Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Institutions and Relationships Policy in Western Liberal Democracies

This thesis explores the influence of institutions in the development of policies dealing with adult intimate relationships in New Zealand, Australia, and the United States between 1990 and 2014. Over this period, the social importance and acceptance of non-“traditional” relationships has increased in New Zealand, Australia, and the United States. However, despite all three countries working from what Gauthier describes as a “non-interventionist” approach to family policy, relationships policies have developed in markedly different ways in each. I argue that divergent translations of similar social trends are the result of differences between the structures of decision-making and institutions of interest representation in each country, and of policy legacies that make particular policy avenues more readily accessible. Electoral systems, parliamentary procedures and party structures govern which interests are able to exercise power within legislatures, while other institutions such as courts, bureaucracies, and law commissions contribute to the policy-making process in different ways. Countries are less likely to move in a non-interventionist or pro-egalitarian relationships policy direction where candidate selection procedures allow religious conservatives to play a significant role in both major parties, but religious conservatives have had little success in reversing non-interventionist policy changes after the fact. Instead, pro-traditionalist policy changes are typically minor regulatory changes or expenditures that are vulnerable to budget pressures. Legal interests expressed through law commissions or justice bureaucracies have a key role in enabling transitions to non-interventionist policies, particularly in the treatment of non-marital relationships, although the treatment of these relationships in core government activities such as taxation and welfare may also contribute to decisions in this area.
COLLECTIVE KNOWLEDGE, PROLIFIC INVENTORS AND THE VALUE OF INVENTIONS: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF FRENCH, GERMAN AND BRITISH PATENTS IN THE US, 1975–1999

Abstract The objective of this paper is to test two related hypotheses: The first is that the involvement of both prolific and foreign inventors in the production of knowledge has a direct, positive impact on the collective dimension of this knowledge production as measured by the size of the inventive team. The second is that the involvement of both prolific and foreign inventors has a direct, positive impact on the value of the new knowledge produced. We use detailed information from nearly 300,000 patents granted by the US Patent Office to French, German, and British inventors over the period from 1975 to 1999. From the data available from each patent regarding citations of prior patents and the numbers and identities of the inventors listed in the patent application, we are able to construct measures of collective knowledge, the presence of prolific and foreign inventors, and the imputed value of patents. In a novel approach in this literature, we estimate negative binomial multiple regression models for determining both the size of the collective dimension and the value of the patents. After controlling for the effects of years, technological fields, and patenting country, we find a strong support for the hypothesis that both prolific and foreign inventors tend to be parts of larger teams of inventors and for the hypothesis that prolific and foreign inventors tend to produce inventions having more value. In the conclusion, we draw some implications from these results for knowledge governance.
Development and Evaluation of Optical Passive Resonant Gyroscopes

In this paper, the development and evaluation of passive optical ring resonator gyroscopes (OPRGs) are critical reviewed. Attention has been paid to the countermeasures against the parasitic noise sources which are encountered in the OPRG including backscattering, backreflection, polarization error, nonlinear Kerr effect, and laser frequency noise. The new progress in a feasible OPRG is shown. In addition, the advanced and complex digital signal processing in the OPRGs is also addressed.
Private sector influence and the international political economy of banking regulation: The formation of the Basel II Accord 1998-2004.

This study undertakes an empirical investigation of private sector influence over transnational financial regulatory policymaking. I examine the relationship between the content, context, and success of private sector attempts to influence the formation of the Basel II Accord between 1998 and 2004. I call these efforts 'private sector campaigns', and engage in an empirical analysis of campaigns organized at both the transnational level and at the national levels in Canada, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. The analysis employs a mixed-method research design involving process tracing analysis, fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) and statistical regression analysis. Using extensive primary source material, I test a number of different hypotheses prevalent within relevant academic literatures regarding the specific means that private sector groups use to influence their regulators, as well as the transnational and national pathways by which private sector influence translates into actual regulatory policy change. While I find evidence for a number of important instances of private sector influence over the content of the Basel II Accord, I find that this influence is much more contingent and context-dependent than depictions of 'regulatory capture' in the IPE of finance literature suggest. In particular, the presence of business conflict strongly affects the success of private sector campaigns. Furthermore, I find that while there are a number of necessary conditions that have to be in place for influence to occur, there is no individually sufficient condition for influence. Rather, only a particular combination of conditions is sufficient in generating private sector influence. This particular set of conditions is, however, highly fragile.
Down‐regulation of diacylglycerol lipase‐α during neural stem cell differentiation: Identification of elements that regulate transcription

