Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Public and private secondary schools in developing countries

This paper presents the results of recent research comparing the relative effectiveness and efficiency of private and public secondary schools in five developing countries, which show a robust private school advantage in terms of student achievement and unit costs. The paper explores the effect of school-based management and autonomy and finds that principals of private schools were more likely to use their decision-making power to improve the conditions of learning in their schools. The study has important implications for public education policy, insofar as it suggests how gains in public school efficiency may be achieved by enabling public schools to adopt the management practices of private schools.
We the living: the effects of living and deceased donor stories on charitable bequest giving intentions

Choosing messages to encourage charitable bequest giving may be particularly challenging given sensitivity to personal mortality reminders. Previous research suggests that people often react to mortality reminders with avoidance, including distancing themselves from those associated with death. We compare the effects of otherwise similar living and deceased bequest donor stories on subsequent intentions to leave a charitable bequest. Although both story types significantly increased subsequent intentions to leave a charitable bequest, living donor stories consistently outperformed otherwise identical deceased donor stories. Fundraisers may do well to emphasize stories of living planned bequest donors and de-emphasize death and the deceased in charitable bequest fundraising messaging. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation Of The Job Performance Of Extension Professionals In Abia State Of Nigeria

The study was design to assess the job performance of extension professionals in Abia state agricultural development programme (ADP). The study also highlighted the relationship between selected personal characteristics and job performance variables of extension professionals in Abia state ADP. A sample of ninety six (96) randomly selected respondents provided information used for the study. Percentages, mean scores and Pearson correlation coefficient were the statistical tools employed in analyzing the data. The findings show that the job performance of each of the extension agents (EAs), block extension agents (BEAs) and block extension supervisors (BESs) was rated slightly above average. Level of formal education of EAs was significantly associated with job performance. The extension experience of BEAs and BESs was a strong predicator of job performance. The study recommends that policies should be designed to improve the level of formal education of EAs through greater participation of EAs in inservice training courses. Extension professionals who are more experienced in extension work should be retained and encouraged in their bid to ensure effective extension contact with farming groups. Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences Vol. 5 (1) 2007: pp. 93-109
Dose–response relationship between alcohol consumption before and during pregnancy and the risks of low birthweight, preterm birth and small for gestational age (SGA)—a systematic review and meta‐analyses

Please cite this paper as: Patra J, Bakker R, Irving H, Jaddoe V, Malini S, Rehm J. Dose–response relationship between alcohol consumption before and during pregnancy and the risks of low birthweight, preterm birth and small for gestational age (SGA)—a systematic review and meta‐analyses. BJOG2011;118:1411–1421.
Validation of the Fresno test of competence in evidence based medicine

Abstract Objective: To describe the development and validation of a test of knowledge and skills in evidence based medicine. Design: Cross sectional study. Setting: Family practice residency programme in California; a list server for those who teach evidence based medicine; and an evidence based medicine seminar series. Participants: Family practice residents and faculty members (n=43); volunteers self identified as experts in evidence based medicine (n=53); family practice teachers (19) beginning a seminar series on evidence based medicine. Intervention: The Fresno test is a performance based measure for use in medical education that assesses a wide range of evidence based medicine skills. Open ended questions are scored with standardised grading rubrics. Calculation skills are assessed by fill in the blank questions. Main outcome measures: Inter-rater reliability, internal reliability, item analyses, and construct validity. Results: Inter-rater correlations ranged from 0.76 to 0.98 for individual items. Cronbach's α was 0.88. Item difficulties ranged from moderate to difficult, all with positive and strong ability to discriminate between candidates. Experts scored consistently higher than novices. On the 212 point test, the novice mean was 95.6 and the expert mean was 147.5 (P<0.001). On individual items, a higher proportion of experts than novices earned passing scores on 15 of the 17 items. Conclusion: The Fresno test is a reliable and valid test for detecting the effect of instruction in evidence based medicine. Its use in other settings requires further exploration. What is already known on this topic Instruction in evidence based medicine is provided in many medical education settings, but it effectiveness is unknown Existing measures to assess competence tend to be narrowly focused and of uncertain validity What this study adds The Fresno test measures a wide range of knowledge and skills necessary for evidence based practice The standardised grading systems produced a high degree of consistency between graders Experts scored significantly higher on the test than novices in evidence based medicine, showing that the test has construct validity
Interneurons: Role in Maintaining and Restoring Synaptic Plasticity

