Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
America Without the Death Penalty: States Leading the Way

In recent years, American politicians have learned the peril of actively opposing the death penalty. During the 1988 Presidential race, Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis stumbled in the polls after stating that he would oppose executing first degree murderers even, hypothetically, the convicted killer of his own wife. New York Governor Mario Cuomo's 1994 reelection loss to a political newcomer could be attributed to his annual vetoes of death penalty bills passed by the state legislature. Meanwhile, public support for capital punishment is overwhelming, and federal provisions allowing capital punishment, as well as the number of actual executions, have increased dramatically over the last decade. Accordingly, the United States retains the dubious distinction of joining China, Iraq, Iran, and Saudi Arabia as nations that continue to execute their citizens. Nationwide surveys, however, indicate that the number of Americans who favor the death penalty is, in fact, declining. As the struggle over state-sponsored homicide rages on, twelve states and the District of Columbia have taken bold measures to eliminate this unethical and inequitable practice. This landmark study is the first to examine the history and motivations of those jurisdictions that abolished capital punishment and that have resisted the move to reinstate death penalty statutes. Employing the case study method, the work focuses on the nine states - Michigan, Wisconsin, Maine, Minnesota, North Dakota, Hawaii, Alaska, Iowa, and West Virginia - that took legislative action. Three other states - Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont - that banned the death penalty through court decisions are discussed, as is the District of Columbia's courageous fight against Congressional efforts to reestablish the death penalty in the nation's capital. The inquiry delves into the local relationship between death penalty abolition and numerous empirical factors, including: economic conditions, public sentiment, the roles of the political, social and economic elite, the mass media, population diversity, murder rates, and the regional history of executions. With its solid research and methodology, this work provides invaluable historical and practical information to advocates striving to abolish capital punishment in other states.
Partial‐body exposure of human volunteers to 2450 MHz pulsed or CW fields provokes similar thermoregulatory responses *

Many reports describe data showing that continuous wave (CW) and pulsed (PW) radiofrequency (RF) fields, at the same frequency and average power density (PD), yield similar response changes in the exposed organism. During whole‐body exposure of squirrel monkeys at 2450 MHz CW and PW fields, heat production and heat loss responses were nearly identical. To explore this question in humans, we exposed two different groups of volunteers to 2450 MHz CW (two females, five males) and PW (65 μs pulse width, 104 pps; three females, three males) RF fields. We measured thermophysiological responses of heat production and heat loss (esophageal and six skin temperatures, metabolic heat production, local skin blood flow, and local sweat rate) under a standardized protocol (30 min baseline, 45 min RF or sham exposure, 10 min baseline), conducted in three ambient temperatures (Ta = 24, 28, and 31°C). At each Ta, average PDs studied were 0, 27, and 35 mW/cm2 (Specific absorption rate (SAR) = 0, 5.94, and 7.7 W/kg). Mean data for each group showed minimal changes in core temperature and metabolic heat production for all test conditions and no reliable differences between CW and PW exposure. Local skin temperatures showed similar trends for CW and PW exposure that were PD‐dependent; only the skin temperature of the upper back (facing the antenna) showed a reliably greater increase (P = .005) during PW exposure than during CW exposure. Local sweat rate and skin blood flow were both Ta‐ and PD‐dependent and showed greater variability than other measures between CW and PW exposures; this variability was attributable primarily to the characteristics of the two subject groups. With one noted exception, no clear evidence for a differential response to CW and PW fields was found. Bioelectromagnetics 22:246–259, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Forecast Risk Bias in Optimized Portfolios, October 2009

When there is noise in a covariance matrix, portfolio optimization tends to produce portfolios for which the risk forecasts are underestimates of the true risk. In this paper, we take a closer look at the connection between estimation error and the underestimation of the risk of optimized portfolios. We pay special attention to the case in which returns have a known factor structure. There, the bias in optimization can be reduced dramatically by using a covariance matrix based on a factor model, rather than one computed from historical asset covariances. Moreover, our analysis reveals that for many active portfolios, the bias in factor-model forecasts is less than previously thought. Lastly, we discuss the role of constraints in mitigating risk forecasting bias.
Perspectives on Specialist Nursing in Saudi Arabia: A National Model for Success

