Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Voting Technology: The Not-So-Simple Act of Casting a Ballot

Voting difficulties hung over America's presidential election in 2000 like a dark cloud. Hanging chads, a butterfly ballot, and the Supreme Court remain the most vivid memories of that political donnybrook. Passage of 2002's Help America Vote Act sparked further interest in the physical process of casting a ballot, yet several recent contests still produced confusion at the polls. A solution to at least some of those problems may be found in new technology, but such innovations carry their own concerns and questions. Voting Technology is the first book to investigate in a scientific and authoritative manner how voters respond to the new equipment. The authors --an interdisciplinary group of experts in American elections, political behavior, human-computer interaction, and human factors psychology --assess five commercially available voting systems, each one representing a specific class based on shared design principles, as well as a prototype system not currently available. They evaluate the systems against different criteria (including ease of use, speed, and accuracy) using field experiments, laboratory experiments, and expert reviews. The results reveal the good and bad about the new systems, including specific features that contribute to clarity, confusion, or error. Going beyond the concern with spoiled ballots, they determine whether voters actually cast their ballots for the candidates they intended to support. They address fundamental questions of whether voters like and trust the equipment and whether the various systems are equally usable by all voters. Their research also opens up an entirely new line of inquiry by asking about the interaction between ballot format and voter behavior. The concluding chapter pulls together best practices that will guide manufacturers of voting systems, ballot designers, election officials, political observers, and of course, voters. In a political system based on free exercise of personal choice, the least we can do is make sure our choices are being accurately recorded and counted.
Social Interaction in Responsibility Ascription: The Case of Household Recycling

Duty-orientation implies a warm glow of giving as well as a cold shiver of not giving enough. If duty-oriented consumers learn their moral responsibility by observing others’ behavior, social interaction in contribution behavior arises. However, since moral responsibility is a burden, duty-oriented consumers may be less willing to accept responsibility if their information about others’ behavior is uncertain. Data from a survey on households’ glass recycling indicates that perceived responsibility is a major determinant for reported recycling, that responsibility ascription is influenced by beliefs about others’ behavior, and that people are, indeed, reluctant to accept responsibility based on uncertain information. (JEL D64, Q53)
The future of the international financial system

In 1989, John Williamson summarized a "Washington Consensus" on what policies developing countries should undertake to stimulate economic growth given the international financial system. Unfortunately, the experience of the 1990s demonstrated that the international financial system is seriously flawed, and this has contributed to the failure of many developing nations to benefit from the Washington Consensus. This paper explains why these failures have occurred and what we should do about it.
Assessing the credibility of a target zone: evidence from the EMS

This paper provides some new evidence on the credibility of the Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM) of the European Monetary System (EMS). The study differs from previous research in the literature in three main respects. First, the main contribution is the use of several credibility indicators, some of which have never been applied before to all of the currencies under study. This allows one to strengthen the results obtained in this paper. Second, a longer period than that of previous studies is analysed, covering the complete EMS history. Third, a comparison has been made of the prediction qualities of the different indicators, in order to explore their ability to capture the main ERM events (realignments, changes in the fluctuations bands and speculative pressures). Fourth, the indicators are applied to the experience of the new, modified ERM linking the currencies of non-euro area Member States to the euro, showing the relevance of this approach in the near future with the enlargement of the European Union.
Value of Debt Tax Shields in Colombia: An Empirical Study

The Spanish version of this paper can be found http://ssrn.com/abstract=1899685This paper estimates the value of tax shields, using the discounted cash flow method for 23 major non financial firms listed in the Bolsa de Valores de Colombia (Colombian Stock Exchange) between 2001 and 2010 It shows that this value represents on average between 5.40% and 56.73% out of total firm value depending on discount rate for tax shields and calculation method. It also finds that firms’ average leverage is low relative to other countries. Using Data Panel regressions, it explores the behavior of total value of firms and found no evidence that debt creates value.
Trade Associations, Lobbying, and Endogenous Institutions

A trade association is a millennium-old organizational form that has existed on all continents. It is a private, formal, nonprofit organization designed to promote the common interests of its members, even if these members are competitors on product (or research) markets. While it is straightforward to assume that an association creates net benefits for its members – why would they join, otherwise? – it is unclear whether, or under which circumstances, the existence of an association has positive net effects for the rest of the economy. In “Trade Associations, Lobbying, and Endogenous Institutions,” Maria Larrain and Jens Prufer study this question by means of a game-theoretic model. The answer is, of course, “it depends. ” But on what does it depend? And why?
Breast cancer screening practices among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

