Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estimating Crowding Costs in Public Transport

Preferences for transport activities are often considered only in terms of time and money. Whilst congestion in automobile traffic increases costs by raising trip durations, the same is less obvious in public transport (PT), especially rail-based. This has lead many economic analyses to conclude that there exists a free lunch by reducing the attractiveness of automobile transport at no (or little) cost for PT users. This article argues that congestion in PT - crowding - is also costly. Using survey data from the Paris metro we estimate the degree to which users value comfort in terms of less crowding. Using a contingent valuation method (CVM) we describe marginal willingness to pay over different parts of the distribution of in-vehicle crowding and consider moderating factors. We conclude that the total welfare cost for a trip rises from e2.42 for a seated passenger to e3.69 under the most congested conditions. We apply our results to the cost-benefit analysis of a recent investment in PT in Paris and consider broader implications for transport policy. In particular, we highlight that PT congestion is a first-order urban externality.
Multiple disadvantage in Ireland an equality analysis of Census 2006

This report draws on the full 2006 Census microdata file to examine the effects of belonging to groups who are disadvantaged according to the nine grounds identified in Equality Legislation (gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race and membership of the Traveller community). It examines the impact of group membership on five different outcomes: low education, non-participation in the labour market, unemployment, lower social class and lack of access to a car. It also illustrates the impact of belonging to more than one disadvantaged group.
Associations of perceived underemployment with in-role and organisational citizenship behaviours: the beneficiary perspective

This study investigated whether employees' perceived underemployment is associated differently with in-role behaviours and two forms of organisational citizenship behaviours and whether there is any difference in such relationships between in-group and out-group subordinates. Results of 304 valid questionnaires collected from both managers and employees showed that only the negative correlation between employees' perceived underemployment and organisational citizenship behaviour-organisation proposed by Williams and Anderson (1991) was supported. Moreover, the correlation between perceived underemployment and in-role behaviours was negative for in-group subordinates but positive for out-group subordinates.
Investigation of the marginal adaptation of root-end filling materials in root-end cavities prepared with ultrasonic tips.

AIM To compare the surface topography of root apices following ultrasonic root-end preparation, and again after root-end fillings submitted to three different finishing techniques. METHODOLOGY Eighty-one root-end cavities prepared ultrasonically in human canines, were divided at random into three test groups of 27 each. The cavities were filled with Super-EBA, IRM, or ProRoot-MTA and finished by ball burnishing. Eighteen roots from each group received a final finish with either a 30-fluted tungsten carbide finishing bur, or a Zekrya carbide 28 mm bur after storage in water at 37 degrees C for 24 h. The root-end surface topographies were reproduced by means of polyvinylsiloxane impressions and epoxy resin replicas. Scanning electron micrography (SEM) images of each replica were taken prior to and after root-end filling. An image analysis system was used to compare the alteration of the marginal chipping areas and to calculate the gaps located in the dentine/root-end filling interface. RESULTS When a bur was used to finish the set materials, a significant (P < 0.05) area of marginal chipping was eliminated. The finishing technique did not significantly (P > 0.05) affect the incidence of gaps in groups root-end filled with MTA or IRM. Super-EBA and IRM retrofillings finished with a ball burnisher or a Zekrya bur displayed a significantly (P < 0.05) larger calculated gap area than roots filled with MTA. CONCLUSION Under this in vitro study, the marginal adaptation of MTA was good with or without finishing procedures. Applying a finishing bur over the condensed and set IRM and Super-EBA created better marginal adaptation.
An empirical approach to customer perception of mobile banking in Indian scenario

Service sector in India is characterised by its evanescence and divergence and accounts for catering to the needs of 1.22 billion Indians. Intense competition and mobility of technologies have pushed banking sector to explore and adopt innovative practices like use of mobile phones for customer retention and business growth. In the present study different factors impacting customer's perception towards mobile banking are evaluated with the help of a survey across India. This empirical study proves that there is a substantial difference in the use of mobile phone among users belonging to varied demographic profiles and occupational backgrounds. The findings have highlighted the issue of security, convenience and awareness as primary area of concern. To keep the mobile banking in high growth trajectory, banks need to focus on these intangible concerns and also must capture the untapped customer segment.
A gastrolith protein serving a dual role in the formation of an amorphous mineral containing extracellular matrix

