Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Role of Long-Term Finance: Theory and Evidence

Improving the supply of long-term credit to industrial firms is considered a priority for growth in developing countries. A World Bank multicountry study looks at whether a long-term credit shortage exists and, if so, whether it has had an impact on investment, productivity, and growth. The study finds that even after controlling for the characteristics of individual firms, businesses in developing countries use significantly less long-term debt than their counterparts in industrial countries. Researchers are able to explain the difference in debt composition between industrial and developing countries by firm characteristics; by macroeconomic factors; and, most importantly, by financial development, government subsidies, and legal and institutional factors. The analysis concludes that long-term finance tends to be associated with higher productivity. An active stock market and an ability to enter into long-term contracts also allow firms to grow at faster rates than they could attain by relying on internal sources of funds and short-term credit alone. Importantly, although government-subsidized credit markets have increased the long-term indebtedness of firms, there is no evidence that these subsidies are associated with the ability of firms to grow faster. Indeed, in some cases subsidies are associated with lower productivity.
When Emotional Intelligence Affects Peoples' Perception of Trustworthiness

By adopting social exchange theory and the affect-infusion-model, the hypothesis is made that emotional intelligence (EI) will have an impact on three perceptions of trustworthiness – ability, integrity and benevolence – at the beginning of a relationship. It was also hypothesized that additional information would gradually displace EI in forming the above perceptions. The results reveal that EI initially does not contribute to any of the perceptions of trustworthiness. As more information is revealed EI has an impact on the perception of benevolence, but not on the perceptions of ability and integrity. This impact was observed to be negative when the nature of the information was negative. On the other hand, information alone was shown to have a significant impact on the perceptions of ability and integrity, but not on the perception of benevolence. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are addressed.
Criminal Recidivism after Prison and Electronic Monitoring

We study criminal recidivism in Argentina by focusing on the rearrest rates of two groups: individuals released from prison and individuals released from electronic monitoring. Detainees are randomly assigned to judges, and ideological differences across judges translate into large differences in the allocation of electronic monitoring to an otherwise similar population. Using these peculiarities of the Argentine setting, we argue that there is a large, negative causal effect on criminal recidivism of treating individuals with electronic monitoring relative to prison.
Long-term treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism with the calcimimetic cinacalcet HCl.

BACKGROUND Patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism often require therapy that provides long-term control of parathyroid hormone concentrations without increasing calcium and phosphorus concentrations. Cinacalcet modulates the calcium-sensing receptor on the parathyroid gland to reduce secretion of parathyroid hormone and lower serum calcium, phosphorus and calcium-phosphorus product in haemodialysis patients. METHODS Dialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism [parathyroid hormone (PTH) level > or =300 pg/ml] who were enrolled in one of four phase 2 placebo-controlled studies were eligible to enroll in an open-label extension study in which all patients received cinacalcet. For this extension study, cinacalcet was initiated at 30 mg in all patients and the dose was escalated to a maximum of 180 mg once daily if PTH concentrations were >250 pg/ml. Use of concomitant vitamin D sterols and phosphate binders was not restricted. RESULTS The analysis of all patients (n = 59) completing 100 weeks of cinacalcet treatment showed long-term control of PTH and calcium-phosphorus product. Approximately 55% achieved a PTH concentration < or =300 pg/ml at the week-100 study visit, and approximately 60% had at least a 30% reduction in PTH from baseline. Serum calcium, phosphorus and the calcium-phosphorus product did not increase during the study. Concomitant vitamin D sterol and phosphate binder therapy remained stable. Cinacalcet was safe and generally well tolerated at doses up to 180 mg/day. CONCLUSIONS In this long-term study, cinacalcet effectively sustained reductions in PTH for up to 3 years without increasing concentrations of serum calcium, phosphorus or calcium-phosphorus product.
A SCR-buried BJT device for robust ESD protection with high latchup immunity in high-voltage technology