OBJECTIVE To compare the breast cancer screening practices and related factors between Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (PIs) and non-Hispanic whites. METHODS Using 2008 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data, reported mammogram usage among women aged 40+ were compared. Covariates included demographics, risk behaviors, health perception, care access, and general health practice behavior. RESULTS PIs had higher rates of screening mammogram usage than did Asian Americans. Most covariates had different levels of influence on mammogram screening for the 2 groups, with a few in opposite directions. CONCLUSION Understanding the magnitude and predictors of these disparities for racial/ethnic groups can help inform targeted interventions.
Public Sector Employment, Rent Seeking and Economic Growth

Surplus labor in the public sector--a characteristic of many developing countries--is viewed in this paper as the consequence of rent-seeking behavior. A theory is presented of a segmented labor market with endogenous government hiring in response to unemployment. A simple computable general equilibrium model is used to illustrate how this can give rise to dynamic social costs and to quantify them. Fiscal resources are diverted to support the unproductive "sink. " The effect of surplus labor on economic growth is shown to be substantial, while the government's attempt to reduce unemployment is shown to be futile. Copyright 1991 by Royal Economic Society.
General Equilibrium Vintage Capital Growth Models Displaying Periodic Solutions: A Theoretical Example

In a dynamic general equilibrium setup, this paper highlights the role of vintages and creative destruction in business fluctuations. By stressing the forward-looking characteristic of the optimal scrapping rule, we use a standard rational expectations argument to show the constancy of the scrapping function in a linear utility function framework. Secondly, we prove that equilibrium output shows a purely periodic behavior around an exponential growth trend, the pattern of the cycle being determined by the pattern of initial conditions. Actually, this paper points at the so-called echoe effects as a relevant economic fluctuations source, an issue rather neglected by theorists since the publication of Solow et alii (1966) seminal paper.
Micheli Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Skeletally Immature Youths

Background: The management of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears in the skeletally immature patient remains controversial. Outcomes on a physeal-sparing technique using the iliotibial band for combined intra-articular and extra-articular ACL reconstruction, called the Micheli technique, have been described and reported by the original authors. Purpose: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of a physeal-sparing technique using the iliotibial band for combined intra-articular and extra-articular ACL reconstruction. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Between 2005 and 2011, all patients who underwent Micheli ACL reconstruction performed by a single surgeon were identified. A minimum of 3 years’ growth remaining was a prerequisite for Micheli reconstruction. Patients were excluded if postoperative follow-up was less than 1 year. Patients were evaluated for functional outcomes, satisfaction, graft survival, radiographic and clinical evidence of growth disturbance, and the need for additional procedures. Results: Twenty-one patients (22 knees) met the inclusion criteria for this study. The mean age at the time of surgery was 11.8 years (range, 9.9-14.0 years). All patients were male. There were 4 concomitant meniscal repairs and 5 partial meniscectomies performed. All patients (100%) completed follow-up at a mean duration of 3.0 years (range, 1.0-6.9 years). Overall, 6 knees (27%) underwent reoperation. Of these, 3 knees (14%) underwent revision ACL surgery: 2 revision reconstructions at 2.8 and 4.0 years postoperatively and 1 graft shrinkage at 4.7 months postoperatively. Three knees (14%) underwent subsequent meniscal procedures, including 2 partial meniscectomies and 1 meniscal repair. Of the 19 knees that did not require revision ACL surgery, the median patient satisfaction score was 10 (range, 9-10). The mean Pediatric International Knee Documentation Committee score was 96.5 ± 2.9, and the mean Lysholm score was 95.0 ± 6.1. The median preinjury Tegner activity level was 8 (range, 6-10), and the median postoperative Tegner activity level was 8 (range, 6-10). Of the 19 knees that did not require revision ACL surgery, all had a normal Lachman test result, with a firm endpoint and normal pivot shift. At follow-up, 53% of knees had closed physes. There were no angular deformities or limb-length discrepancies. Conclusion: At a mean 3-year follow-up, the study findings confirmed excellent functional outcomes, a low ACL revision rate, and no growth disturbances. Patients returned to their preoperative activity level after reconstruction. This procedure offers a safe and effective ACL reconstruction option in children with several years of growth remaining.
The Environment as a Supply Chain Management Issue