Despite the proclamation of Lowenstam and Weiner that crustaceans are the “champions of mineral mobilization and deposition of the animal kingdom,” relatively few proteins from the two main calcification sites in these animals, i.e., the exoskeleton and the transient calcium storage organs, have been identified, sequenced, and their roles elucidated. Here, a 65-kDa protein (GAP 65) from the gastrolith of the crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus, is fully characterized and its function in the mineralization of amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) of the extracellular matrix is demonstrated. GAP 65 is a negatively charged glycoprotein that possesses three predicted domains: a chitin-binding domain 2, a low-density lipoprotein receptor class A domain, and a polysaccharide deacetylase domain. Expression of GAP 65 was localized to columnar epithelial cells of the gastrolith disk during premolt. In vivo administration of GAP 65 dsRNA resulted in a significant reduction of GAP 65 transcript levels in the gastrolith disk. Such gene silencing also caused dramatic structural and morphological deformities in the chitinous-ACC extracellular matrix structure. ACC deposited in these gastroliths appeared to be sparsely packed with large elongated cavities compared with the normal gastrolith, where ACC is densely compacted. ACC spherules deposited in these gastroliths are significantly larger than normal. GAP 65, moreover, inhibited calcium carbonate crystallization in vitro and stabilized synthetic ACC. Thus, GAP 65 is the first protein shown to have dual function, involved both in extracellular matrix formation and in mineral deposition during biomineralization.
Interpreting Currency Crises: How Much Do We Know?

ABSTRACT The main objective of this paper is to understand the causes and symptoms of currency crises by reviewing the seminal literature and noting some of its significant features. The paper revises the so-called first- and second-generation models and accounts for six different features. Based on this revision and account, the paper suggests the need to view currency crises beyond the traditional line of thought. In effect, to comprehend the process, which may lead to the inconsistency of the exchange-rate-maintenance policies and result in a currency crash.
Converging early contractor involvement (ECI) and lean construction practices for productivity enhancement: some preliminary findings from Singapore

Purpose - – As with many other procurement management concepts, the early contractor involvement (ECI) strategy provides an opportunity to tap on contractors’ specialist knowledge in the design stage, in order to address and forestall problems before moving onto the construction stage. Such practices have been shown to be quite successful, and are also advocated in the lean construction practice. Following this benefit, the purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between the operations of ECI and the principles of lean construction for productivity enhancement. Design/methodology/approach - – Based on the literature review of 11 principles of lean construction and ECI, various relationships were proposed seeking to integrate the two domains. A questionnaire survey was conducted with different stakeholders in Singapore’s construction industry to measure the strength of the relationships. Interviews were also conducted to gain an understanding of the constraints, reluctance, and possible methods for implementing ECI in Singapore with a convergence with lean construction principles. Findings - – The results revealed that, when employing lean construction principles as a yardstick, ECI does contribute to elevating the productivity outcomes of some lean construction principles – in particular, for reducing variability, reducing cycle time, minimizing steps, and increasing output flexibility. Research limitations/implications - – It is promising to marry ECI with lean construction, and that the former does appear indeed able to aid in the productivity improvements of a construction project by embracing the latter. However, it requires the building professionals to raise their awareness of both lean and ECI, so that the implementation of ECI can be carried out in a more effective manner. Originality/value - – In the context of the Singapore construction industry’s push for improvements in productivity, this study posits that productivity benefits in particular can be realized through establishing the linkage between ECI and lean construction principles. The lessons from this study can likewise be adopted by other countries.
Evaluation of cytology and visual triage of human papillomavirus‐positive women in cervical cancer prevention in India

Although virtually all cervical cancers and most cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) are caused by persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, only a small proportion of HPV‐positive women have or will develop CIN. Triaging HPV‐positive women has been suggested to reduce the false‐positive rate and proportion of women referred for CIN confirmation and/or treatment. In two cross‐sectional studies and one randomized trial in India, we evaluated the impact of using cytology or visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) to triage HPV‐positive women on the proportion of women who would be referred for CIN confirmation and on the detection rates of high‐grade CIN. We present the numbers of HPV test‐positive women found and the CIN detected among them. We further assess the proportions that would be referred for CIN confirmation with colposcopy/biopsy and CIN that would be detected if cytology triage or VIA triage were used. Using cytology triage at atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance threshold or VIA triage reduced referrals for colposcopy by about 62% and 59%, respectively (p‐value = 0.012), but missed around 16% and 18%, respectively, of the high‐grade CIN (p‐value = 0.539) indicating similar performance of both triaging approaches. The choice of a triage test in different low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC) would depend on the availability and affordability in the particular setting. Cytology triage may be considered in settings where adequate infrastructure exists, whereas VIA triage may be suitable in settings with limited or no cytology infrastructure.
Therapeutic implications of copper deficiency in Menkes's steely-hair syndrome.