In many parts of the world, vulnerable patient populations may be cared for by a clinical nurse specialist (CNS). Nurses desiring to develop themselves professionally in the clinical arena, within the specialty of their choice, have the opportunity to obtain the knowledge, skills, experience and qualifications necessary to attain advanced practice positions such as CNS or nurse consultant (NC). Although studies have demonstrated the benefits of such roles and while the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends it, advanced nursing practice is not yet integrated into the health care culture in Saudi Arabia. The reasons for this are multiple, but the most important is the poor image of clinical nursing throughout the country. This article aims to share a perspective on CNS practice, while casting light on some of the obstacles encountered within Saudi Arabia. A model is proposed representing specialist nurse–physician collaborative practice for implementation nationally. The model has been implemented in the care of the colorectal and stoma patient populations while taking into consideration patient population needs and local health care culture. This model is based on the concepts of holistic “patient-centered care”, specialist nurse–physician collaborative practice, and the four practice domains for NCs (expert practice, leadership, research and education) as indicated by the Department of Health in the United Kingdom. We suggest this model will enable the introduction of advanced specialist nursing and collaborative partnerships in Saudi Arabia with benefits for patients, physicians, health care organizations and the nursing profession as a whole.
Topographic Organization of the Human Primary and Secondary Somatosensory Cortices: Comparison of fMRI and MEG Findings

We studied MEG and fMRI responses to electric median and tibial nerve stimulation in five healthy volunteers. The aim was to compare the results with those of a previous study using only fMRI on the primary and secondary somatosensory cortices in which the somatotopic organization of SII was observed with fMRI. In the present work we focus on the comparison between fMRI activation and MEG equivalent current dipole (ECD) localizations in the SII area. The somatotopic organization of SII was confirmed by MEG, with the upper limb areas located more anteriorly and more inferiorly than the lower limb areas. In addition a substantial consistency of the ECD locations with the areas of fMRI activation was observed, with an average mismatch of about 1 cm. MEG ECDs and fMRI activation areas showed comparable differences in SI.
The managerial skills of the top management team and the performance of municipal organisations

Abstract This paper examines the extent to which the managerial skills possessed by top management teams affect the performance of municipal organisations in Israel. We evaluated both perceived (education, employment, and culture, recreation and sport services) and objective (collecting efficiency ratio and surplus (deficit) ratio) performance measures. In general, the results show that the managerial skills possessed by the top management team explain variance in organisational performance. Interestingly, structural context plays an important role, especially for performance measures that are potentially less changeable in the short term (collecting efficiency ratio). Managerial skills are a good predictor of performance measures (surplus (deficit) ratio) that can be changed in the short term rather easily, and explain variance in municipal services, especially when the top management team views them as important and highly valued by residents.
Is There a Global Market for Convertible Bonds

Prior to 1984, the stock price reaction to announcements of convertible issue in the domestic market was significantly negative, while the reaction to issues on the Eurobond market was smaller in absolute value and not consistently negative. After 1984, this difference in stock price reactions seems to have disappeared. The difference in abnormal returns before 1984 cannot be explained by existing signaling models of convertible bond issues. It is consistent, however, with the hypothesis that American firms captured some of the tax advantage of Eurobonds relative to domestic bonds before the change in U.S. withholding taxes in July 1984. Copyright 1992 by University of Chicago Press.
Interest Rate Risk and Equity Values of Life Insurance Companies: A GARCH-M Model