An SCR-buried BJT with a high holding voltage is developed for ESD protection in a 0.6 µm high voltage 10V process. This device simply consists of a floating P<sup>+</sup> diffusion buried in a parasitic NPN BJT. A robust 6∼7KV ESD threshold and high-latchup-immune 15∼18V holding voltage can be achieved by layout optimization of the anode-to-floating- P<sup>+</sup>-diffusion spacing and this P<sup>+</sup> diffusion width.
Drosophila Models of Parkinson's Disease: Discovering Relevant Pathways and Novel Therapeutic Strategies

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder and is mainly characterized by the selective and progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons, accompanied by locomotor defects. Although most PD cases are sporadic, several genes are associated with rare familial forms of the disease. Analyses of their function have provided important insights into the disease process, demonstrating that three types of cellular defects are mainly involved in the formation and/or progression of PD: abnormal protein aggregation, oxidative damage, and mitochondrial dysfunction. These studies have been mainly performed in PD models created in mice, fruit flies, and worms. Among them, Drosophila has emerged as a very valuable model organism in the study of either toxin-induced or genetically linked PD. Indeed, many of the existing fly PD models exhibit key features of the disease and have been instrumental to discover pathways relevant for PD pathogenesis, which could facilitate the development of therapeutic strategies.
FCJ-180 Spotify has Added an Event to your Past : ( Re ) writing the Self through Facebook ’ s

Drawing on in-depth interviews with sixteen Facebook users, this paper presents a series of vignettes that explore cross-platform Facebook apps as 'tools' for self-writing, self-expression and identity performance. The paper argues that the capacity of apps to write in the user's stead – at times without the user's knowledge or explicit consent – works to intervene in and on occasion disrupt users' staged self-performances to their 'invisible audience' (Sauter, 2013) on Facebook. Furthermore, if such instances of automated self-writing are treated as performative, apps hold the constitutional capacity to actively rewrite, regulate and even constitute the self to suit the logic of the 'like economy' (Gelitz and Helmond, 2013), in ways that transcend the boundaries of Facebook. 'The film you quote. The songs you have on repeat. The activities you love. Now there's a new class of social apps that let you express who you are through all the things you do' (Facebook, 2014).
Feel the commitment: From situational emotional information to venture goal commitment

An individual’s commitment stimulates action, but we know little about how entrepreneurial commitment initially emerges. Utilising affect-as-information and the appraisal theory, our objective is to investigate the influence of situational emotional information on the venture goal commitment of individuals, defined as commitment to the goal of starting a new venture. Based on a correlational pilot study and an experimental scenario approach, we first link encouragement and discouragement provided by the individual’s parents and friends to venture goal commitment and test the mediating role of opportunity evaluation. Second, we find that emotional intelligence plays a moderating role in the relationship between situational emotional information and venture goal commitment as mediated through opportunity evaluation. Overall, our research underscores the emotional and cognitive mechanisms that shape venture goal commitment by explaining how and under which conditions situational emotional information is internalised and venture goal commitment emerges.
No combination of morphological, ecological or chemical characters can reliably diagnose species in the Parmelia saxatilis aggregate in Scotland

