Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Travel Time Spending Behaviour in Recreational Sports: An Econometric Approach with Management Implications

Abstract The analysis of the economic determinants of participation in sports is considered to be a promising research topic in general. Although time is a constitutive part of sports consumption, there has been only limited empirical analysis of the determinants of time investments in recreational sports. This article focuses on revealing the determinants of sports consumers’ travel time spending behaviour in recreational sports. The study is based on survey data from two studies, one in Stuttgart and the second in Cologne. By applying a Heckit model, several socio-demographic (e.g., gender, age) and involvement (e.g., frequency a sport is practised) variables influencing the sports consumers’ travel time investments are detected. Practical implications with regard to sports facility management/planning (e.g., sports facility allocation as well as closure, relocation and renovation of existing sports facilities) are discussed.
Distribuição regional da efetividade do salário mínimo no Brasil

Este artigo fornece subsidios a discussao sobre regionalizacao do salario minimo brasileiro. Inicialmente, avaliamos a efetividade da politica de salario minimo nacional sobre a determinacao dos salarios nas diversas formas de insercao ocupacional do mercado de trabalho brasileiro, analisadas separadamente para as diversas realidades regionais do pais. A nossa tecnica consiste, essencialmente, em mapear pontos de pressao/solucoes de canto produzidas pela politica de salario minimo brasileira. O grau de efetividade do salario minimo e estimado para os diversos estados brasileiros, destacando-se a heterogeneidade de seus efeitos sobre os diferentes segmentos do mercado de trabalho. A seguir, realizamos um estudo FURVV VHFWLRQ que procura identificar os principais determinantes do grau de efetividade do salario minimo nos diversos estados brasileiros. Finalmente, procuramos quantificar diferencas espaciais de custo de vida a fim de balizar propostas de regionalizacao do salario minimo. O trabalho aponta a importância dos chamados 'efeitos informais' do minimo nas regioes Norte e Centro-Oeste do pais (isto e, empregados sem carteira recebendo exatamente um minimo e empregados com carteira recebendo determinados multiplos do minimo) e a predominância de efeitos tradicionais do minimo (i.e., individuos do setor formal recebendo um minimo) na regiao Nordeste.
Critical analysis of the current American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system for cutaneous melanoma and proposal of a new staging system.

PURPOSE To critically review the accuracy of the current American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system for cutaneous melanoma and propose a more useful staging system. METHODS Retrospective evaluation of the published data as well as a reanalysis of the University of Alabama and Sydney Melanoma Unit (UAB/SMU) data bases (n = 4,568) for patients with primary melanoma was performed to examine specifically the impact of level of invasion and ulceration on the prognostic value of tumor thickness. In addition, an overlay graphic technique was used to compare the Kaplan-Meier survival curves of patients with local recurrences, satellites, in-transit metastases, and nodal metastases reported in the literature. RESULTS Tumor thickness and ulceration remained the most powerful prognostic indicators in patients with stage I and II disease. Level of invasion provided statistically significant prognostic information only in the subgroup of patients with tumor thickness < or = 1 mm, but the absolute 10-year survival differences were small and inconsistent (level II, 95%; level III, 85%; level IV, 89%). The best statistical fit for tumor thickness cutoffs was at 1 versus 2 versus 4 mm. The overlay graphic technique showed that patients who developed satellite lesions or local recurrence had prognoses similar to those of patients with stage III disease. The most important prognostic factor for patients with nodal metastases was number of involved nodes rather than size. CONCLUSION Our analysis showed that the current AJCC staging system has many inaccuracies that should be modified to conform to published data. On the basis of our analysis and review of the literature, we propose a new and more accurate staging system.
Something about young people or something about elections? Electoral participation of young people in Europe: Evidence from a multilevel analysis of the European Social Survey

Turnout at general elections across Europe is in decline as it is in other established democracies. A particular cause for concern is that young people are less likely to participate than older voters. Evidence presented in this article, based on national election results and the 2002-2003 European Social Survey, shows the overall turnout rate for 22 European countries in elections between 1999 and 2002 was 70 per cent compared to 51 per cent for electors aged less than 25. The authors examine national variations in turnout for young people across Europe, and use multilevel logistic regression models to understand these variations, and to test the extent to which they are attributable to the characteristics of young people and the electoral context in each country. Variations in turnout among young people are partially accounted for by the level of turnout of older voters in the country and partly by the characteristics of young voters, including the level of political interest and civic duty. The authors conclude that both individual-level and election-specific information are impor- tant in understanding the turnout of young electors.
The Power of Psychographics and the Concept of Venturesomeness