Inhibitory circuits play an important role in synaptic plasticity during development and adulthood. Changes in interneuronal activity induce structural and synaptic rearrangements of inhibitory interneurons, network oscillations, and homeostatic plasticity. In addition to epileptic seizures, deficits in the inhibitory system lead to aberrant information processing and cognitive impairment in various neurological disorders. Studies exploring the structural and functional plasticity of interneurons are essential, not only to understand the mechanisms underlying normal development and behavior but also, to identify the etiology of different psychiatric and neurological disorders to pursue new therapies. Here, it will be discussed the role of inhibitory circuit in the synaptic plasticity, and how cellular replacement strategies can remodel changes in circuit function and homeostasis in the context of brain repair.
The Investment Problem in Terrorism

Evidence from early terrorist groups reveals a structural equivalence between extortion and terrorism. This allows us to draw conclusions from the theory of extortion that can be applied to a theory of terrorism concerning the role of repeated play in the viability of extortion. It also enables us to analyse the role of commitment in destroying the extortionary organization.
Is wildlife tourism benefiting Indian protected areas? A survey

India's protected areas (PAs), especially those designated tiger reserves, are popular tourist destinations, experiencing considerable and growing visitor numbers, but the principles of ecotourism are not well implemented. This paper analyses tourism practice in a sample of popular tiger reserves in India according to four principles of responsible ecotourism: minimisation of environmental impacts, generation of funds for conservation, benefits to local communities, and education of visitors. Evidence demonstrates that few criteria of ecotourism are met in most PAs: tourism imposes significant detrimental impacts, little of the generated revenue is captured, local communities get mostly menial jobs, and visitor education is virtually non-existent with tourism geared mainly towards thrill-seeking. The Indian Forest Service, which manages the PAs, is on the whole unprepared and ill-equipped to plan and implement proper ecotourism practices and faces constant pressure from other actors to increase tourism revenue. Periyar National Park stands out as an exception where innovative approaches involving local communities have brought about a significant positive change. Policy recommendations are offered based on limited, low-impact activities with high participation of local communities which is essential to build local support for conservation that has been historically lacking.
Moderating Effect of Relationship Life Cycle in Long-Term Orientation of Firm-Supplier Relationships

Abstract The study of the long-term orientation of the commercial relationships established between companies and their suppliers is a topic of great interest at the present time. But although many authors have analyzed this temporal orientation, few have examined its dynamic nature. Moreover, there are no previous studies looking at the moderating effect of the relationship life cycle on the factors determining the temporal orientation of these relationships, comparing how some antecedents could have different effects depending on the specific stage the relationship has reached. Thus, in the context of the Spanish agro-food sector, the current work examines this moderating effect, considering the industrial customers' point of view. Specifically, we analyze the effect of the initial stage compared with the intermediate stage of the life cycle on a set of antecedent factors of this long-term orientation. Our research offers important implications for the management of elements such as communication, cooperation, trust, satisfaction and commitment.
ANALISIS FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI AUDIT DELAY (Studi Empiris Pada Perusahaan Manufaktur Yang Terdaftar di BEI Tahun 2009-2011)

The purpose of this research is to examine the impact of profitability, company size, auditors gender, and reputation of accountant firms influence simultaneously toward audit delay in manufacturing company that listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2009 to 2011. Data that used in this research is financial statements from each company, publized through website www.idx. co.id . This study used purposive sampling methods. The data which have already collected are processed with classic assumption test before hypothesis test. The results of this study show that of profitability, auditors gender and reputation of accountant firms significant effect toward audit delay, Whereas, company size do not influence time of audit delay.
The evolving epidemiology of stone disease

The epidemiology of kidney stones is evolving – not only is the prevalence increasing, but also the gender gap has narrowed. What drives these changes? Diet, obesity or environmental factors? This article will review the possible explanations for a shift in the epidemiology, with the hope of gaining a better understanding of the extent to which modifiable risk factors play a role on stone formation and what measures may be undertaken for disease prevention in view of these changing trends.
Overcoming the Challenges of Impact Investing: Insights from Leading Investors

Abstract Interest and activity around impact investment have increased significantly in recent years as businesses, governments and communities seek new solutions to enable an inclusive and sustainable society in the face of social and environmental challenges. Philanthropists, charitable foundations and institutional investors have been among the early adopters in implementing impact investment strategies and developing the field. Despite the initial enthusiasm for impact investment, many investors raise concerns as they begin to explore the practicalities of impact investing. This paper responds to these concerns by providing empirical insights on how leading institutional investors and charitable foundations have begun to develop impact investment strategies and overcome various trepidations. The findings reveal four main themes: a focus on financial-first investments; the importance of using established due-diligence processes; the opportunity to align mission and values; and, the value of networks and collaboration.
ASSESSING THE BENEFITS OF RESEARCH EXPENDITURES ON MAIZE PRODUCTION IN SOUTH AFRICA / RAMING VAN DIE VOORDELE VAN NAVORSINGSBESTEDINGS OP MIELIEPRODUKSIE IN SUID-AFRIKA