The diacylglycerol lipases (DAGLα and DAGLβ) synthesize 2‐arachidonoylglycerol (2‐AG), a full agonist at cannabinoid receptors. Dynamic regulation of DAGL expression underpins its role in axonal growth and guidance during development, retrograde synaptic signalling at mature synapses, and maintenance of adult neurogenesis. We show here that DAGLα expression is dramatically down‐regulated when neural stem (NS) cells are differentiated toward a γ‐aminobutyric acidergic neuronal phenotype. To understand how DAGLα expression might be controlled, we sought to identify the core promoter region and regulatory elements within it. The core promoter was identified and shown to contain both an enhancer and a suppressor region. Deletion analysis identified two elements, including a GC‐box, that specifically promote expression in NS cells. Bioinformatic analysis identified three candidate transcription factors that might regulate DAGLα expression in NS cells by binding to the GC box; these were specificity protein 1 (Sp1), early growth response element 1 (EGR1), and zinc finger DNA‐binding protein 89 (ZBP‐89). However, Sp1 was the only factor that could bind to the GC‐box. A specific mutation within the GC‐box that inhibited Sp1 binding reduced DAGLα promoter activity in NS cells. Likewise, a dominant negative Sp1 was shown to bind to the GC‐box and to suppress DAGLα promoter activity specifically in NS cells. Finally, like DAGLα, Sp1 was down‐regulated during neuronal differentiation. A full characterization of the DAGLα promoter will help to elucidate the upstream pathways that regulate DAGLα expression in NS cells and their progeny. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Implicit Effect of Distance on Tourist Behavior: a Comparison of Short and Long Haul Pleasure Tourists to Hong Kong

The impact of distance on demand is widely accepted in tourism geography, with a number of studies demonstrating that absolute volumes of tourists decline exponentially with distance. This article extends the field of research by examining the effect of distance on the profile of pleasure tourists who visit a destination, what they do, and different roles ascribed to the destination. Twenty‐three markets attracted to Hong Kong, including 8 short haul and 15 long haul markets are analyzed. Substantial differences are found in the profile and resultant behavior of these two cohorts of visitors. The study concludes that the decline in tourist volumes over distance is a function of the virtual disappearance of certain segments rather than a general decline of demand across all segments. While distance may not be an explicit barrier to travel, it is an implicit barrier that represents the critical points where the combined effects of a number of other deterministic variables reach a stage beyond which the destination becomes unattractive to different segments.
The role of land-based strategies in rural livelihoods: The contribution of arable production, animal husbandry and natural resource harvesting in communal areas in South Africa

The majority of South Africa's rural population resides in the former homelands. Although cash from urban and government sources is the mainstay of the rural economy in many areas, the multiple and diverse livelihood base of rural households is not widely recognised. This diversity includes the land-based strategies of arable farming, livestock husbandry and consumption and trade in natural resources. This article examines recent and emerging literature from a livelihood perspective in terms of the role and value of each of these three land-based livelihood sectors. We conclude that the contribution of land-based activities to rural livelihoods is important in both financial and social terms, and is probably greater than previously appreciated within the whole gamut of livelihood strategies adopted by rural households, including transfers from formal employment and state pensions. We examine the policy implications of this for land and agrarian reform in South Africa.
Predictors of relapse to harmful alcohol after orthotopic liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND End-stage alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a common indication for liver transplantation. Outcomes may be limited by return to harmful drinking. Previous studies have identified few predictors of drinking relapse. AIM This study examined novel postulated predictors of relapse to drinking. METHOD The case notes of all patients transplanted for ALD at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital from 1987-2004 were reviewed. Pre-transplant characteristics were rated by a psychiatrist independent of the transplant team, blind to the outcome. Outcomes were rated by a second independent alcohol treatment specialist also blind to the pre-transplant ratings. RESULTS Of 100 patients, 6 died before discharge from hospital, 4 had <6 months follow-up, 18 relapsed to harmful drinking, 10 drank below harmful levels, and 62 remained abstinent after a mean of 5.6 years follow-up. Univariate analyses identified six potential pre-transplant predictors of return to harmful drinking. These were a diagnosis of mental illness (of which all cases were of depression), the lack of a stable partner, grams per day consumed in the years before assessment for transplant, reliance on 'family or friends' for post-transplant support, tobacco consumption at time of assessment, and lack of insight into the alcohol aetiology. Duration of pre-transplant abstinence and social class by occupation did not predict relapse. A multivariate model based on the above characteristics correctly predicted 89% of the outcomes. CONCLUSION A model based on readily defined behaviours and psychosocial factors predicted relapse to harmful drinking after transplant for ALD. This model may improve assessment and post-transplant management of patients with advanced ALD.
A longitudinal study of innovation competence and quality management on firm performance