More than 30 years ago, the author introduced a psychographic concept, based on a large nationwide study that described the travel patterns of different personality types. The polar dimension of allocentrism/psychocentrism, since relabeled venturesomeness, has been used to explain why destination areas rise and fall in popularity, target specific types of leisure travelers, and reposition a variety of travel products. This article uses data from the large annual American Traveler Survey to examine the predictive power of the venturesomeness concept versus household income, the demographic variable used by travel providers to target travel-prone households. Overall, venturesomeness shows a stronger relationship to travel characteristics than household income. Income correlates better with travel spending, but venturesomeness relates more strongly to total trips taken. More important, venturesomeness is a better predictor of the types of activities pursued on leisure trips. The correlation between venturesomeness and income is low, indicating these are independent variables.
Systemic Power in Community Decision Making: A Restatement of Stratification Theory

In their continued considerations of political inequality, urban scholars are especially concerned with less visible influences surrounding community decision making, and have employed such concepts as potential power, nondecision making, and anticipated reactions. However, these concepts leave some patterns of influence unexplained. There is also a dimension of power in which durable features of the socioeconomic system confer advantages and disadvantages on groups in ways that predispose public officials to favor some interests at the expense of others. Public officials make their decisions in a context in which strategically important resources are hierarchically arranged. Because this system of stratification leaves public officials situationally dependent on upper-strata interests, it is a factor in all that they do. Consequently, system features lower the opportunity costs of exerting influence for some groups and raise them for others. Thus socioeconomic inequalities put various strata on different political footings.
Euchromatic Subdomains in Rice Centromeres Are Associated with Genes and Transcription[W]

This work examines the distribution of four euchromatic histone modification marks (H3K4me2, H3K4me3, H3K36me3, and H3K4K9ac) within rice centromeres and finds that these marks are almost exclusively associated with centromeric subdomains that contain actively transcribed genes. The presence of the centromere-specific histone H3 variant, CENH3, defines centromeric (CEN) chromatin, but poorly understood epigenetic mechanisms determine its establishment and maintenance. CEN chromatin is embedded within pericentromeric heterochromatin in most higher eukaryotes, but, interestingly, it can show euchromatic characteristics; for example, the euchromatic histone modification mark dimethylated H3 Lys 4 (H3K4me2) is uniquely associated with animal centromeres. To examine the histone marks and chromatin properties of plant centromeres, we developed a genomic tiling array for four fully sequenced rice (Oryza sativa) centromeres and used chromatin immunoprecipitation–chip to study the patterns of four euchromatic histone modification marks: H3K4me2, trimethylated H3 Lys 4, trimethylated H3 Lys 36, and acetylated H3 Lys 4, 9. The vast majority of the four histone marks were associated with genes located in the H3 subdomains within the centromere cores. We demonstrate that H3K4me2 is not a ubiquitous component of rice CEN chromatin, and the euchromatic characteristics of rice CEN chromatin are hallmarks of the transcribed sequences embedded in the centromeric H3 subdomains. We propose that the transcribed sequences located in rice centromeres may provide a barrier preventing loading of CENH3 into the H3 subdomains. The separation of CENH3 and H3 subdomains in the centromere core may be favorable for the formation of three-dimensional centromere structure and for rice centromere function.
An output-capacitorless low dropout regulator without resistors

An all-MOSFET low-power low-dropout regulator is designed in CMOS technology, featuring low sensitivity with respect to input voltage and temperature. Supply voltage can be as low as 800mV. An error amplify (EA) with an embedded voltage reference (EVR) is employed and a buffer is used to improve the load transient. The circuit is simulated in 0.18 μm CMOS technology. Simulated results verify that the proposed LDO is stable for a capacitive load from 0 to 10 pF and with load capability of 50 mA. The maximum overshoot and undershoot under a 0.8 V supply are less than 90 mV for full load current changes within 1 μs edge time, and the recovery time is less than 1.5 μs. The temperature coefficient (TC) is 37.8 ppm/°C ranging from -25 °C to 100 °C.
Two Approaches to Service Quality Dimensions

The purpose of the article is to determine two approaches to the analysis of service quality and its dimensions. In the first approach three quality dimensions are used; physical quality, interactive quality and corporate quality. The other approach is to utilize two dimensions; process quality and output quality. In order to illustrate the existence and explicitness of the dimensions, two empirical studies of restaurants were carried out. Quality dimensions seemed to be fairly suitable for analysing restaurant services.
Differentiation of the peripherally mediated from the centrally mediated influences of adenosine in the rat during systemic hypoxia

