Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Entrepreneurship and indigenous identity: three studies on the connections between indigenous identity and entrepreneurial practices in Canada and Australia

Indigenous people the world over are attempting to revive and strengthen aspects of their Indigenous identities that have been lost or eroded through colonization and are utilizing entrepreneurship as a means to make a living and as a way to give back to Indigenous communities. Existing research has signaled concern that entrepreneurship may erode Indigenous identity, but it is unclear as to how entrepreneurship influences Indigenous identities. Relatedly, research exploring how Indigenous identities will influence entrepreneurial practices as well as how experiences surrounding these influences will vary for Indigenous entrepreneurs within and between regional/country contexts is sorely lacking. This dissertation explores these under-researched questions through three papers that each employ the lenses of Indigenous identity and entrepreneurial practices and utilize interviews as the primary method of inquiry. The first paper focuses on the impact that entrepreneurship has on the Indigenous identities of thirty Indigenous entrepreneurs in British Columbia, Canada. Counter to existing research that has suggested that entrepreneurship likely erodes Indigenous identities, this paper found that entrepreneurship either has no impact on Indigenous identities or can act as a platform to strengthen Indigenous identities. The second paper focuses on how entrepreneurial practices influence Indigenous identities as well as how Indigenous identities influence entrepreneurial practices for thirty Indigenous entrepreneurs in New South Wales and Victoria, Australia. Through cluster analysis, this paper found that the connections between Indigenous identity and entrepreneurial practices vary for different groups of entrepreneurs based on individual and business level attributes. The diverse experiences that interviewees expressed are explained through six mechanisms that form two iterative and self-reinforcing cycles. The third paper compares the experiences and perspectives of the thirty interviewees in New South Wales and Victoria with thirty additional interviewees in British Columbia to explore how regional/country context influences the connections between Indigenous identities and entrepreneurial practices. This paper finds some significant differences across contexts. It suggests that several contextual factors, including patterns of colonialism and organizations that promote or support Indigenous entrepreneurship, may lead to these differences. Overall, in these three studies I have established data-driven and rigorously-developed novel perspectives and theories surrounding one important facet of Indigenous entrepreneurship.
Effect of vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizae and phosphate- solubilizing bacteria on growth, yield and phosphorus uptake by wheat (%ticum aestivum) and chickpea (Cicer arietinum)

A field experiment was conducted during 1997-98 and 1998-99 to study the effect of vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizae (VAM) and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) on growth, yield and phosphorus uptake by wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.) and chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Application of phosphorus did exhibit perceptible influence on yield of the crops. Both biofertilizer and phosphorus nutrition interaction showed significant influence on growth and phosphorus uptake by wheat and chickpea compared with either of the components applied separately. Among the biofertilizers, Pseudomonas striata registered the highest grain yield in both crops at both levels of phosphorus, closely followed by Glomus fasciculatum. Among the VAM fungi, Glomus fasciculatum had positive influence on yield and phosphorus uptake whereas it was lacking in Glomus macrocarpum.
Foreign Direct Investment and Pollution Havens: Evaluating the Evidence from China

One of the most contentious debates today is whether pollution-intensive industries seek locations with weak environmental standards, turning these locations into 'pollution havens. " Empirical studies to date show little evidence to support the pollution haven hypothesis, but suffer potentially from omitted variable bias, specification, and measurement errors. This paper estimates the strength of pollution-haven behavior by examining the location choices of equity joint venture (EJV) projects in China. We derive a location choice model from a theoretical framework that incorporates the firm's production and abatement decision, agglomeration and factor abundance. We estimate conditional logit and nested multinomial logit models using new data sets containing information on a sample of EJV projects, effective environmental levies on water pollution, and estimates of Chinese emissions and abatement costs for 3-digit ISIC industries. Results from 2886 manufacturing joint venture projects during 1993-1996 show EJVs from all source countries go into provinces with high concentrations of foreign investment, relatively abundant stocks of skilled workers, concentrations of foreign firms, and special incentives. Environmental stringency does affect location choice, but not in the manner described by the pollution haven hypothesis. Relatively weak environmental levies are a significant attraction for joint ventures with partners from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and other Southeast Asian developing countries. In contrast, joint ventures with partners from industrial country sources (e.g., US, UK and Japan) are actually attracted by stringent environmental levies, regardless of the pollution intensity of the industry. We discuss the likely role of technological differences in explaining these results.
Bisphenol A and Metabolic Syndrome: Results from NHANES