The importance of managerial decisions related to interest-sensitive cash flows has received considerable attention in the insurance literature. Consistent with the interest-sensitive nature of insurer assets and liabilities, empirical research has shown that insurer insolvency is significantly related to interest rate volatility. We investigate the interest rate sensitivity of monthly stock returns of life insurers based on a generalized autoregressive conditionally heteroskedastic in the mean (GARCH-M) model. We examine three different portfolios (equally weighted, risk-based, and size-based) with binary variables to explicitly account for varying interest rate strategies adopted by the Federal Reserve System. Results based on data for the period 1975 through 2000 indicate that life insurer equity values are sensitive to long-term interest rates and that interest sensitivity varies across subperiods and across risk-based and size-based portfolios. The results complement insolvency research that links insurer financial performance to changes in interest rates.
How Does Investor Confidence Lead to Trading? Linking Investor Return Experiences, Confidence, and Investment Beliefs

Confident investors trade more than less confident investors, but why? Prior research tests the ultimate relation between investor confidence and trading, but does not empirically examine the underlying mechanism that explains why confidence leads to trading. We complement the literature by developing a conceptual framework and presenting empirical evidence on a psychologically plausible mechanism through which confidence leads to trading. Using a combination of individual investors’ brokerage records and matching monthly survey data, we show that more confident investors rely more on intuitive judgments when forming beliefs about expected returns. In particular, they rely more on naive reinforcement learning and extrapolate individual return experiences into the future more strongly. Given the same return experience, more confident investors change their beliefs more strongly, providing more reason to trade. Ultimately, confident investors have higher turnover, which hurts their performance.
Neurodevelopmental Outcome, Growth And Health Of Extremely Low‐Birthweight Survivors: How Soon Can We Tell?

A three‐year cohort of extremely low‐birthweight (ELBW, >1000g) survivors born between 1st January 1979 and 31st December 1981 were followed prospectively at one, two and five years of age, corrected for preterm birth. 57 of 110 infants survived, and 53 children were still alive at five years. The diagnoses of cerebral palsy, blindness, deafness and developmental delay fluctuated markedly according to age at developmental assessment. Although 13 of the 53 children were found to have impairments at five years, only seven were identified at one year, while 17 were identified at two years. In relation to the five‐year assessment, impairments were underestimated at one year and developmental delay was overestimated at two years, which suggests that valid and reliable estimation of adverse neurodevelopmental sequelae among ELBW survivors may not be possible until school‐age.
Resilience in Latin America : Lessons from Macroeconomic Management and Financial Policies

This paper analyzes the unprecedented resilience of Latin American countries to the global financial crisis. It argues that sound macroeconomic conditions, which allowed an unusual monetary and fiscal expansion, exchange rate flexibility, a strong and well--regulated financial system, high level of reserves, and a bit of luck coming from very high terms of trade, were central to good economic performance. Persevering along the road of strong macroeconomic and financial policies is necessary, but not sufficient, to go from recovery to sustained growth.
Estimating the impact of currency unions on trade using a dynamic gravity framework

Does leaving a currency union reduce international trade? This paper reexamines time series estimates of currency unions on trade from a historical perspective using a dynamic gravity equation and by conducting in-depth case studies of currency union breakups. The early large estimates are sensitive to dynamic specifications, and were driven by omitted variables, as many breakups were caused by warfare, communist takeovers, coup d'etats and other major geopolitical events. The methodology has general applicability for the use of gravity equations in policy analysis, and yields an imprecise point estimate of currency unions on trade close to one percent.
DOES DEFENCE SPENDING IMPEDE ECONOMIC GROWTH? COINTEGRATION AND CAUSALITY ANALYSIS FOR PAKISTAN

This study revisits the relationship between defence spending and economic growth via a Keynesian model in Pakistan using the autoregressive distributive lag bounds testing approach to cointegration. Empirical evidence suggests a stable cointegration relationship between defence spending and economic growth. An increase in defence spending reduces the pace of economic growth confirming the validity of Keynesian hypothesis in this case. Current economic growth is positively linked with economic growth of previous periods while a rise in non-military expenditures boosts economic growth. Interest rate is inversely associated with economic growth. Finally, unidirectional causality running from military spending to economic growth is found.
The Digital Divide : Facing a Crisis or Creating a Myth?