Abstract The Parmelia saxatilis aggregate is comprised of three species in Europe, proposed to differ in morphological, distributional or chemical characters. In this study, we sampled nearly 200 thalli from five sites across a steep ecological gradient in Scotland to investigate the distribution of the species in the aggregate, and we characterized all specimens by morphological, chemical and ITS sequence variation. In our sample, 191 specimens were identified to species using ITS. We confirm that a PCR length assay can be used for separation of P. saxatilis s. str. from P. ernstiae and P. serrana because across our sample, P. saxatilis s. str. consistently includes a group I intron c. 200 bp. Using sequences for specimen identification, we test previously proposed characters to diagnose specimens and use multivariate analysis to identify the most consistent features which may be used for identification among species. First, we test lobe morphology, presence and amount of pruina, distribution of isidia, lobe tip colour, and chemistry. Second, we use classification trees that quantify the contributions of 1) morphological and chemical factors, and 2) morphological and ecological factors, to a priori ITS-barcoded specimens. Parmelia saxatilis s. str. , P. ernstiae and P. serrana all occur across the sampled gradient but differ in the frequency of occurrence, with P. saxatilis s. str. more frequent in the relatively drier east, and P. ernstiae more frequent in the wetter west. Parmelia serrana was collected around a third as often as the other two species, but more frequently on tree branches than expected. For all the morphological characters examined, all the species show some overlap and no morphological features are diagnostic, though trends are apparent by species. The classification tree approach holds promise for discovering the most meaningful variation for field workers to approach correct identifications. Chemical variation using TLC is perhaps the best way to distinguish most specimens but, even here, overlap in chemosyndromes exists among the species.
Reduced complexity detection of bandwidth efficient partial response CPM

A coherent CPM detector based on a reduced filter bank and a reduced state Viterbi decoder is proposed. Bit error probabilities of this detector for some CPM schemes satisfying a specific narrow spectrum requirement mask are simulated for the AWGN channel. The performance for one of the good candidates is then further evaluated for the case when co-channel and adjacent channel interference is present. For the AWGN channel with and without co-channel interference, the detector is found to be robust to complexity reduction both in the number of states in the Viterbi decoder and in the approximate filter bank. The number of states in the decoder and the complexity of the filter bank can be reduced significantly. It is still possible to reduce the complexity for the AWGN channel with adjacent channel interference, but not to the same extent without loosing significantly in performance.
Identifying Quality, Novel, and Creative Ideas: Constructs and Scales for Idea Evaluation

Researchers and practitioners have an abiding interest in improving tools and methods to support idea generation. In studies that go beyond merely enumerating ideas, researchers typically select one or more of the following three constructs, which are often operationalized as the dependent variable(s): 1) idea quality, 2) idea novelty, which is sometimes referred to as rarity or unusualness, and 3) idea creativity. It has been chronically problematic to compare findings across studies because these evaluation constructs have been variously defined and the constructs have been sampled in different ways. For example, some researchers term an idea ‘creative’ if it is novel, while others consider an idea to be creative only if it is also applicable, effective, and implementable. This paper examines 90 studies on creativity and idea generation. Within the creativity studies considered here, the novelty of ideas was always measured, but in 1 Detmar Straub was the accepting senior editor. This paper was submitted on September, 3, 2004, and went through three revisions. Journal of the Association for Information Systems Vol. 7 No. 10, pp. 646-699/October 2006 646 Identifying Quality, Novel, and Creative Ideas/Dean et al. some cases the ideas had to also meet additional requirements to be considered creative. Some studies that examined idea quality also assessed novelty, while others measured different quality attributes, such as effectiveness and implementability, instead. This paper describes a method for evaluating ideas with regard to four dimensions—novelty, workability, relevance, and specificity—and has identified two measurable sub-dimensions for each of the four main dimensions. An action-research approach was used to develop ordinal scales anchored by clearly differentiable descriptions for each sub-dimension. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed high loadings among the sub-dimensions that comprise each dimension as well as high discriminant validity between dimensions. Application of this method resulted in high inter-rater reliability even when the method was applied by different raters to different problems and to ideas produced by both manual methods and group support systems (GSS).
Unsupervised learning to quantify differences in song learning of experimental zebra finch populations