This paper investigates the issues for purchasing and supply chain managers in the context of environmentally-sound management. The discussion begins with an analysis of relevant consumer attitudes, legislation and concepts in environmentally-sound management (life-cycle analysis, waste management, product stewardship, etc.), linking them to supply-chain management practices such as vendor assessment, total quality management, lean supply and collaborative supply strategies. In each case, parallels are drawn between established practice and new imperatives that require innovative solutions from managers. The paper then explores the results of fresh field research with five major UK companies, identifying the different ways in which the challenges introduced above are being faced, and adding some extra perspectives to the debate already covered. The discussion concludes with a projection of common issues and ideas for areas of supply chain management that might profit from better environmentally-sound approaches.
A phase I study of the somatostatin analogue somatuline in patients with metastatic hormone‐refractory prostate cancer

Background. Somatuline, a somatostatin analogue, as proven to be effective in several animal models of prostate cancer. Preliminary clinical studies also have suggested antitumor activity in patients with prostate cancer. The authors conducted a dose‐escalation trial of 25 patients with metastatic hormone‐refractory prostate cancer.
The Anglo-Saxon Approach to Corporate Governance and its Applicability to Emerging Markets

Almost all firms start out as small, owner-managed companies. Many stay that way throughout their lives. Some create attractive investment opportunities, however, that will allow them to grow rapidly and become leading companies in their country. These firms typically do not have sufficient internal funds flows and must turn to external sources of finance. Among these is the issuance of equity. Once a firm sells shares, however, the cost of the managers engaging in on-the-job consumption falls, and they can be expected to do so at the expense of their shareholders. Knowing this, potential shareholders may be unwilling to purchase a new offering of a young firm's shares, and the firm with attractive investment opportunities is unable to finance them. Strong corporate governance institutions help to protect shareholders from the discretionary use of their firm's resources. This paper reviews the case for having strong corporate governance institutions to facilitate the creation of thick equity markets in the context of developing countries in emerging markets, and examines the case for relying on alternative sources of capital including the state. Copyright (c) 2006 The Author; Journal compilation (c) 2006 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Better performance with bone‐anchored hearing aid than acoustic devices in patients with severe air‐bone gap

A study performed in the 1990s with analogue linear hearing aids showed that in patients with mixed hearing loss and an air‐bone gap that exceeded 25 to 30 dB, speech perception was better with a bone‐anchored hearing aid (Baha) than with a conventional behind‐the‐ear (BTE) device. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether this conclusion applies to today's digital BTEs with feedback cancellation and whether the crossover point still occurs at an air‐bone gap of 25 to 30 dB.
Critical Thinking in Adult Education: An Elusive Quest for a Definition of the Field

A study attempted to derive the meaning of critical thinking in adult education through exploration of graduate faculty members' perceptions and perceived practices of critical thinking in adult education. Grounded theory methodology was used to explain the meaning of critical thinking to adult educators. The primary data sources were unstructured interviews with 12 adult educators who currently teach or have previously taught adult education courses in institutions in the United States that offer graduate degrees in adult education. Other data sources included relevant documents and field notes. Data were analyzed and coded using the constant comparative method. The analysis of data uncovered four themes based on participants' perceptions: the goals of adult education; conceptualizations of critical thinking; impacts on teaching; and importance of critical thinking in adult education. Four conclusions were drawn: (1) there are conflicting and contested goals of adult education; (2) there is little agreement about the conceptualization of critical thinking by graduate faculty in adult education; (3) graduate faculty in adult education may or may not be fostering critical thinking skills in their students; and (4) what matters in adult education may not be critical thinking but critical reflection. Further research on the needs for critical thinking in adult education and the possibility of moving from individual development to social development as the goal of adult education is suggested. (Contains 248 references.) (Author/KC) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. CRITICAL THINKING IN ADULT EDUCATION: AN ELUSIVE QUEST FOR A DEFINITION OF THE FIELD U.S. OEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Educational Research and Improvement ED ATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) This document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it. 0 Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality. Points of view or opinions stated in this document do not necessarily represent official OERI position or policy. A Dissertation Presented to The School of Education Drake University In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Education by Joann M. Vaske June 2001 PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) 1
Through the Lens of a Global Educator: Examining Personal Perceptions Regarding the Construction of World-Mindedness

As we embark upon the 21st century, the world is becoming increasingly interconnected. Yet, despite increasing globalization, educational systems are not reflecting this phenomenon. The overwhelming majority of countries, including the United States, still emphasize nationalistic curricula (Parker, 2008; Tye, 2009). Global education is a movement whose supporters advocate an education reflecting the push towards globalization by providing students with the components necessary to live and thrive in an increasingly interconnected world system. Global educators have a common bond as advocates that a global perspective needs to be developed in the classroom. The degree to which this is being done is unknown. Further, how a global educator is prepared and formed is unknown. Unfortunately, there is a lack of research in global education (Gaudelli, 2003). Personal experiences have a major influence to what a teacher attributes his or her beliefs and values (Lincoln, 2005), and this is an area of study that has not been examined in global education. Using a mixed-methods design that includes a background survey, a global-mindedness survey and interviews would provide a better understanding of what self-identifying global educators attribute their global-mindedness. By presenting a rich account of the perspectives of high school social studies teachers who are involved with a global education initiative, social studies teacher education programs can gain insight
Unemployment-Rate Dynamics and Persistent Unemployment Under Rational Expectations