Background. Bisphenol A (BPA) is detected in the urine of >95% of US adults. Recent evidence from population-based studies suggests that BPA is associated with individual components for metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, no previous study has examined the direct association between BPA and MetS. Methods. We examined 2,104 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2008. The main outcome was the presence of MetS (n = 741). Results. Increasing levels of urinary BPA were positively associated with MetS, independent of confounders such as age, gender, race/ethnicity, smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity, and urinary creatinine. Compared to tertile 1 (referent), the multivariable adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of MetS in tertile 3 was 1.51 (1.07–2.12); P-trend was 0.02. Conclusions. Urinary BPA levels are positively associated with MetS, in a representative sample of US adults and independent of traditional risk factors for MetS. Future, prospective studies are needed to confirm our findings.
R: Lessons Learned, Directions for the Future

It has been nearly twenty years since Robert Gentleman and I began work on the R system. Although R has become a much more fully featured and well rounded system, its central core remains largely unchanged. With the benefit of hindsight it is possible look at how well this core design has held up, at ways in which it could be improved and whether or not this could lead to a successful new system.
Some characteristics of multiple job holding by New Zealand farm men and women

Previous research indicates a high level of multiple job holding amongst New Zealand farm men and women. Interviews of sixty farm men and women holding multiple jobs in the Ashburton District in 2003 were part of a larger research programme. Respondents identified a wide range of work undertaken in addition to farm work. They are tending to hold these jobs longer term, showing multiple job holding amongst is established as a feature of farm households. Reasons for holding multiple jobs are complex, with a range of social and economic benefits identified. Although there are effects on work-life balance.
Secure and low-overhead circuit obfuscation technique with multiplexers

Circuit obfuscation techniques have been proposed to conceal circuit's functionality in order to thwart reverse engineering (RE) attacks to integrated circuits (IC). We believe that a good obfuscation method should have low design complexity and low performance overhead, yet, causing high RE attack complexity. However, existing obfuscation techniques do not meet all these requirements. In this paper, we propose a polynomial obfuscation scheme which leverages special designed multiplexers (MUXs) to replace judiciously selected logic gates. Candidate to-be-obfuscated logic gates are selected based on a novel gate classification method which utilizes IC topological structure information. We show that this scheme is resilient to all the known attacks, hence it is secure. Experiments are conducted on ISCAS 85/89 and MCNC benchmark suites to evaluate the performance overhead due to obfuscation.
Models for truncated counts

This paper examines a class of maximum-likelihood regression estimators for count data from truncated samples. Estimators for the truncated Poisson and negative binomial distributions are illustrated. Simulation results are given to illustrate the magnitude of the bias that may result from the failure to account for overdispersion in truncated samples. An empirical application based upon the number of recreational fishing trips taken by a sample of Alaskan fishermen is provided. Copyright 1991 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measuring Tail Thickness Under GARCH and an Application to Extreme Exchange Rate Changes

Accurate modeling of extreme price changes is vital to financial risk management. We examine the small sample properties of adaptive tail index estimators under the class of student-t marginal distribution functions including GARCH and propose a model-based bias-corrected estimation approach. Our simulation results indicate that bias strongly relates to the underlying model and may be positively as well as negatively signed. The empirical study of daily exchange rate changes reveals substantial differences in measured tail-thickness due to small sample bias. As a consequence, high quantile estimation may lead to a substantial underestimation of tail risk.
18. An Examination of Observations and Incidence Rates for a Behavior Based Safety Program

This study examines the Behavior Based Safety (BBS) program of an oil production platform located off the coast of West Africa. The program has been in place at this 200-employee location since January 2002. All observation reports for 2003 were made available to explore relationships between behaviors recorded and incidence rates. A sample of 382 observation reports was selected from the 64,643 made during this period. Information extracted included the number and type of " safe " and " at-risk " behaviors observed, and the total number of observation reports completed. Relationships between the number of observation reports, types of behavior recorded, and four types of incidents – Injuries, Fires, Spills, and Near-Misses – were examined using an ordinal logistic regression model. Results showed that none of the regression coefficients were statistically significant (p-value>0.05); therefore, the number of observations made per day was not related to the number of incidents. With the number of daily observations ranging from 89 to 349, and each requiring approximately 15 minutes, the human-resource commitment is significant and management should give consideration to the current allocation of resources. It was noted that a limited time frame was examined and that results represent only one site of those using BBS programs.
A Morphospace for Reef Fishes: Elongation Is the Dominant Axis of Body Shape Evolution