Zebra finch song learning is a common model of motor learning processes, but quantification of song properties is lacking, particularly for comparison of experimental populations across development. Sparse convolutional feature extraction, a method previously used to analyze other natural sounds, is applied to zebra finch song here. The results of feature extraction were used to develop metrics that were applied to zebra finch song from across both normal and isolate development. As expected, adult control song was substantially different from adult isolate song in all metrics. More interestingly, differences in some metrics were seen between the two as early in development as recordings were taken, suggesting that differences exist prior to obvious abnormalities appearing in the song spectrogram. Overall, these results provide interesting ideas about isolate song learning, and act as a proof of concept for the use of sparse convolutional learning to compare bird populations. Thesis Supervisor: Michale S. Fee Title: Glen and Phyllis Dorflinger Professor, Brain and Cognitive Sciences
Best Alternatives to Cronbach's Alpha Reliability in Realistic Conditions: Congeneric and Asymmetrical Measurements

The Cronbach's alpha is the most widely used method for estimating internal consistency reliability. This procedure has proved very resistant to the passage of time, even if its limitations are well documented and although there are better options as omega coefficient or the different versions of glb, with obvious advantages especially for applied research in which the ítems differ in quality or have skewed distributions. In this paper, using Monte Carlo simulation, the performance of these reliability coefficients under a one-dimensional model is evaluated in terms of skewness and no tau-equivalence. The results show that omega coefficient is always better choice than alpha and in the presence of skew items is preferable to use omega and glb coefficients even in small samples.
Crack-Tip Strain Field Mapping and the Toughness of Metallic Glasses

We have used high-energy x-ray scattering to map the strain fields around crack tips in fracture specimens of a bulk metallic glass under load at room temperature and below. From the measured strain fields we can calculate the components of the stress tensor as a function of position and determine the size and shape of the plastic process zone around the crack tip. Specimens tested at room temperature develop substantial plastic zones and achieve high stress intensities () prior to fracture. Specimens tested at cryogenic temperatures fail at reduced but still substantial stress intensities () and show only limited evidence of crack-tip plasticity. We propose that the difference in behavior is associated with changes in the flow stress and elastic constants, which influence the number density of shear bands in the plastic zone and thus the strain required to initiate fracture on an individual band. A secondary effect is a change in the triaxial state of stress around the crack tip due to the temperature dependence of Poisson's ratio. It is likely that this ability to map elastic strains on the microscale will be useful in other contexts, although interpreting shifts in the position of the scattering peaks in amorphous materials in terms of elastic strains must be done with caution.
The Multiphasic and Dynamic Nature of Flow in Adventure Experiences

Abstract This study evaluated phases of adventure experiences by identifying flow and reversal theory states over a 3-day white-water river surfing course. Data were collected with novice river surfers (n = 5) via in-depth qualitative interviews using head-mounted video cameras. Findings suggested that “opposing” experiential phases (i.e., telic and paratelic) may be symbiotic in adventure experiences and may facilitate flow experiences. These results may account for the dynamic nature of enjoyment, flow, and motivational states within adventure experiences. Future research should seek to validate the phasic models presented herein and evaluate their potential applicability to other adventurous activities.
Measuring the Comparative Efficacy of Endorsements by Celebrities Vis-à-vis Animated Mascots

In a competitive market, the importance of effective communication cannot be undermined. It is very important to grab the eyeballs of existing and potential customers to succeed. Advertisers have tried innovative strategies like use of celebrity endorsements, animated characters and different appeals in advertising to woo the audience and to boost sales. In the present study, the researcher has explored the comparative effectiveness of celebrity and mascots in advertising and its impact on attitude towards the advertisement, attitude towards the brand and purchase intentions of Indian consumers. Survey method was used to conduct the research. Statistical tools such as Cronbach alpha, exploratory factor analysis, bivariate correlation analysis and multiple regressions were executed to analyze the collected data. Results emphasized on the use of celebrities over mascots to generate favourable consumer action. Advertising managers can take a cue from this research and increase the efficacy of campaigns by roping in celebrities over mascots.
Calcium-labile mitotic spindles isolated from sea urchin eggs (Lytechinus variegatus)