This paper develops a model of unemployment rate dynamics that provides an explanation of persistent cyclical unemployment that does not involve persistent expectational errors or other nonoptimizing behavior. Our results are based on the interaction of search dynamics and inventory adjustments. An important element in these dynamics appears to be heterogeneity in the labor force which can be characterized as consisting of a relatively small group of high turnover individuals who comprise the bulk of normal unemployment and a larger group of low turnover individuals who dominate movements in cyclical unemployment. Our empirical results provide support for this theory as we demonstrate that the appropriately measured probability of becoming employed during a recovery falls relative to normal because of the unusually high proportion of low turnover individuals who have lost "permanent" jobs. As aresult, recovery is much slower than is indicated by normal relationships although each individual is searching optimally.
Product Inhibition Study on Carbonic Anhydrase Using Spectroscopy and Calorimetry

Kinetic and thermodynamic studies have been made on the effect of the p -nitrophenol product on the activity of bovine carbonic anhydrase in 50 mM Tris buffer pH 7.5, at 300 K using UV spectrophotometry and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). A competitive inhibition was observed for p -nitrophenol as a product of the enzymatic reaction. A graphical fitting method was used for determination of the binding constant and enthalpy of inhibitor binding using ITC data. The dissociation binding constant was 0.10 mM by the microcalorimetric method, which is in good agreement with the value of 0.11 mM for the inhibition constant obtained from the spectrophotometric method.
Impairment of polymorphonuclear leukocyte immigration as a mechanism of alcohol-induced suppression of pulmonary antibacterial defenses.

Antibacterial defenses of the lung against pathogens involved in alcohol-related bacterial pneumonias include the alveolar macrophage and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) that migrate into the lung to provide auxiliary phagocytic defenses. Alcohol is known to impair PMN migration; failure of PMN to appear in the lungs may be related to lowered host resistance. To test this hypothesis mice were challenged by aerosol inhalation with Staphylococcus aureus or Proteus mirabilis and injected intraperitoneally with increasing doses of alcohol (0.25, 0.5, and 1.0% body weight). Intrapulmonary killing of the organisms was quantitated at 4 h thereafter, at which time quantitative differential counts were also performed on lavaged cell populations. Alcohol treatment increasingly suppressed the killing of S. aureus, so that at the highest dose, 41.5 ± 4.2% of the initial viable bacteria remained as compared with 11.9 ± 0.7% in the lungs of untreated animals. In contrast, the high dose of alcohol totally ablated pul.
Financial Arrangements, Soft Budget Constraints and Inflation: Lessons from the Yugoslav Experience

This paper explores primarily how financial arrangements may be responsible for creating or exacerbating inflationary pressures in Yugoslavia. The ways in which financial arrangements can contribute to inflation are discussed under three different headings: misallocation of savings and credit, failure to enforce financial discipline and accommodation by the monetary authorities. Ultimately, however, these are to a significant extent manifestations of the same phenomenon. They describe a situation where resources can be obtained without adequate screening and monitoring, where their apparent cost does not reflect their scarcity value, where agents are capable of shifting the costs of economic failure on to the "government", where, therefore, there do not exist proper mechanisms for discriminating between productive and unproductive economic behaviour. Under these conditions, not only can inflation be generated or perpetuated, but traditional measures of government transfers and related monetary financing lose much of their significance.
Student residential satisfaction in research universities

Purpose – The paper aims to investigate the level of student satisfaction with campus student housing facilities (SHF) at Malaysian research universities (RUs) and the relationship between satisfaction and loyalty behaviour.Design/methodology/approach – The student residential satisfaction (SRS) framework has been proposed to investigate residential satisfaction from the students' viewpoint. Questionnaires were distributed to respondents in three RUs. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics.Findings – In general, students are satisfied with the provided SHF with the SRS index of 2.96 or 74 per cent satisfaction level and there is a significant relationship between overall satisfaction and loyalty behaviour. The results also confirmed that the proposed model is an adequate instrument to measure SRS.Practical implications – The existence of quality SHF is likely to act as an effective medium to attract local and international students to enrol in Malaysian universities. Further actions should be.