Abstract This study explores the relationship between innovation competences and quality management initiatives and considers how quality management initiatives infl uence both innovation competence and firm performance. A longitudinal survey of 607 high-technology firms indicates innovation competence is an important driver of firm performance, a key element of quality management initiatives. The effectiveness of innovation competence is contingent on quality management initiatives. Building on the existing literature, this study employs the resource-based view of firms and applies institutional theory as a theoretical framework for empirical analysis. The results show that an inverted U-shaped relationship exists between innovation competence and quality management in high-technology industries. We argue that the extent to which research and development (R&D) activity is associated with performance improvements depends on the extent to which a firm exceeds the minimum requirements for ISO 9000 quality certifi cation. These fi ndings help explain some inconsistent results in prior studies on innovation and quality management.
Business Students' Choice of Short-Term or Long-Term Study Abroad Opportunities

Recent years have seen a proliferation of short-term study abroad opportunities. Although they are both supplementing and replacing semester-long study abroad programs, research has focused primarily on semester (long-term) programs. We draw on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to explore factors that predict why students choose long-term and short-term programs. Results indicate that students perceive more social pressure to engage in short-term programs, and higher barriers limiting participation in long-term programs. All TPB factors significantly predicted students' intentions to study abroad in both short-term and long-term programs with one exception; perceived behavioral control did not significantly predict intentions to participate in short-term programs. These findings can be used to improve marketing of short-term and long-term programs by addressing student concerns specific to each type of program, potentially increasing the number of students choosing to study abroad.
Women Training to Coach a Men’s Sport

Despite increasing female participation in English football (aka soccer), the sport remains rooted in the values and discursive practices of orthodox masculinity. This is exemplified by the English Football Association (FA), which has been criticized for its ineffective responses to addressing the inclusion and progression of women as players and workers within the organization. Female membership in male-dominated organizations is not readily achieved, given the dominance of masculinist discourses and the risks of overtly challenging these. In this study, we explored the discursive management of gendered and/or footballing identities from interviews with participants in an English regional FA’s women-only football coach education program. All of the participants described the peripheral positioning of women in English football. Analysis identified evidence of both collaboration with and resistance to the dominant masculinist discourses in the accounts of their experiences in football, while also reproducing the most valued footballing identities and knowledge as male. We connect this to the complexities of negotiating and managing gendered identities for women in male-dominated organizations. All of the participants described the value and benefits of women-only coach education and the majority noted they would prefer women-only coach education in future.
Plasma oxytocin levels and anxiety in patients with major depression

nt matter & 2007 uen.2007. 01.009 thor. Tel. : +32 4 3 abrielle.scantamb Abstract Cerebrospinal fluid and plasmatic levels of oxytocin (OT) have been found to change in mood disorders. In post-mortem studies, the numbers of OT-expressing neurons in the paraventricular nucleus have been reported to be increased. Moreover, OT is considered as an endogenous antistress hormone. It has also revealed antidepressive effects. OT may contribute to the dysregulation of the HPA system in major depression. The aim of the study was to assess a possible relationship between anxiety and plasma oxytocin (OT) levels in depressive patients. Severity of depression was estimated with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and anxiety by using the Spielberger State-Anxiety Inventory. Results showed a significant negative correlation between oxytocin and the scored symptoms depression (r 1⁄4 0.58, p 1⁄4 0.003) and anxiety (r 1⁄4 0.61, p 1⁄4 0.005). & 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Historical Aspects of Transcatheter Occlusion of Atrial Septal Defects

Following the description of surgical closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) in early 1950s (Bigelow et al., 1950; Lewis et al., 1953; Gibbon, 1953), it rapidly became a standard therapy of ASDs. Surgical closure of ostium secundum ASDs is safe and effective with negligible mortality (Murphy et al., 1990; Galal et al., 1994; Pastorek et al., 1994), but the morbidity associated with sternotomy/thoracotomy, cardiopulmonary bypass and potential for postoperative complications cannot be avoided. Other disadvantages of surgical therapy are the expense associated with surgical correction, residual surgical scar and psychological trauma to the patients and/or the parents. Presumably because of these reasons, several groups of cardiologists embarked upon developing transcatheter methods of closure of the ASD. The studies of King (King & Mills, 1974; Mills & King, 1976; King et al., 1976), Rashkind (Rashkind, 1975; Rashkind & Cuaso, 1977; Rashkind, 1983) and their associates paved the way for the future development of transcatheter ASD device occlusion methodology. In this chapter, history of development of ASD closure devices will be reviewed. Historical development for occlusion of patent foramen ovale (PFO) will be briefed at the end of the chapter.
The Challenges of Combining Two Databases in Small-Area Estimation: An Example Using Spatial Microsimulation of Child Poverty