This paper focuses on assessing the benefits of research expenditures on maize production in South Africa. Both the production and supply function approaches are used to calculate elasticities of research expenditure on output and yield. Cointegration is used to establish long-run relationships between variables in these models. The lag structure of R&D expenditures on output is examined making use of the unrestricted, polynomial, beta and gamma distributions. The coefficients of these lag distributions were then used to calculate a rate of return to maize research expenditure, which was estimated as being between 28% and 39% per annum. These rates of return are high, mitigating in favour of more research expenditure rather than less.
Examining the income-effect in contingent valuation -The importance of making the right choices

This paper focuses on three important issues in estimating the relationship between WTP and income using contingent valuation: 1) the choice of income measure; 2) the modelling choice; and 3) the social context. Addressing the first two issues, a sensitivity analysis is performed. The results show that the estimated income-elasticity of WTP is fairly sensitive to different income measures and modelling assumptions and varies between 0.07 and 0.49 for the specific models estimated. The main conclusion drawn from the analysis is that inclusion of control variables for household characteristics is important for finding a significant income-effect, when the household income measure is used. No significant difference is found between gross or net income. The results further indicate that the relevant income measure may not only be the income level per se, but also the income level relative to others. The latter result is based on an experimental valuation question, conditioning the respondents on hypothetical changes in their absolute and relative income. The conclusion is that the social context read into the valuation situation influences the responses and, therefore, the estimated welfare measure.
Elements of Reason: Three Steps toward a Theory of Motivated Political Reasoning

The human understanding, when it has once adopted an opinion … draws all things else to support and agree with it. Though there may be (more) instances to be found on the other side, yet these it either neglects or despises, or else by some distinction sets aside and rejects. –Francis Bacon, New Organon (1621) In this essay we propose a theory of motivated reasoning that can account for why both ordinary citizens and political sophisticates are prone to follow Bacon's dictum. Three subtheories – hot cognition, online processing, and a “how-do-I-feel? ” heuristic – working together, provide a three-step mechanism for how we believe citizens think and reason about political leaders, groups, and issues. This tripartite theory of motivated reasoning starts with the notion that all social concepts are affect laden; all social information is affectively charged (Bargh 1994, 1997; Fazio, Sanbonmatsu, Powell, and Kardes 1986; Fazio and Williams 1986; Lodge and Stroh 1993; Taber, Lodge, and Glathar 2000). This is the hot cognition hypothesis (Abelson 1963). Specific to politics, all political leaders, groups, issues, and ideas you have thought about and evaluated in the past are now affectively charged – positively or negatively, strongly or weakly – and this affective tag is stored directly with the concept in long-term memory. On-line processing (Anderson and Hubert 1963; Lodge, Steenbergen, and Brau 1995; Park and Pennington 1986) is a mechanism for updating the value of affective tags attached to concepts in memory.
Value, profit and risk: accounting and the resource‐based view of the firm

Purpose - This paper aims to argue that the principal components of the Resource-Based View (RBV) as a theory of sustained competitive advantage are not a sufficient basis for a complete and consistent theory of firm behaviour. Two missing elements are value theory and accountability mechanisms. Design/methodology/approach - The paper proposes a link between value theory and accountability using a Resource Value-Resource Risk perspective as an alternative to the Capital Asset Pricing Model. The link operates first from the labour process, where value is created but is imperfectly observable by intra-firm mechanisms of organizational control and outside governance arrangements without incurring monitoring costs. Second, it operates through contractual arrangements which impose fixed cost structures on activities with variable revenues. Findings - The paper thereby explains how value originates in risky and difficult to monitor productive processes and is transmitted as rents to organizational and capital market constituents. It then reviews recent contributions to the RBV, arguing that the proposed new approach overcomes gaps inherent in the alternatives, and thus offers a more complete and integrated view of firm behaviour. Originality/value - The RBV can become a coherent theory of firm behaviour, if it adopts and can integrate the labour theory of value, associated measures of risk arising from the labour process and mechanisms of accountability.
The effect of regulations on HRM: private sector firms in Saudi Arabia

Since the early 2000s, the government in Saudi Arabia has undertaken the task of shaping the HRM function in the private sector through a comprehensive legal framework. Based on extensive review of published information and interviews with Saudi managers, this paper explores the implications of the emerging legal framework for HRM in the private sector, and evaluates the adequacy of changing HRM practices through laws and regulations. The paper discusses the implications of the research findings for private sector managers and policy makers.
Embedding environmental innovation in local production systems: SME strategies, networking and industrial relations: evidence on innovation drivers in industrial districts

