Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prospects and Problems in Promoting Tourism in South Asia

South Asia possesses many valuable tourist resources and attractions, which could be important vehicles for reducing the widespread persistent poverty in South Asia. However, the potential of tourism has remained largely unrealized for several reasons. Recently, several organizations, including the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), have focused on promoting intra-regional tourism by utilizing common resources, shared culture and common physical infrastructures. This article examines the progress made in promoting tourism in South Asia and explores the factors that facilitate and constrain the promotion of tourism in South Asia. The analyses show that despite several initiatives, tourism's contribution to regional national economies, in terms of employment generation, foreign exchange earnings and national revenue, has remained minimal. Complicated travel procedures, inadequate infrastructure and transport facilities and the poor quality of management and service, together with a negative image arising from safety and security concerns, have constrained intra-regional tourism. This article argues that inadequate political commitment and bureaucratic meandering are the primary obstacles in promoting tourism and economic integration in South Asia. Recommendations for removing the physical and institutional barriers to intra-regional tourism are outlined.
Research, knowledge and criminal justice policy: The Scottish experience

Crime, Justice and Society in Scotland is an edited collection of chapters from leading experts that builds and expands upon the success of the 2010 publication Criminal Justice in Scotland to offer a comprehensive and critical overview of Scottish criminal justice and its relation to wider social inequalities and social justice. This new volume considers criminal justice in the context of the Scottish politics and the recent referendum on independence and it includes a discussion of the complex relationships between criminal justice and devolution, nationalism and nation building. There are new chapters on research and policy, sectarianism, gangs, victims and justice, organised crime and crimes of the powerful in Scotland, as well as chapters reflecting on the use of electronic monitoring, desistance and practice, and major changes in the structure of Scottish policing. Comprehensive and topical, this book is essential reading for academics and students in the fields of criminal justice, criminology, law, social science and social policy. It will also be of interest to practitioners, researchers, policymakers, civil servants and politicians.
Measuring National Brands' Equity over Store Brands

In this paper, we provide an approach to measuring the overall brand equity of national brands based on customers reservation price differential and perceived quality differential between national brand and store brand. Our approach draws upon a utility framework and develops an econometric model for measuring national brands equity over store brand and decomposing it into Quality Equity and Non-Quality Equity. We then employ the approach and estimate brand equity using data on 20 product categories from 132 consumers and explore some demographic and category antecedents. Our research offers several useful insights. First, it suggests that brand equity is a dominant component of consumers willingness to pay a premium for national brands than for store brands. In fact, nearly 80% of the premium that consumers would pay for national brands over store brands can be attributed to brand equity. Second, a significant portion (over 80%) of national brand equity comes from non-quality equity or brand image. Finally, our study identifies several category and consumer characteristics such as advertising, purchase price, income, and age that are significant antecedents of brand equity. The managerial implications of these findings for both national brand manufacturers and retailers are discussed.
An Analysis of the Age Pattern of First Marriage

Marital status is a very important economic and demographic variable. Individual marital behavior and the distribution of various types of marital behavior affect a variety of important phenomena. For example, the propensity to marry and the timing and duration of marriage have effects on the rate of population growth, labor supply, consumption, wage rates, mortality, migration, and fertility. In this paper an analysis of the determinants of the age pattern of first marriage is presented. The theory is based on the work of Keeley [1977] in which search for a spouse is introduced into the theory of marriage developed by Becker [1973, 1974]. The empirical work applies a technique, used by Griliches [1957] in a different context, to analyze the determinants of the aggregate age pattern of first marriage. Aggregate U.S. cross-state data from the 1960 Census are used. Previous empirical research by Freiden [1974] also utilizing aggregate crossstate data, attempts to explain age-specific proportions of females currently married.2 The correspondence between the economic theory of marriage and this set of dependent variables is, however, less than ideal.3 This is because the proportion of a given age group currently married depends on first marriage, remarriage, divorce, and mortality. In addition, the theory has few implications regarding the proportions married at particular ages. The empirical technique presented in this paper represents a new method of analyzing the entire distribution function of first marriage. This technique has the advantage of corresponding more closely to the theory. A two-stage procedure is used. First, data on the distribution function of first marriage (from each state) is used to estimate the parameters of a log-logistic curve for each state in the U.S. Next, regression analysis is used to explain the cross-state variation
Development of surface-functionalised nanoparticles for FGF2 receptor-based solid tumour targeting