Spatial microsimulation techniques have become an increasingly popular way of fulfilling the need for generating small-area data estimates. However, the technique also poses numerous methodological challenges, including the utilisation of two different databases simultaneously to produce estimates of population characteristics at the local level. An important but neglected question is whether different distributions of key variables within these two databases may affect the validity of the spatial estimation results. This study uses the significant policy issue of small-area estimates of child poverty rates in Australia to examine this question. The different income distributions for families with children in the two databases and the consequent effect on child-poverty estimates are assessed, while the apparent validity of these synthetic small-area poverty rates is gauged.
The Lack of Loan Aversion Among Canadian High School Students

Evidence is presented on the factors that influence take-up for postsecondary education financing (loans or grants) for high school students. Results show several factors influence the students' decisions about taking loans or grants but the most prominent influence was the price of educational subsidy. A total of 1,248 high school students across Canada participated. Prices for the grants and loans overlapped substantially in order to more clearly distinguish the impact of loan aversion on the decision to take up financial assistance to pursue PSE. The study featured paid experimental decisions (ranging from $25 to $700 in cash and from $500 to $4,000 in education financing), a numeracy assessment, a student survey and a parental telephone survey. The targeted sample included at-risk high school students: low SES levels, First Nations and first generation students. Participants were marginally sensitive to the form of financing (grant or loan), with no evidence of systematic loan aversion being detected.
Learning Mixtures of MLNs

Weight learning is a challenging problem in Markov Logic Networks (MLNs) due to the large size of the ground propositional probabilistic graphical model that underlies the first-order representation of MLNs. Though more sophisticated weight learning methods that use lifted inference have been proposed, such methods can typically scale up only in the absence of evidence, namely in generative weight learning. In discriminative learning, where the evidence typically destroys symmetries, existing approaches are lacking in scalability. In this paper, we propose a novel, intuitive approach for learning MLNs discriminatively by utilizing approximate symmetries. Specifically, we reduce the size of the training database by clustering approximately symmetric atoms together and selecting a representative atom from each cluster. However, each choice made from the clusters induces a different distribution, increasing the uncertainty in our learned model. To reduce this uncertainty, we learn a finite mixture model by stacking the different distributions, where the parameters of the model are learned using an EM approach. Our results on several benchmarks show that our approach is much more scalable and accurate as compared to existing state-of-the-art MLN learning methods.
'Irrational Exuberance' in the Long-Run UK Stock Market

Using the macroeconomic data for 1830-2004 in vector error correction models, we find that the UK stock price was largely in line with the equilibrium level. However, the UK stock price shows large and slow-moving positive or negative deviations from the equilibrium, forming cycles of at least a few decades in length. We also show that the equity premium is as low as 3.1% for the 175 years, which is far smaller than the 6 to 7% that has been suggested by many previous studies. Finally, contrary to general belief, the 1999 UK stock price did not appear to be overvalued in our study. We suggest that the 25 years of sharp increase in the UK stock price prior to 1999 can be understood as a mere mean-reversion towards the long-run equilibrium level.
The Impact of Institutional Size on Student Engagement

This article reviews the results from an in-depth multisite case study of 20 institutions examining approaches to student engagement exploring differences by institutional type. The two research questions pursued were: Is size related to distinctive approaches for creating an engaging environment for students? If so, in what ways? The results demonstrate a relationship between size and four benchmarks. Implications for institutional and national policy are reviewed.
On the Failure to Eliminate Hypotheses in a Conceptual Task

This investigation examines the extent to which intelligent young adults seek (i) confirming evidence alone (enumerative induction) or (ii) confirming and discontinuing evidence (eliminative induction), in order to draw conclusions in a simple conceptual task. The experiment is designed so that use of confirming evidence alone will almost certainly lead to erroneous conclusions because (i) the correct concept is entailed by many more obvious ones, and (ii) the universe of possible instances (numbers) is infinite. Six out of 29 subjects reached the correct conclusion without previous incorrect ones, 13 reached one incorrect conclusion, nine reached two or more incorrect conclusions, and one reached no conclusion. The results showed that those subjects, who reached two or more incorrect conclusions, were unable, or unwilling to test their hypotheses. The implications are discussed in relation to scientific thinking.