Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of Attitudes Toward Appropriate Use of National Parks Between Chinese in Canada and Anglo-Canadians

Abstract Understanding people's attitudes towards appropriate use within national parks is essential if the ecological integrity of these areas is to be ensured. However, appropriate use of national parks has rarely been examined cross-culturally. This paper examines the similarities and differences in attitudes toward appropriate use between Anglo-Canadians (N = 160) and Chinese in Canada (N = 178). Results suggest that: (a) the two groups share similar attitudes toward sport/recreation facilities and visitor facilities while differing in four other aspects of appropriate use (accommodation and service facilities, non-consumptive activities, consumptive activities, motorised activities), with Anglo-Canadians being more supportive of the first two and less supportive of the latter two; (b) both groups consider non-consumptive activities to be the most appropriate of all uses, while hunting and gambling are considered to be the least appropriate uses; and (c) acculturation does not affect attitudes toward all six aspects of appropriate use consistently, suggesting that Chinese have adopted a selective acculturation approach in terms of appropriate use.
Ansätze zur Senkung der Holzerntekosten in der Schweiz

Approaches to reducing timber harvesting costs in Switzerland For over two decades, the majority of Swiss forest enterprises have been confronted with financial losses. One of the main reasons for this is the general diminishing of revenues from timber sales since the 1980s. Moreover, Swiss forest enterprises have not managed to reduce the most important matter of expenses – the timber harvesting costs – to a similar extent. In comparison, unit costs from timber harvest in Switzerland are more than twice as high as those in the neighboring countries. This study analyzes the cause-and-effect relationships that lead to the high timber harvesting costs in Swiss forest enterprises. Building on that, possibilities of reducing these costs are proposed. The study is based on the results obtained through the Swiss Forestry Holding Network (HDN). The results have been systematically analyzed, the cause-and-effect relationships graphically depicted, and the gained knowledge has been discussed with experts. In essen.
The Role of Stock Size and Trading Intensity in the Magnitude of the "Interval Effect" in Beta Estimation: Empirical Evidence from the Polish Capital Market

In this paper, we present empirical evidence about the "interval effect" in estimation of beta parameters for stocks listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. We analyze models constructed for the returns calculated using intervals of different length—that is, 1, 5, 10, and 21 trading days (corresponding to, roughly, 1 day, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 1 month, respectively). In the cases in which heteroskedasticity was present, we estimated ARCH models. The results indicate that the estimates of betas for the same stock differ considerably when various return intervals are used. We further explore the source of differences in betas for every stock by investigating the relations between them and such factors as stock size and its trading intensity. The empirical results provide evidence that a statistically significant relationship exists between these two characteristics of stocks. This finding has important practical implications for beta estimation in practice.
Mechanism of selective motor neuronal death after exposure of spinal cord to glutamate: Involvement of glutamate‐induced nitric oxide in motor neuron toxicity and nonmotor neuron protection

In this study, we analyzed the mechanism of selective motor neuronal death, a characteristic of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, using embryonic rat spinal cord culture. When dissociated cultures were exposed to low‐level glutamate (Glu) coadministered with the Glu transporter inhibitor L‐trans‐pyrrolidine‐2,4‐decarboxylate (PDC) for 24 hours, motor neurons were selectively injured through N‐methyl‐D‐asparate (NMDA) and α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisoxazole‐4‐propionate (AMPA)/kainate receptors. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors attenuated this toxicity, and long‐acting nitric oxide (NO) donors damaged motor neurons selectively. Nonmotor neurons survived after exposure to low‐dose Glu/PDC, but Glu‐induced toxicity was potentiated by coadministration of an NO‐dependent guanylyl cyclase inhibitor. In addition, 8‐bromo‐cyclic GMP, a soluble cyclic GMP analogue, rescued nonmotor neurons, but not motor neurons, exposed to high‐dose Glu/PDC. Twenty‐four hours' incubation with PDC elevated the number of neuronal NOS‐immunoreactive neurons by about twofold compared with controls, and a double‐staining, study, using the motor neuron marker SMI32, revealed that most of them were nonmotor neurons. These findings suggest that selective motor neuronal death caused by chornic low‐level exposure to Glu is mediated by the formation of NO in nonmotor neurons, which inversely protects nonmotor neurons through the guanylyl cyclase‐cyclic GMP casade. Induction of neuronal NOS in nonmotor neurons might enhance both the toxicity of motor neurons and the protection of nonmotor neurons, which could explain the pathology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Are banking systems increasingly fragile? Investigating financial institutions’ CDS returns extreme co-movements