Technological innovation is a key factor for achieving better environmental performances. Its role is even more relevant in local productions system, where innovation density, knowledge spillovers and externalities are concentrated in a circumscribed territory. The paper exploits new data for a sample of manufacturing firms in Northern Italy. New evidence is provided by testing a set of hypotheses, concerning primarily the role of environmental‐devoted R&D, networking activities, quality/nature of industrial relations. The role played by environmental policy pressure, structural firm features and past firm performances is also investigated to account for more exogenous forces. We show that structural characteristics of the firm appear to matter less than R&D, induced policy costs and innovative‐oriented industrial relations. Environmental auditing schemes also show some relevant correlation to innovation adoptions. R&D efforts appear to be associated to networking activities, which substitute for size‐related economies of scale. Overall, endogenous factors driven by firm strategy or local idiosyncratic features matter more than exogenous and structural firm factors.
Saving behaviour in a transition economy: An empirical case study of rural China

Using a large set of household-level survey data, this paper explores determinants of saving behaviour in rural China. The rich specification of the model, necessarily ad hoc, enables consideration of an extensive array of variables. It is found that (a) liqui dity constraints, precautionary motives and industrialisation contribute positively to the unusually high saving rate in China; (b) culture is a significant factor in helping explain inter-regional differences in saving rate; (c) the life cycle hypothesis is rejec ted since a "Upattern", contrary to the commonly claimed "hump", is discovered; and (d) the permanent income hypothesis is not accepted as wealth is found to be nega tively related to savings.
Prothrombin activation on the activated platelet surface optimizes expression of procoagulant activity.

Effective hemostasis relies on the timely formation of α-thrombin via prothrombinase, a Ca(2+)-dependent complex of factors Va and Xa assembled on the activated platelet surface, which cleaves prothrombin at Arg271 and Arg320. Whereas initial cleavage at Arg271 generates the inactive intermediate prethrombin-2, initial cleavage at Arg320 generates the enzymatically active intermediate meizothrombin. To determine which of these intermediates is formed when prothrombin is processed on the activated platelet surface, the cleavage of prothrombin, and prothrombin mutants lacking either one of the cleavage sites, was monitored on the surface of either thrombin- or collagen-activated platelets. Regardless of the agonist used, prothrombin was initially cleaved at Arg271 generating prethrombin-2, with α-thrombin formation quickly after via cleavage at Arg320. The pathway used was independent of the source of factor Va (plasma- or platelet-derived) and was unaffected by soluble components of the platelet releasate. When both cleavage sites are presented within the same substrate molecule, Arg271 effectively competes against Arg320 (with an apparent IC(50) = 0. 3μM), such that more than 90% to 95% of the initial cleavage occurs at Arg271. We hypothesize that use of the prethrombin-2 pathway serves to optimize the procoagulant activity expressed by activated platelets, by limiting the anticoagulant functions of the alternate intermediate, meizothrombin.
Toward a model for the acceptance of Internet banking in developing countries

The technology acceptance model (TAM) has been used in much of the research into technology diffusion conducted in the United States and other developed Western countries. There is, however, no empirical evidence that information-technology acceptance models established in developed countries can apply equally well to less-developed countries without some modification to account for the different context. This article questions the appropriateness of the traditional TAM model for the study of e-commerce in a developing country. It discusses the literature and presents the preliminary results of an investigation into the penetration of Internet banking in Jordan, a strategic developing country of the Middle East. The research results are used to suggest and evaluate modifications to the TAM to make it more relevant for research on technological acceptance in less-developed and developing countries. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
GENETIC FACTORS IN GRAVES' OPHTHALMOPATHY

We investigated the distribution of HLA and immunoglobulin G heavy chain markers (Gm) in 117 patients with Graves' disease, 62 with ophthalmopathy and 55 without. With Graves' disease per se, there is a closer association with HLA‐DR3 than with B8. The opposite was true for Graves' patients with ophthalmopathy (odds ratio for ophthalmopathy associated with B8 was 12.4 and with DR3 was 7.7, both with P < 00005). HLA‐DR7 interacts with B8 in modifying the risk for eye disease; using the phenotype B8‐ DR7‐ as reference, the odds ratios were 16.7 for B8+ DR7 +, 8.7 for B8 + DR7‐ and 0.26 for B8‐ DR7 +. Thus, DR7 enhanced the risk for ophthalmopathy in the presence of B8+ but had a protective influence in its absence. Although Gm showed no association with eye disease, it modified the risk for ophthalmopathy associated with HLA‐B8; the odds ratios were 20.9 for B8+ Gmfb homozygo‐zity (fb +), 15.3 for B8+ fb‐ and 1.7 for B8‐ fb+ (B8‐ fb‐ =1.00). We conclude that the genetic factors contributing to Graves ‘ophthalmopathy are different from those related to liability for Graves’ hyperthyroidism.