Tropical reef fishes are widely regarded as being perhaps the most morphologically diverse vertebrate assemblage on earth, yet much remains to be discovered about the scope and patterns of this diversity. We created a morphospace of 2,939 species spanning 56 families of tropical Indo-Pacific reef fishes and established the primary axes of body shape variation, the phylogenetic consistency of these patterns, and whether dominant patterns of shape change can be accomplished by diverse underlying changes. Principal component analysis showed a major axis of shape variation that contrasts deep-bodied species with slender, elongate forms. Furthermore, using custom methods to compare the elongation vector (axis that maximizes elongation deformation) and the main vector of shape variation (first principal component) for each family in the morphospace, we showed that two thirds of the families diversify along an axis of body elongation. Finally, a comparative analysis using a principal coordinate analysis based on the angles among first principal component vectors of each family shape showed that families accomplish changes in elongation with a wide range of underlying modifications. Some groups such as Pomacentridae and Lethrinidae undergo decreases in body depth with proportional increases in all body regions, while other families show disproportionate changes in the length of the head (e.g., Labridae), the trunk or caudal region in all combinations (e.g., Pempheridae and Pinguipedidae). In conclusion, we found that evolutionary changes in body shape along an axis of elongation dominates diversification in reef fishes. Changes in shape on this axis are thought to have immediate implications for swimming performance, defense from gape limited predators, suction feeding performance and access to some highly specialized habitats. The morphological modifications that underlie changes in elongation are highly diverse, suggesting a role for a range of developmental processes and functional consequences.
Making sense of accelerometer measurements in pervasive physical activity applications

In the last few years, accelerometer-based entertainment and health applications have been receiving increased attention in the research and commercial worlds. The effect of accelerometer placement on different parts of the body, despite its apparent significance, received little consideration. This paper documents through experimentation the different characteristics of accelerometer output on the waist, arm, wrist, thigh, and ankle in the context of translational body motion (walk). Furthermore, it offers experimental formulas that transform peripheral body measurements to more reliable, center body (i.e., waist) measurements, and these in turn to caloric measurements, which are the standard physical activity units. The importance of these results on the design of ubiquitous health applications and the ensuing user experiences cannot be underestimated. The paper's methodology can be used in further studies in other physical activity contexts, where more elaborate body motion patterns are involved.
Lung function reference values in Singaporean children aged 6-18 years.

BACKGROUND--A study was undertaken to produce reference values of lung function in Chinese children and a means of calculating adjusted standard deviation scores of lung function for Malay and Indian ethnic groups. METHODS--A cross sectional study of lung function (forced expiratory volume in one second and forced vital capacity) measured with a Jaeger spirometer was performed in a representative sample of Singaporean children made up of 1403 Chinese, 335 Malays, and 206 Indians. RESULTS--The relation between natural logarithms of lung function and height was approximately linear until 150 cm in boys and 140 cm in girls. At these heights there were abrupt changes in the gradients of both lines. Separate regression lines were derived for heights above and below these inflection points. Significant differences in lung function were seen in Chinese compared with Malay and Indian children. In particular, values were considerably lower among Indian boys. CONCLUSIONS--The relation between lung function and height in Chinese children is best described by two regression equations over separate height ranges. Information is provided for the calculation of reference values and standard deviation scores, together with the correction factors that need to be applied to derive these values in Malay and Indian children.
"I was always on guard"--an exploration of woman abuse in a group of women with musculoskeletal pain.

OBJECTIVES We aimed to explore experiences of abuse of women, and the way it was described and hinted at, in a group of women suffering from biomedically undefined long-term musculo-skeletal pain (UMSD). METHOD Twenty women patients participated. Data were gained through repeated semi-structured interviews conducted over 2 years and qualitatively analysed according to grounded theory. RESULTS Eleven participants had experienced abuse. Abuse was difficult to disclose due to shame, fear of the listener's preconceptions and fear of the abuser. In the interviews it was diminished, 'sugar-coated' and renamed. However, the women gave hints of abuse before avowing it. 'An understanding listener', who was expected to apprehend the hints, ask about abuse and confirm that it was valid to talk about it, was described as a precondition for disclosure. CONCLUSION This study suggests that it is important to explore woman abuse when investigating and treating UMSD. When there are hints of abuse, one should avoid blaming, stand by, be patient and ask about abuse even if the woman has once negated it. Fear of the abuser permeated the narratives and it is therefore suggested that doctors must consider carefully the danger involved.
Design of a 20,000 pound variable stiffness actuator for structural vibration attenuation