We isolated calcium-labile mitotic spindles from eggs of the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus, using a low ionic strength, EGTA lysis buffer that contined 5.0 mM EGTA, 0.5 mM MgCl2, 10-50 mM PIPES, pH 6.8, with 1% Nonidet P-40 (detergent) and 20-25% glycerol. Isolated spindles were stored in EGTA buffer with 50% glycerol for 5-6 wk without deterioration. The isolated spindles were composed primarily of microtubules with the chromosomes attached. No membranes were seen. Isolated spindles, perfused with EGTA buffer to remove the detergent and glycerol, had essentially the same birefringent retardation (BR) as spindles in vivo at the same mitotic stage. Even in the absence of glycerol and exogenous tubulin, the isolated spindles were relatively stable in the EGTA buffer: BR decayed slowly to about half the initial value within 30-45 min. However, both the rate and extent of BR decay increased with concentrations of Ca2+ above 0.2-0.5 muM as assayed using Ca-EGTA buffers (0.2 mM EGTA, 0.5 mM MgCl2, 50 mM PIPES, pH 6.8, plus various amounts of CaCl2). Microtubules depolymerized almost completely in < 6 min at Ca2+ concentrations of 2 muM and within several seconds at 10 muM Ca2+. Of several divalent cations tested, only Sr2+ caused comparable changes in BR. The absence of membranes in the isolated spindles appeared to be associated with a lack of calcium- sequestering ability. Our results suggest that calcium ions play an important role in the depolymerization of spindle microtubules and that membrane components may function within the mitotic apparatus of living cells to sequester and release calcium ions during mitosis.
THE CORRELATION AMONG READING STRATEGIES, READING COMPREHENSION ACHIEVEMENT AND GENDER DIFFERENCES OF THE SECOND YEAR STUDENTS OF SMP NEGERI 17 PALEMBANG

Abstract: The study was aimed at finding out (1) the reading strategies dominantly used by the second year students (2) whether or not there was significant correlation between students’ reading strategies and reading comprehension achievement (3) whether or not there was any difference between male and female students in terms of reading strategies and reading comprehension achievement, (4) whether or not students’ reading strategies influence reading comprehension achievement. The data were collected using Reading Strategies Questionnaire and a reading test. The findings of the study showed that: first, the students mostly used metacognitive strategies in reading activity. Second, there was a strong and positive correlation between reading comprehension achievement and reading strategies. Third, male and female of students have any significance difference in their reading strategies and their reading comprehension achievement. The last, students’ reading strategies influence their reading comprehension achievement.
Outcomes of Older Adults With Sepsis at Admission to an Intensive Care Unit

Background. Sepsis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among older adults. The main goals of this study were to assess the association of sepsis at intensive care unit (ICU) admission with mortality and to identify predictors associated with increased mortality in older adults. Methods. We conducted a prospective cohort study of 309 participants ≥60 years admitted to an ICU. Sepsis was defined as 2 of 4 systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria plus a documented infection within 2 calendar days before or after admission. The main outcome measure was time to death within 1 year of ICU admission. Sepsis was evaluated as a predictor for mortality in a Cox proportional hazards model. Results. Of 309 participants, 196 (63%) met the definition of sepsis. Among those admitted with and without sepsis, 75 (38%) vs 20 (18%) died within 1 month of ICU admission (P < .001) and 117 (60%) vs 48 (42%) died within 1 year (P < .001). When adjusting for baseline characteristics, sepsis had a significant impact on mortality (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.28–2.52; P < .001); however, after adjusting for baseline characteristics and process covariates (antimicrobials and vasopressor use within 48 hours of admission), the impact of sepsis on mortality became nonsignificant (HR = 1.26; 95% CI, .87–1.84; P = .22). Conclusions. The diagnosis of sepsis in older adults upon ICU admission was associated with an increase in mortality compared with those admitted without sepsis. After controlling for early use of antimicrobials and vasopressors for treatment, the association of sepsis with mortality was reduced.