bladder of the UPEC infection model in mice. SP-D directly bound to UPEC and strongly agglutinated them in a Ca2+-dependent manner. Co-incubation of SP-D with UPEC decreased the bacterial adherence to 5637 cells, the human bladder cell line, and the UPEC-induced cytotoxicity. In addition, preincubation of SP-D with 5637 cells resulted in the decreased adherence of UPEC to the cells and in a reduced number of cells injured by UPEC. SP-D directly bound to UPIa and competed with FimH for UPIa binding. Consistent with the in vitro data, the exogenous administration of SP-D inhibited UPEC adherence to the bladder and dampened UPEC-induced inflammation in mice. These results support the conclusion that SP-D can protect the bladder urothelium against UPEC infection and suggest a possible function of SP-D in urinary tract.
Profiling Money Laundering in Eastern and Southern Africa

Extracted from text . LIST OF TABLES Published in Monograph No 90, December 2003Profiling Money Laundering in Eastern and Southern AfricaEdited by Charles GoredemaCHAPTER 3Table 1The two typologies in terms of environment, qualities and variablesTable 2Unauthorised expenditure in government departments 1999-2000 (in million $)Table 3Companies contracted to import maizeTable 4Over-invoicing of imports into Taznania from the UKTable 5Under-invoicing of exports from Tanzania into the UKCHAPTER 4Appendix ASuspicious transactions reported to the SAPS 1997-2001CHAPTER 5Table 1Spot sale contract between Pattni and Central Bank of KenyaCHAPTER 8Table 1Amounts in US$ millionsFiguresFigure 1Where is the money? Figure 2Outgoing and incoming money laundering circle 8 Profiling .
The influence of organizational factors on successful ERP implementation

Purpose – This study aims to examine organizational factors (i.e. top management support, training and education, enterprise‐wide communication) that may influence the enterprise resource planning system implementation success in Iran.Design/methodology/approach – Empirical data were collected via a survey questionnaire. The questionnaires were distributed to selected managers of companies adopting ERP systems in Iran.Findings – The results indicate that the companies' top management must provide full support and commitment to the project if the system is to be successful. In addition, management must also ensure the plans are communicated and understood by the entire company. Finally it is also illustrated that adequate training and education pertaining to the systems must be given to all users to ensure that they are able to use the system effectively and efficiently thus contributing to their satisfaction which will subsequently influence the implementation success.Research limitations/implications – T.
Comparing the New Zealand Curriculum and Young People’s Conceptions of ‘Ideal Citizens’: Re-examining Trust, Participation and Responsibility1

While citizenship has almost a ‘universal appeal’ (Faulks, 2000: 1), there remains much more debate about what type of citizen is ‘ideal’ for society and how citizenship education can contribute toward this end. In this paper I address the space which falls between the policies and ideals of a citizenship curriculum, and the understandings of citizenship held by the students to whom this curriculum is directed. I begin by examining the conceptions of the ‘ideal citizen’ conveyed in the official narratives of the most recent New Zealand Curriculum (Ministry of Education, 2007). I argue that ‘Third Way’ and ‘knowledge economy’ policy ideas have been influential in the nature of the ‘ideal’, personally responsible, participatory and entrepreneurial citizen conveyed in this curriculum. I then compare and contrast this with conceptions of the ‘ideal’ citizen held by school-aged young people. Comparisons between curricula and youth conceptions indicate a similar ‘personally responsible’ and participatory vision of ‘ideal’ citizens. However, closer examination of youth discussions also highlight some of the tensions related to issues of trust, participation and responsibility, thus challenging many of the assumptions upon which citizenship education in New Zealand (and other countries, including Ireland) is premised.
Capital Structure and Real Assets: Effects of an Implicit Collateral to Debt Holders

This paper analyzes how real assets implicitly provide a collateral for debt when an initially profitable production becomes relatively non-profitable in a structural model framework. Ex ante, the implicit collateral will benefit the firm owners because the tax shield can be better exploited. Results indicate that the firm value can increase by 40-50% and the par yield may decrease about 200 bps. The possibility to sell the assets extends the equity holders' strategy space: entering a renegotiation process with the debt holders may lead to either a restructuring of the firm's capital or an asset sale. The model further provides an argument for why Internet firms lose value fast when the initial production fails to be profitable.
Earnings Management in IPO Lockup and Insider Trading: Evidence from Taiwan

This paper examines the hypothesis that the timing of lockup expiration is crucial to earnings management (EM) behavior in the period after an initial public offering (IPO). Taiwan's unique two-stage lockup regulations make the Taiwanese sample an excellent candidate for examining this hypothesis. Three main results are reached. First, we find positive discretionary accruals (DAs) from the IPO quarter to the quarter after the expiration of the first-stage lockup. The DA in the quarter of the second-stage lockup expiration is significantly positive. The evidence shows that the lockup provision is key in the findings of significant EM in the IPO year and the following year. We also find a positive association between DAs in first-stage lockups and subsequent insider selling activity, indicating that insiders' selling after lockup expiration accounts for EM in the lockup period. Third, the extent of EM in first-stage lockup is negatively related to that around the IPO, consistent with the reversal nature of DAs.
Assessment of Genotoxic Effects of Pesticide Residues and Related Haemato-Biochemical Parameters on Farmed Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus L.) in Kafrelsheikh Governorate, Egypt -

Fish genotoxicity biomarkers are valuable parameters for environmental risk assessment. The aim of the current study was to determine the levels of organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticide residues in water and Nile tilapia fish samples collected from two fish farms in Kafrelsheikh governorate, Egypt. To detect the genotoxic effect on different fish tissues using comet assay and DNA fragmentation, as well as the effect on the haemato-biochemical parameters of the sampled fish. A large number of pesticide residues were detected both in the water and fish samples with high incidence of organochlorine compounds especially endrin, heptachlor epoxide, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and p,p′-DDE. While the haematological parameters revealed a significant decrease in RBCs, PCV, HB, neutrophilia, lymphopenia and monocytosis. A Significant increase in the ALT, AST, urea and creatinine indicating hepato-toxicity and kidney damage. The phagocytic assay revealed a significant decrease in both phagocytic activity (PA) and phagocytic index (PI) (P
Importance of Secondary I m p act of Foreign Tourism Receipts on the South Korean Economy

This study examined the secondary impact as compared to the primary impact of foreign tourist receipts on the South Korean economy for output, personal income, employment, value added, indirect tax, and import, using an input-output model. This study also analyzed the performance of the tourism industry as compared to other export-oriented industries in terms of multipliers and substitution effect.
Two-Dimensional Analytical Drain Current Model for Double-Gate MOSFET Incorporating Dielectric Pocket

In this paper, a dielectric-pocket double-gate MOSFET is described for low-voltage low-power applications. A complete drain current model has been developed including the channel length modulation effect. The analytical results have been validated by comparing them with the simulation results using the ATLAS 3-D device simulator. This paper analyzes the impact of dielectric pillars on large-signal performance metrics in terms of linearity and digital performance. Due to high Ion/Ioff ratio, device gain, and extremely low value of intrinsic delay and power dissipation, the proposed design is a suitable candidate for low-voltage low-power digital and analog applications.