This paper investigates potential contagion among the major financial institutions in developed economies. Using Credit Default Swaps (CDS) premia as a measure of both credit and counterparty risks, our analysis focuses on the extreme co-movements of financial institutions’ default swap contracts during the high level of stress undergone by the CDS markets in the aftermath of the 2007 sub-prime crisis. Our approach is twofold. First, under different tail dependence scenarios, we calibrate several multivariate linear models of constant correlation. Our Monte Carlo simulation study finds evidence of contagion for financial institutions, notably in the U.S., and captures a non-normal dependence structure in the tails for the traded contracts. Second, we estimate a multivariate Dynamic Conditional Correlation-GARCH (DCC-GARCH) model, and demonstrate significant ARCH and GARCH effects, as well as time-varying correlations in CDS spread variations. Our overall analysis rejects the assumption of constant correlation. More importantly, it advocates changing structures in the tail dependence for CDS returns series during times of financial turmoil as an important feature of banks’ increased fragility.
General approximation schemes for option prices in stochastic volatility models

In this paper we develop a general method for deriving closed-form approximations of European option prices and equivalent implied volatilities in stochastic volatility models. Our method relies on perturbations of the model dynamics and we show how the expansion terms can be calculated using purely probabilistic methods. A flexible way of approximating the equivalent implied volatility from the basic price expansion is also introduced. As an application of our method we derive closed-form approximations for call prices and implied volatilities in the Heston [Rev. Financial Stud. , 1993, 6, 327–343] model. The accuracy of these approximations is studied and compared with numerically obtained values.
Capital Structure in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises: The Case of Vietnam

The objective of this article is to identify the determinants influencing the capital structure of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Vietnam. Empirical results show that SMEs employ mostly short-term liabilities to finance their operations. A firm's ownership also affects the way a SME finances its operations. The capital structure of SMEs in Vietnam is positively related to growth, business risk, firm size, networking, and relationships with banks; but negatively related to tangibility. Profitability seems to have no significant impact on the capital structure of Vietnamese SMEs. The strong impact of such determinants as firm ownership, firm size, relationships with banks, and networking reflects the asymmetric features of the fund mobilization process in a transitional economy like that of Vietnam.
Segregation of HLA-C from ICAM-1 at NK Cell Immune Synapses Is Controlled by Its Cell Surface Density1

NK cell activity is controlled by the integration of signals from numerous activating and inhibitory receptors at the immunological synapse (IS). However, the importance of segregation and patterning of proteins at the NK cell IS is unknown. In this study, we report that the level of expression of HLA-C on target cells determined its supramolecular organization and segregation from ICAM-1 at the NK cell IS, as well as its capacity to inhibit NK cell cytotoxicity. At YTS NK cell synapses formed with target cells expressing low levels of HLA-C (i.e., 104/cell surface), a multifocal patterning of MHC class I protein predominated, whereas for higher levels of expression (105/cell surface), clusters of HLA-C were more commonly homogeneous, ring-shaped, or containing multiple exclusions. This correlation of protein density with its patterning at the IS was independent of ATP- or actin-driven processes. Importantly, ICAM-1 and HLA-C segregated only at synapses involving target cells expressing high levels of MHC protein. For peripheral blood NK clones, there were specific thresholds in the level of target cell HLA-C needed to inhibit cytotoxicity and to cause segregation of HLA-C from ICAM-1 at the synapse. Thus, the synapse organization of HLA-C, determined by its level of expression, could directly influence NK cell inhibition, e.g., by regulating the proximity of activating and inhibitory receptors. For the first time, this suggests an important function for the assembly of an inhibitory NK cell IS. More broadly, segregation of proteins at intercellular contacts could transmit information about protein expression levels between cells.
Pathogen-Responsive Expression of a Putative ATP-Binding Cassette Transporter Gene Conferring Resistance to the Diterpenoid Sclareol Is Regulated by Multiple Defense Signaling Pathways in Arabidopsis1

The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are encoded by large gene families in plants. Although these proteins are potentially involved in a number of diverse plant processes, currently, very little is known about their actual functions. In this paper, through a cDNA microarray screening of anonymous cDNA clones from a subtractive library, we identified an Arabidopsis gene (AtPDR12) putatively encoding a member of the pleiotropic drug resistance (PDR) subfamily of ABC transporters. AtPDR12 displayed distinct induction profiles after inoculation of plants with compatible and incompatible fungal pathogens and treatments with salicylic acid, ethylene, or methyl jasmonate. Analysis of AtPDR12 expression in a number of Arabidopsis defense signaling mutants further revealed that salicylic acid accumulation, NPR1 function, and sensitivity to jasmonates and ethylene were all required for pathogen-responsive expression of AtPDR12. Germination assays using seeds from an AtPDR12 insertion line in the presence of sclareol resulted in lower germination rates and much stronger inhibition of root elongation in the AtPDR12 insertion line than in wild-type plants. These results suggest that AtPDR12 may be functionally related to the previously identified ABC transporters SpTUR2 and NpABC1, which transport sclareol. Our data also point to a potential role for terpenoids in the Arabidopsis defensive armory.
EFFICIENCY OF BORAGE SEEDS OIL AGAINST GAMMA IRRADIATION-INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY IN MALE RATS: POSSIBLE ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY

Background: Borage (Borago officinal L.) is an annual herbaceous plant of great interest because its oil contains a high percentage of γ-linolenic acid (GLA). The present work was carried out to detect fatty acids composition of the oil extracted from borage seeds (BO) and its potential effectiveness against γ-irradiation- induced hepatotoxicity in male rats. Materials and Methods: GC-MS analysis of fatty acids methyl esters of BO was performed to identify fatty acids composition. Sixty rats were divided into five groups (12 rats each): Control, irradiated; rats were exposed to (6.5 Gy) of whole body γ-radiation, BO (50 mg/kg b.wt), irradiated BO post-treated and irradiated BO prepost-treated. Six rats from each group were sacrificed at two time intervals 7 and 15 days post-irradiation. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels, lipids profile, as well as serum and hepatic reduced glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxide (malondialdehyde) (MDA) levels were assessed. Histopathological examination of liver sections were also carried out. Results: The results showed that the high contents of BO extracted by cold pressing, were linoleic acid (34.23%) and GLA (24.79%). Also, oral administration of BO significantly improved serum levels of liver enzymes, lipids profile, as well as serum and hepatic GSH and MDA levels (p<0.001) as compared with irradiated rats after 15 days post irradiation. Moreover, it exerted marked amelioration against irradiation-induced histopathological changes in liver tissues. The improvement was more pronounced in irradiated BO prepost-treated group than irradiated BO post-treated. Conclusion: BO has a beneficial role in reducing hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by radiation exposure. Therefore, BO may be used as a beneficial supplement for patients during radiotherapy treatment.
Nodes, networks and proximities: on the knowledge dynamics of the Medicon Valley biotech cluster

Empirical research on the knowledge dynamics of biotechnology demonstrates a dual local‐global knowledge flow pattern. The sector is characterised by strong spatial concentration around nodes of excellence that are interconnected through a global network. This requires a specification of the notion of proximity as a facilitator of learning processes which emphasises its multifaceted configuration. This study highlights the significance of relational proximity within epistemic communities shaping innovation processes across multi‐spatial scales. These arguments are illustrated with a database‐survey on collaboration in scientific publication by 109 biotechnology firms in the Danish‐Swedish life‐science cluster Medicon Valley.
Foreign Holdings of U.S. Treasuries and U.S. Treasury Yields

Foreign official holdings of U.S. Treasuries increased from $400 billion in January 1994 to about $3 trillion in June 2010. Most of this growth is accounted for by a handful of emerging market economies that have been running large current account surpluses. These countries are channeling their savings through the official sector, which is then acquiring foreign exchange reserves. Any shift in policy to reduce their current account surpluses or dampen the rate of reserves accumulation would likely slow the pace of foreign official purchases of U.S. Treasuries. Would such a slowing of foreign official purchases of Treasury notes and bonds affect long-term Treasury yields? Most likely yes, and the effects appear to be large. By our estimates, if foreign official inflows into U.S. Treasuries were to decrease in a given month by $100 billion, 5-year Treasury rates would rise by about 40-60 basis points in the short run. But once we allow foreign private investors to react to the yield change induced by the shock to foreign official inflows, the long-run effect is about 20 basis points.
Determinants of Fuelwood Use in Rural Orissa: Implications for Energy Transition

This study examines household behaviour related to fuelwood collection and use. The focus is on identifying the behavioral transition of fuelwood-using households from collection to purchase. The study examines the theory linking householdsâ€™ labour allocation decisions to choice of fuel and models household decision using a three-stage least squares probit specification. Household fuelwood choice (purchase/collection) is predicted based on an endogenously determined wage income that depends on the opportunity cost of fuelwood collection.
Self- and interpersonal evaluations: esteem theories versus consistency theories.