In two groups of Saffan‐anaesthetized, spontaneously breathing rats we have attempted to identify the peripheral influences of adenosine in mediating the responses evoked by hypoxia by using an adenosine receptor antagonist, 8‐sulphophenyltheophylline (8‐SPT, 20 mg kg‐1 i.v., Group 1) and adenosine deaminase (ADA, 500 units in 0.04 ml infused into the tail artery for 10 min, Group 2); neither of these drugs crosses the blood‐brain barrier. Recordings were made of respiration, heart rate, arterial pressure, blood flow and vascular conductance in the femoral artery, with ankle ligated (FBF and FVC, respectively) and in the carotid artery with all branches except the internal carotid ligated (CBF and CVC, respectively, Group 1 only) in order to indicate responses in skeletal muscle and cerebral vasculature. Hypoxia (breathing 8 or 10% O2 for 10 min) evoked an increase followed by a secondary decrease in respiration, tachycardia followed by secondary bradycardia, a fall in arterial pressure, an increase in FVC and CVC and an increase, followed by a decrease, in CBF. Neither 8‐SPT nor ADA had any significant effect on the secondary decrease in respiration. The secondary bradycardia was unaffected by 8‐SPT, but abolished by ADA. Both drugs reduced the fall in arterial pressure and the increase in FVC; 8‐SPT had no significant effect on the increase in CVC, but CBF no longer fell with arterial pressure. We propose that adenosine contributes to the hypoxia‐induced fall in arterial pressure by causing vasodilatation in skeletal muscle and possibly by causing bradycardia by a direct action on the heart; other evidence suggests that adenosine contributes to the secondary decrease in respiration by acting on central respiratory neurones. The possibility that the fall in arterial pressure and the secondary falls in CBF, respiration and heart rate, can become interdependent in a positive feedback manner is discussed.
Ar-Rahnu (Islamic Pawning Broking) Opportunities and Challenges in Malaysia

This paper aims to identify the key factors that have contributed to the existence and the growth of Ar-Rahnu (Islamic pawn broking scheme) in Malaysia. Based on the previous studies and cost of borrowing analysis, this paper found that the need for interest (riba) free, transparent transaction and low cost short-term cash borrowing scheme is much preferred by the pawning customers. Besides that the cost of borrowing in this scheme is the lowest compared to the conventional pawn broking scheme. However, the Ar-Rahnu scheme needs to address central issues such as the marketing, public awareness and the locations of this scheme.
Dissecting VOD services for cellular: performance, root causes and best practices

HTTP Adaptive Streaming (HAS) has emerged as the predominant technique for transmitting video over cellular for most content providers today. While mobile video streaming is extremely popular, delivering good streaming experience over cellular networks is technically very challenging, and involves complex interacting factors. We conduct a detailed measurement study of a wide cross-section of popular streaming video-on-demand (VOD) services to develop a holistic understanding of these services' design and performance. We identify performance issues and develop effective practical best practice solutions to mitigate these challenges. By extending the understanding of how different, potentially interacting components of service design impact performance, our findings can help developers build streaming services with better performance.
OPTIMAL FISCAL POLICY IN A GROWING ECONOMY WITH PUBLIC CAPITAL

This paper devises a fiscal policy by means of which the first-best optimal equilibrium can be attained as a market equilibrium in an endogenous growth model with public capital. The optimal equilibrium requires that public (private) investment be zero along the transition to the balanced growth path if the initial ratio of public to private capital is higher (lower) than its long-term value. We also show that the transitional dynamics can be determined by noting that the continuity of the shadow prices involves the continuity of the consumption path.
The case of market and system failures in services innovation

This paper reviews and analyses the rationale for an innovation policy in services. It focuses on the relevance of the various categories of market and system failures, on the basis of economic arguments and some empirical evidence at EU level. Results show that market and system failures affect service innovation, so that there are no economic reasons supporting any discrimination of policy actions against service activities. Moreover, some of the market and system failures may be even more relevant in the field of services than of goods, although differences between categories of services should be also taken into consideration.
From Malthus to Modern Growth: Can Epidemics Explain the Three Regimes?*