From the Publisher: "The digital divide refers to the perceived gap between those who have access to the latest information technologies and those who do not. If we are indeed in an Information Age, then not having access to this information is an economic and social handicap. Some people consider the digital divide to be a national crisis, while others consider it an over-hyped nonissue. This book presents data supporting the existence of such a divide in the 1990s along racial, economic, ethnic, and educational lines. But it also presents evidence that by 2000 the gaps were rapidly closing without substantive public policy initiatives and spending. Together, the contributions serve as a sourcebook on this controversial issue. "--BOOK JACKET.
Expression of Interleukin-8 Receptor CXCR2 and Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling-3 in Astrocytic Tumors

The aim was to expand recently published information regarding the significance of the interleukin (IL)-8/p-STAT-3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription) pathway in astrocytomas, focusing on the IL-8 receptor, chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 2 (CXCR2), and the STAT-3 inhibitor SOCS-3 (suppressors of cytokine signaling). A total of 91 paraffin-embedded human astrocytoma tissues (grades II-IV) were investigated for the association of SOCS-3 and CXCR2 expression with clinicopathologic and morpho-metric microvascular characteristics, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), IL-8 and p-STAT-3 expression and patient survival. Peripheral IL-8 secretion levels were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot (ELISPOT). SOCS-3, p-STAT-3 and CXCR2 protein levels were also quantified by Western immunoblotting in six cases, and the protein levels of SOCS-3 and CXCR2 were correlated with the immunohistochemical expression of the respective proteins. All CXCR2-positive cases by Western immunoblotting displayed increased peripheral IL-8 secretion levels. Treatment of primary glioblastoma cell cultures with exogenous IL-8 enhanced proliferation, and this effect was inhibited by treatment with a neutralizing anti-CXCR2 antibody. SOCS-3 and CXCR2 were expressed by neoplastic astrocytes in 92.4% and 48.78% of cases, respectively, with their levels increasing with histological grade and extent of necrosis. VEGF expression and microvessel density, CXCR2 and IL-8 levels were interrelated. SOCS-3 and p-STAT-3 were co-expressed in 85.7% of cases, although they were not interrelated. In univariate survival analysis, increased SOCS-3 expression and the presence of CXCR2 adversely affected survival, whereas in multivariate analysis, only CXCR2 remained significant. The prognostic significance of CXCR2 was validated in an independent set of 63 patients. Our data implicate IL-8/CXCR2 signaling pathway in the progression and regulation of angiogenesis in astrocytomas and provide a rationale for CXCR2 therapeutic exploitation in these tumors.
Türkiye'de işçi dövizlerinin toplam üretim büyümesine makroekonomik etkisi - Macroeconomic impact of remittances on output growth: Evidence from Turkey

In this study, a Keynesian model studying simultaneously, the impact of immigrant workers’ foreign currency transfers on macro variables such as consumption, investment, imports and income of Turkey is presented. While the calculated impact and dynamic multipliers of immigrant workers’ foreign currency transfers on consumption, imports and income is positive and gradually diminishing, their impact on investment is removed in the second year. With regard to its multiplying impact on income, it is observed that immigrant workers’ foreign currency transfers increases income notably. While the output growth resulting from immigrant workers’ foreign currency transfers reached highest level at the beginning of the seventies and the eighties, output growth during other periods, was negligibly low. [IN TURKISH] Gocmen dovizleri gelismekte olan ulkeler icin onemli bir dis finansman kaynagidir. Guncel finansal kriz gocmen dovizleri kullanim hacmi ve yonelimini etkilemesinin yani sira gocmen dovizleri akimini da etkilemistir. Bu ozel sayida, krizin hemen hissedilen etkilerini anlamak icin dunyanin cesitli yerlerinden toplanan vakalar sunulmustur. Krizin goc yonelimlerine etkisinin yol acacagi olasi tesirler henuz gerceklesmekte ve calisilmaktadir.
The Association of PTSD Symptom Severity With Localized Hippocampus and Amygdala Abnormalities