of Disease in Childhood, 48, 958. Therapeutic implications of copper deficiency in Menkes's steely-hair syndrome. The clinical features and state of copper deficiency is reported in 3 children with Menkes's steely-hair syndrome. Therapy with intramuscular copper EDTA in one child successfully raised plasma copper levels but had no effect on the child's neurological status. Early diagnosis in the child at risk before neurological damage has occurred, followed by parenteral therapy with copper EDTA, offers the best management at present of this disease. Copper deficiency in children with Menkes's kinky-hair syndrome was first 1972
Chromosome-Encoded CTX-M-3 from Kluyvera ascorbata: a Possible Origin of Plasmid-Borne CTX-M-1-Derived Cefotaximases

ABSTRACT A gene identical to plasmid-borne blaCTX-M-3 is present in the chromosome of one Kluyvera ascorbata strain. It is associated with a structure including an inverted repeat right and an open reading frame 477-like gene probably involved in the mobilization of blaCTX-M-3. Two other K. ascorbata strains rendered the previously described blaKLUA-9 gene.
Translational Control of Gene Expression

ABSTRACT: Translational regulation of mRNA is an important step in the control of gene expression. In a general way, the efficiency of the translational apparatus can be influenced either positively or negatively by changing the level or the activity of rate-limiting protein factors taking part in the process of translation. But translational control can also be very specific, affecting only a single mRNA or class of mRNA molecules. In most of these cases regulation takes place at the level of initiation of translation, which is often attributable to structural peculiarities of the mRNA in question, especially of the 5‘-untranslated region or leader. This review summarizes the mechanisms which lie at the root of translational control. A better understanding of these mechanisms will eventually provide us with new drugs and antisense oligonucleotide technology, aimed at influencing the level of expression of single proteins. These developments are of interest to basic researchers and clinicians alike, because they may profoundly change the ways in which we treat, e.g. viral infections and malignancies in the future.
Proximity and Interactive Learning in University–Firm Relationships

This paper addresses the question of whether proximity is always necessary for interactive learning, as proposed by recent European innovation theory. Recent research has provided a refined conceptualization of proximity, but there is little empirically-based knowledge about the actual role that proximity plays in relationships intended to foster interactive learning. The paper investigates how proximity actually impacts on interactive learning processes by examining collaborative research projects between firms and universities.
Foreign investors and corporate social responsibility: evidence from the career advancement of women in Japan

I examine whether foreign investors invest in firms that encourage the career advancement of women by using data from a sample of Japanese firms during the period 2008–2011. First, I find that corporate governance reform and work-life balance practices facilitate the promotion of women to higher positions in firms. Furthermore, I find that foreign investors hold more shares of firms that encourage the career advancement of women. Overall, these results indicate that the career advancement of women, as a part of corporate social responsible activities, benefits foreign investors.
Ciprofloxacin plus piperacillin is an equally effective regimen for empiric therapy in febrile neutropenic patients compared with standard therapy

The purpose of this study was to test the comparative efficacy and toxicity of empiric gentamicin and ciprofloxacin, in combination with piperacillin, in febrile patients with treatment‐induced neutropenia. Fifty patients were prospectively randomized to receive piperacillin plus gentamicin (PG), and 46 were randomized to receive piperacillin plus ciprofloxacin (PC). The groups were similar in age, sex, diagnosis, duration of neutropenia, and incidence of positive cultures. The two antibiotic regimens were associated with comparable rates of defervescence in the patients with Gram‐positive bacteremia. In the patients with Gram‐negative bacteremia and those with negative cultures, however, defervescence was more prompt in the PC group. In particular, 27% of the culture‐negative patients on PC, compared to only 5% of those on PG, defervesced within 72 hr (P = 0.015). Because of the more prompt defervescence in the PC group, amphotericin B was used less frequently; 78% of the patients on PG compared with only 56% of those on PC were started on amphotericin B (P J Biomed Mater Res, 41, = 0.025). PC is an effective alternative to the more traditional PG for treatment of febrile neutropenic hosts who have not been given prophylactic quinolones. More important, PC appears to hasten defervescence compared with PG, especially in culture‐negative patients and those with Gram‐negative bacteremia, and may decrease the necessity of additional antimicrobial agents such as amphotericin B. 1998. Am. J. Hematol. 58: 293–297, 1998. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mobilization of Bone Marrow Cells by CSF3 Protects Mice from Bleomycin-Induced Lung Injury