Two social psychological theories are contrasted and different predictions are derived concerning the relation between self and interpersonal evaluations. The prediction from self-esteem theory is that the higher an individual's evaluation of himself, the less his tendency to reciprocate evaluations from others, whereas the prediction from self-consistency theory is that the higher the individual's evaluation of himself, the greater his tendency to reciprocate evaluations from others. Studies bearing on these predictions are reviewed, and the evidence tends to support self-esteem theory. Furthermore, two extensions of the assumptions of self-esteem theory are presented and discussed in terms of accounting for results which apparently support self-consistency theory. Finally, whether or not the experimental subject is the direct target of another person's actions appears to distinguish esteem results from consistency results. The implications of this distinction for other problems of person perception and social evaluation are discussed. A general conclusion is that cognitive consistency theories may be somewhat overworked as explanatory frameworks for the study of social evaluations. Although the interpersonal events involving the evaluations an individual receives from other people occur experimentally and in the "real world" with some regularity, confusions arise in attempting to explain these regularities. We observe that people typically talk more (e.g., Bavelas, Hastorf, Gross, & Kite,
Employment, Unemployment and Demand Shifts in Local Labor Markets

This paper analyzes the effects of demand shifts within and between local labor markets on unemployment and employment levels and changes observed in those markets. Between-market demand shifts are measured by the means of sales growth for firms in each market, while within-market shifts are measured by variances in each. The variances are also decomposed into between-industry and within-industry components. Some firm-level evidence on job applicants, training and wage and employment adjustments in growing and declining firms is presented as well. The results show that demand shifts between markets account for large fractions of the observed variation in unemployment and employment rate levels and changes across markets. Within-area shifts cause much smaller and insignificant amounts of unemployment if they are between-industry, while shifts within areas and industries (accounting for the vast majority of demand shifts across firms) have no clear effects. The results therefore suggest that the unemployment effects of demand shifts depend on adjustment costs, which appear to be greatest for shifts between markets. Nonlinearities in estimated effects and growing dispersion of unemployment rates across areas also suggest that demand shifts may have raised aggregate unemployment in the U.S. in recent years.
Underwriting Fees and Shareholder Rights

Do firms’ governance provisions affect their terms of obtaining external financing? We hypothesize that it is more difficult for firms with more restrictions on shareholder rights to raise external equity, and that since analyst coverage is an important part of underwriting services, underwriters would use analyst recommendations to promote issuing firms with weaker shareholder rights more and charge them higher underwriting fees. Consistent with our hypothesis, we find that analyst recommendations on issuing firms with weak shareholder rights increase more than those with strong shareholder rights prior to SEOs, and that underwriting spreads are positively related to issuing firms’ shareholder rights as proxied by the G-index. Furthermore, consistent with Bebchuk et al. (2009), the effect of shareholder rights on underwriting fees is largely contained in the six provisions in the E-index.
Critical analysis of cyanoacrylate in intestinal and colorectal anastomosis.

BACKGROUND Although cyanoacrylate glue (CA) has been widely used in various kinds of medical applications, its application in gastrointestinal anastomosis remains limited, and outcomes of experimental studies have not been satisfactory. This systematic review summarizes research regarding CA application in intestinal and colorectal anastomosis, and correlates methodological aspects to experimental outcomes. METHODS A systematic literature search was performed using Medline, Embase, Cochrane, and Web-of-Science libraries. Articles were selected if CA was applied to intestinal or colorectal anastomoses. Included articles were categorized according to CA molecular structure; the method details in each study were extracted and analyzed. RESULTS Twenty-two articles were included. More than half of the inclusions reported positive outcomes (seven articles) or neutral outcomes (eight articles). Analysis of the methods revealed that methodological details such as CA dosage, time of polymerization were not consistently reported. Porcine studies, inverted anastomosis, and n-butyl-cyanoacrylate studies showed more positive outcomes; everted anastomosis, and oversized sutures might negatively influence the outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Owing to the positive outcome from the porcine studies, application of CA in gastrointestinal (GI) anastomosis still seems promising. To achieve a better consistency, more methodological details need to be provided in future studies. Optimizing the dosage of CA, choice of animal model, inverted anastomosis construction, and other method details may improve intestinal and colorectal anastomoses with CA application in future studies.
Social Mobility and Higher Education: The Life Experiences of First Generation Entrants in Higher Education

At a time when the shape of society in the UK is changing, this book makes clear what social mobility is and explores what enables upward mobility. Education is seen as a key element in creating opportunities and life chances central to developing a more equal society, but the diminishing level of opportunity available to people from lower socio-economic groups is increasingly causing concern.Professor Stuart examines the role of higher education in supporting social mobility from the viewpoint of students who went to university during the last half century. Based on nearly 150 life history accounts from graduates who were the first in their families to enter higher education, she shows how individuals moved from their families, often in poor communities, to achieve at university and go on to work in academia. Through a life history approach, the author analyzes these graduates perceptions of the changes to their lives, their social position and its effect on their identities. The stories reveal a pattern of movement and of flow, often locating the individuals between and within class, gender and ethnic identities, and linking theories of social mobility to the wider debates on an increasingly mobile world. The book tracks the impact of changes to policies for higher education from the 1950s to the present day through the lens of individual life stories and richly details the effects of political decisions on ordinary people s lives.Governments of all flavors have expressed interest in the question of social mobility. "Social Mobility and Higher Education" is important reading for policy makers, teachers, academics and university managers.