We model demographic and economic long-run development in a setting where mortality is endogenous and subject to epidemic shocks. The model replicates the full transition from Malthusian stagnation to modern growth. Consistent with the historical facts, the economy also passes an intermediate post-Malthusian phase where growth rates of both population and per capita income increase simultaneously, as mortality rates fall and become less volatile. The escape from the Malthusian trap is the result of a series of mild epidemic shocks, making it inevitable at some stage, but its timing random. Calibrations show that it can differ by thousands of generations, absent differences in exogenous parameters. Copyright 2003 By The Economics Department Of The University Of Pennsylvania And Osaka University Institute Of Social And Economic Research Association.
Assessing the Impact of Microcredit: A Zambian Case Study

Expectations are high, but evidence of the impact of microcredit remains in short supply. This article estimates the impact of an urban credit programme in Zambia on business performance and on a range of indicators of wellbeing. Borrowers who obtained a second loan experienced significantly higher average growth in business profits and household income. Inflexible group enforcement of loan obligations resulted in some borrowers, especially amongst those who had taken only one loan, being made worse off. Our methodological investigations suggest that the supply of rigorous impact studies can be increased by basing them on data collection that serves a wider range of purposes, including market research.
Clients’ Perspectives on a Technology-Based Food Assistance Application System

The expansion of e-government is reshaping how disadvantaged groups access the social safety net, yet very little is known about clients’ experiences with modernized systems. We examine client experiences applying to the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program in one state that has recently moved to an “online-only” system. Overall, more than half of the 26 applicants stated a preference for the traditional caseworker model, even though some of them identified benefits to the modernized, online system. Based on respondents’ experiences, we identified four points where the system proved problematic for applicants: (a) Accessing the call centers; (b) completing an eligibility interview; (c) using the paperless system to submit documentation; and (d) obtaining personal assistance to complete the application materials. Findings are relevant for state administrators of social safety net programs, e-government researchers in the public management and public administration fields, and social stratification researchers interested in how institutional processes influence patterns of inequality.
Lessons from the Volunteering Legacy of the 2002 Commonwealth Games

Potential exists for a more multifaceted and interrelated volunteering legacy from mega sporting events than has been recognised by previous research, including not only the continuation and development of volunteering activity, but also the contribution that activity makes to the social inclusion of volunteers, the economic contribution to the development of events in the region, the development of a skilled volunteer workforce and raising the standard of event volunteer management. This paper provides evidence for that claim via a case study of Manchester Event Volunteers—a volunteer development organisation established after the 2002 Commonwealth Games, which is still operating seven years later and provides a role model for volunteer broker organisations. The case study shows that local government played a key role in generating a volunteer legacy, but that legacy planning was limited by the imperative of running the event. Implications for similar events, such as the 2012 Olympics, are discussed.
BOARD COMPOSITION AS A LINKAGE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE AND FIRM PERFORMANCE: A CASE OF KOREAN BANK INDUSTRY

This study looked into the process of a firm actively adapting to the environmental shift and generating good performances by acquiring relational capital as well as personal expertise through the board members. The effect of board composition on firm‘s performance was measured, specifically focusing on personnel with political background, accounting specialists, and foreign company related personnel. The results indicate that firms under extreme environmental change actively utilize their network of board of directors, and such efforts substantially affect firm performance. The implication of this study is in that it empirically verified the relationship between board composition and firm performance based on resource.
URBAN LAND COVER CLASSIFICATION USING HYPERSPECTRAL DATA

Abstract. Urban land cover classification using remote sensing data is quite challenging due to spectrally and spatially complex urban features. The present study describes the potential use of hyperspectral data for urban land cover classification and its comparison with multispectral data. EO-1 Hyperion data of October 05, 2012 covering parts of Bengaluru city was analyzed for land cover classification. The hyperspectral data was initially corrected for atmospheric effects using MODTRAN based FLAASH module and Minimum Noise Fraction (MNF) transformation was applied to reduce data dimensionality. The threshold Eigen value of 1.76 in VNIR region and 1.68 in the SWIR region was used for selection of 145 stable bands. Advanced per pixel classifiers viz., Spectral Angle Mapper (SAM) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) were used for general urban land cover classification. Accuracy assessment of the classified data revealed that SVM was quite superior (82.4 per cent) for urban land cover classification as compared to SAM (67.1 per cent). Selecting training samples using end members significantly improved the classification accuracy by 20.1 per cent in SVM. The land cover classification using multispectral LISS-III data using SVM showed lower accuracy mainly due to limitation of spectral resolution. The study indicated the requirement of additional narrow bands for achieving reasonable classification accuracy of urban land cover. Future research is focused on generating hyperspectral library for different urban features.