Background The hippocampus and amygdala have been repeatedly implicated in the psychopathology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While numerous structural neuroimaging studies examined these two structures in PTSD, these analyses have largely been limited to volumetric measures. Recent advances in vertex-based neuroimaging methods have made it possible to identify specific locations of subtle morphometric changes within a structure of interest. Methods In this cross-sectional study, we used high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging to examine the relationship between PTSD symptomatology, as measured using the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for the DSM-IV, and structural shape of the hippocampus and amygdala using vertex-wise shape analyses in a group of combat-exposed U.S. Veterans (N = 69). Results Following correction for multiple comparisons and controlling for age and cranial volume, we found that participants with more severe PTSD symptoms showed an indentation in the anterior half of the right hippocampus and an indentation in the dorsal region of the right amygdala (corresponding to the centromedial amygdala). Post hoc analysis using stepwise regression suggest that among PTSD symptom clusters, arousal symptoms explain most of the variance in the hippocampal abnormality, whereas reexperiencing symptoms explain most of the variance in the amygdala abnormality. Conclusion The results provide evidence of localized abnormalities in the anterior hippocampus and centromedial amygdala in combat-exposed U.S. Veterans suffering from PTSD symptoms. This novel finding provides a more fine-grained analysis of structural abnormalities in PTSD and may be informative for understanding the neurobiology of the disorder.
Conventions and Tourism

This research sought to explore the extent to which different groups of convention attendees add tourism or recreation activities to the convention experience and do these groups differ in the amount of money they spend on such activities? The research was conducted among a statistically valid and reliable sample of the residents of one state. Twenty-two percent of the sample population had attended a convention in the past year and 58.9 percent of those spent additional money on tourism activities. Of the four different types of convention attendees, members of two groups spent significantly more money on vacation food and beverage and recreation related retail than the other groups.
An evaluation of influence of Citrus paradisi seed extract on doxorubicin-induced testicular oxidative stress and impaired spermatogenesis.

The therapeutic value of Doxorubicin (DOX) as anticancer antibiotic is limited by its organotoxicity. It has been shown that free radicals are involved in doxorubicin-induced toxicity. Doxorubicin causes the generation of free radicals and the induction of oxidative stress, associated with cellular injury. Because of the great importance of DOX in cancer therapy, researchers have expended great efforts trying to prevent or attenuate the side effects of DOX administration. There has, however, been only a little success in this regard. In this study the ameliorating role of antioxidant-rich ethanolic seed extract of Citrus paradisi (CP) on DOX-induced testicular oxidative stress and impaired sperm parameters was investigated. Three experimental groups of Wistar rats were used; CP-alone group that received orally CP 10 mg kg -1 b.wt. daily for 14 days followed by intraperitoneal (i.p.) Normal Saline (NS) 2.5 mg kg -1 b.wt. DOX-alone group that had ip DOX 10 mg kg -1 b.wt. as a single dose. CP plus DOX-group that were similarly given DOX, but also had oral CP 10 mg kg -1 b.wt. pretreatment for 14 days. There was also a corresponding control group. The animals were autopsied 8 weeks after DOX or NS injections. Results showed that DOXinduced reduction in sperm motility and epididymal sperm concentrations as well as increase in total abnormal sperm rates were all normalized in the group pretreated with CP. Pretreatment with CP ameliorated the testicular content of Glutathione (GSH) and Auperoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) and Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) activities. Similarly, CP treatment attenuated the DOX-induced increase in testicular lipid peroxidation reflected by malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. These data indicate that CP protects the rat testis against DOX-induced oxidative stress and deranged sperm characteristics.