This paper describes the design of a novel actuator capable of protecting a full scale structure from severe load conditions. The design includes a cylinder filled with pressurized nitrogen and uses commercially available components. We demonstrate that the actuator behaves like a spring with an adjustable unstretched length, and that the effective spring stiffness can be changed easily by changing the initial cylinder pressure. In order to test the actuator on a full scale structure, an effective spring constant of approximately 10,000 pounds/inch was required over a two inch stroke. Because of the spring-like behavior, rather than damper-like behavior, the actuator does not transmit high forces to a vibrating structure like linear viscous dampers do when velocities are high. We analyze features of critical importance to the design of the actuator such as the cylinder dimensions, operating pressure, and valve selection. We then investigate the performance using a novel experimental apparatus that mimics the dynamics of a single story building, but has 1/400 the weight.
Concanavalin‐A reports agonist‐induced conformational changes in the intact GluR6 kainate receptor

The agonist‐binding domain of ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) has recently been crystallized as two polypeptide chains with a linker region. Although work on the structure of this isolated ligand‐binding core has been invaluable, there is debate over how it relates to conformations adopted by intact receptors. iGluR crystals are proposed to represent the activated state as their degree of domain closure correlates well with agonist efficacy. However, iGluR crystals exhibit high agonist affinity that more closely matches that of desensitized receptors. Consequently, conformations adopted by iGluR crystals may represent this state. To test this, we have employed the plant lectin, concanavalin‐A (Con‐A) to report conformational changes elicited by kainate (KA) iGluR agonists during desensitization. When GluR6 KA receptors (KARs) were pre‐incubated with Con‐A, equilibrium responses evoked by the full agonist, l‐glutamate (l‐Glu), increased almost 30‐fold. However, in the continued presence of l‐Glu, Con‐A exerted no effect suggesting that it has restricted access to its binding sites when the agonist is bound. However, Con‐A does not discriminate well between agonist‐bound or ‐unbound states with the weak partial agonist, domoate. Accessibility experiments with KA were intermediate in nature consistent with its equilibrium efficacy at GluR6 KARs. Our results suggest that full and partial agonists elicit distinct conformational changes in KARs during desensitization. This finding can be reconciled with crystallographic data if the agonist‐binding domain adopts the same conformation in the activated and desensitized states. However, other interpretations are possible suggesting future work is required if this issue is to be resolved.
Correlation between the degree of correction of neuromuscular scoliosis and patient quality of life

OBJECTIVE: There are few data on patient satisfaction with surgery for the correction of neuromuscular scoliosis or on the correlation between patient satisfaction and the degree of curve correction achieved by surgery. Our aim was to determine the correlations between both patient satisfaction and perception of quality of life and the degree of curve correction. METHODS: We interviewed 18 patients and administered a questionnaire that collected social and economic data and information about functional ability, comorbidities and satisfaction. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square tests, Pearson correlation and paired t-tests. RESULTS: The mean correction achieved was 42.8%, i.e., 34.17 degrees. Early and late complication rates were low (11.1% each). Almost all of the patients (94.4%) were satisfied with the surgery, and expectations were met for 61.1% of them. Quality of life and aesthetics were improved in 83.4% and 94.4% of cases, respectively. No correlation was found between satisfaction and degree of correction. CONCLUSION: Our surgical results are similar to those of other studies with respect to the degree of correction and patient satisfaction. The disparity between satisfaction and fulfillment of expectations may be due to unrealistic initial expectations or misunderstanding of the objective of surgery. Our findings corroborate the hypothesis that satisfaction is multifactorial and not restricted to a quantitative goal. The satisfaction of patients who undergo operation for neuromuscular scoliosis does not depend directly on the degree of deformity correction. The relationship between satisfaction and the success of the correction procedure is complex and multifactorial.
Barriers to the Implementation of Environmentally Oriented Reverse Logistics: Evidence from the Automotive Industry Sector

Even though reverse logistics has existed as long as forward logistics, growing social concern for the environment has caused reverse logistics activities to become a critical function for many organizations. Yet, barriers to implementation of environmentally oriented aspects of reverse logistics still exist. The aim of the present study is to identify the barriers that impede or hinder the implementation of environmentally oriented reverse logistics practices, with a focus on the automotive industry. Empirical evidence and robust statistical analysis provide insights into the practices of environmentally oriented reverse logistics and barriers encountered in the Spanish automotive sector. Using structural equation modelling we are able identify two types of barriers, external and internal, and to study whether these barriers, previously identified in the literature, hinder environmentally oriented reverse logistics practices. The model also allows for identification of the most relevant barriers for the automotive sector.