Background: Bone marrow-derived cells may play a role in tissue injury and repair. Growth factors facilitate the mobilization of bone marrow-derived cells to the site of injury. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the mobilization of autologous bone marrow-derived cells by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (CSF3) on bleomycin-induced lung injury in mice. Methods: The bone marrow from male green fluorescent protein transgenic (C57Bl/6J) mice was transplanted into irradiated female C57Bl/6J mice. Bleomycin lung injury was induced in these bone marrow-reconstituted mice and unreconstituted C57Bl/6J mice, and some mice were treated with recombinant CSF3. Lung histology, survival, cytokine expression and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression were evaluated to determine the effect of CSF3 after bleomycin-induced lung injury. Results: Histology and flow cytometry analysis showed successful mobilization of bone marrow-derived cells by CSF3 treatment in the recipient lungs. Importantly, CSF3 attenuated bleomycin-induced lung injury and improved survival. Furthermore, CSF3 administration regulated transforming growth factor-β, interferon-γ, MMP9 and tissue inhibitors of MMP1 expression during bleomycin injury. Conclusions: These data demonstrated that the mobilization of bone marrow-derived cells by CSF3 has a protective effect against bleomycin-induced lung injury and fibrosis.
Competitiveness in Transition Economies: What Scope for Real Appreciation?

We estimate equilibrium dollar wages for 15 transition economies of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and the former Soviet Union. Equilibrium dollar wages are interpreted as full employment wages consistent with a country's physical and human capital endowment, and estimated by regressing actual dollar wages on productivity and human capital proxies in a short (1990-95) panel of 85 countries. The main results are: (1) equilibrium dollar wages have appreciated steadily in the Baltic countries and fast-reforming CEE transition economies, but have been flat in most CIS countries; and (2) 1996 actual dollar wages remain below estimated equilibrium dollar wages for most but not all transition countries covered.
Values, Prices, and Wage-Profit Curves in the U.S. Economy

This paper presents labor values and prices of production calculated for the postwar U.S. economy using a seventy-one-sector input-output model with fixed capital, as well as actual wage-profit curves during the same period. It is found that the cross-sectional deviations of values and prices of production from market prices are quite small: between 12 and 14 percent on average. Over time, approximately 75 percent of the variation of market prices is accounted for by changes by both values and prices of production, and 93 percent of the variation of prices of production is accounted for by changes in labor values. Wage-profit curves exhibit near-linearity, casting some doubt on the significance of reswitching for actual economies. Copyright 1989 by Oxford University Press.
Application of the Concept of Multi-phase Experience to Wait Management in Restaurant Services

The main purpose of this study was to develop wait management strategies for different stages of a dining experience and to test the effects of these strategies on customer satisfaction and their future behavioral intentions (e.g. loyalty and word-of-mouth). The stages included in this study were pre-process, in-process and post-process. To test successfully the effects of wait management strategies applied to each dining stage, an experimental study was conducted using a 2 (duration information versus no treatment) × 2 (free appetizer versus no treatment) × 2 (discount coupon for future purchase versus no treatment) between-subjects design in which subjects were provided with a written scenario that simulated real-life experience. Multivariate analysis of covariance was used to examine the mean differences between treatment groups and no-treatment groups while controlling individuals' level of tolerance with the length of waiting time. The results support the hypotheses that management strategies at in-process and post-process stages are effective in enhancing customer satisfaction as well as behavioral intentions. In particular, providing a discount coupon achieved the most significant effect among the proposed wait management strategies.
The Effect of CO2 Pricing on Conventional and Non- Conventional Oil Supply and Demand

What would be the effect of CO2 pricing on global oil supply and demand? This paper introduces a model describing the interaction between conventional and non-conventional oil supply in a Hotelling framework and under CO2 constraints. The model assumes that nonconventional crude oil enters the market when conventional oil supply alone is unable to meet demand, and the social cost of CO2 is included in the calculation of the oil rent at that time. The results reveal the effect of a CO2 tax set at the social cost of CO2 on oil price and demand and the uncertainty associated with the time when conventional oil production might become unable to meet demand. The results show that a tax on CO2 emissions associated with fuel use would reduce oil demand despite the effect of lower future rents, and would delay the time when conventional oil supply is unable to satisfy demand. More precisely, between 81 and 99% of the CO2 tax is carried into the oil price despite the counter-balancing effect of the reduced rent. A CO2 tax on fuel use set at the social cost of CO2 would delay by 25 years the time when conventional oil production is unable to meet oil demand, from 2019 to 2044 (mean value). The results show that this date is very sensitive to the price elasticity of demand and the demand growth rate, which shows the great potential of demand-side measures to smooth the transition towards low-carbon liquid fuel alternatives.
Am I good enough? The mediated use of open educational resources to empower learners in excluded communities

This paper explores the issues involved in providing education to excluded communities and reviews some case studies where the mediated use of open educational resources available from the UK Open University’s OpenLearn website has empowered socially excluded groups. It argues that the successful use of e-learning in the long term is dependent on appropriate interventions within excluded groups and communities, and that open educational resources provide a safer option for them to gain confidence and competence and so become more empowered.