The surface-functionalised gelatin nanoparticles (GNPs) containing cisplatin were developed and characterised for breast cancer targeting using fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) receptors which are overexpressed on breast cancer cells. The GNPs were prepared using two-step desolvation method and then the surface of GNPs was functionalised with activated heparin. They were characterised for surface morphology, particle size and size distribution, surface charge, entrapment efficiency and in vitro drug release. The results revealed that the mean diameter of GNPs was 173 ± 2.2 nm with smooth surface, which was increased to 189 ± 3.4 nm after coupling with heparin (H-GNPs). The targeting effect of H-GNPs and GNPs was investigated by in vitro cell uptake study on human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell line, which exhibited greater uptake of H-GNPs as compared to GNPs. Therefore, it is suggested that H-GNPs can be used as an effective carrier for solid tumour targeting.
Unbalanced Schedules and the Estimation of Competitive Balance in the Scottish Premier League

Since the season ending in 2001, the Scottish Premier League (SPL) has, unlike other European football leagues, utilised an unbalanced schedule, by which the strongest teams in a given season play each other an extra time, mutatis mutandis for the weakest teams. While this approach may make sense for several reasons, it also has implications for within-season measures of competitive balance, because it creates biases in the set of win ratios from the end-of-season league table. This paper applies a simple log-probability rule to calculate a set of adjusted win ratios correcting for this inherent bias. Such an adjustment is necessary if one wishes to compare within-season competitive balance of the SPL with other European leagues. It is shown that by correcting for the unbalanced schedule, the SPL is consistently less competitive over the sample period. The implications of this finding are discussed at length.
Modular regulation of Rho family GTPases in development

ABSTRACT Rho family GTPase signaling regulates the actin cytoskeleton and is critical for behaviors that range from the cell to tissue-scale. A theme in Rho GTPase biology is that there are many more regulators, such as guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPase activating proteins (GAPs), than GTPases themselves. Here, we review different, modular cases where GEFs and GAPs function together to elicit precise spatial and temporal control of signaling. We focus on examples from metazoan development, where precise regulation of Rho GTPases is critical for proper tissue form and function.
Determinants of the Acceptance of Sustainable Production Strategies among Dairy Farmers: Development and Testing of a Modified Technology Acceptance Model

An extended version of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was applied by means of Structural Equation Modelling to testing various hypotheses on attitudes and intentions of dairy farmers towards three novel sustainable production strategies, as well as the influence of organic practices and collaborative behaviours, such as information sharing with supply-chain partners. Data on the acceptance of three sustainable production strategies, namely ‘Agro-forestry’, ‘Alternative protein source’, and ‘Prolonged maternal feeding’ were collected by a survey of dairy farmers in six European Union (EU) countries (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Italy, United Kingdom). We found that perceived usefulness is the key determinant of acceptance, while the intention to adopt a sustainable production strategy may derive from the influence of opinions (and behaviours) of relevant others (e.g., leading dairy farmers, family members, advisors) showing the role of interactions among farmers and other stakeholders in the adoption of innovations. Finally, the perceived usefulness of all of the investigated strategies is higher for organic farmers, while collaborative patterns reduce the impact of subjective norm on usefulness and overall acceptance. Our findings should encourage policy makers to consider the important role of supply chain management practices, including collaboration, to enhance the sustainability of dairy farming systems.
The New Capitalism and Organizational Rationality: The Adoption of Downsizing Programs, 1979–1994

Since a new capitalism dominates economic life in America, we need to explain the development of the new economy's features. Although such work has begun, a core feature of the economy, downsizing has been understudied, even though this phenomenon has eliminated some ten million U.S. jobs and generally has had negative human and organizational effects. In particular little effort has been made to explore why firms downsize in the first place. Therefore, in this article the author examines the causes of the adoption of downsizing programs among Fortune 100 firms from 1979 to 1994. The author shows that downsizings are affected by variables measuring crises and decisive events (associated with the new capitalism) - shareholder values, foreign consolidations, market share, productivity, employee compensation, deregulation, and business peaks; by institutional forces - the adoption effect and industry culture; and by firm traits - ownership status and firm size. The author also distinguishes between economically oriented and socially oriented organizational action in addressing the rationality of downsizers
When does the patient with a disc herniation undergo lumbosacral discectomy?

OBJECTIVES To design a model that could accurately predict eventual lumbar disc surgery in the patient initially presenting with clinical findings of nerve root compression. METHODS Prospective study in 183 patients with nerve root compression sampled from a primary care population. All patients underwent a standardised history, physical examination, and MRI. Surgery carried out in the next 6 months was recorded. Models were constructed to predict whether patients eventually received surgery. RESULTS Two models were constructed. Reduced model A was based on baseline findings, only, and contained six variables. Model B incorporated change over time as well and contained 10 variables. The area under the curve (in a receiver operating characteristic) for these models was 0.86 and 0.92, respectively. It was shown that at a probability cut off of 0.60, model B predicted eventual surgery with a sensitivity of 57% and a specificity of 100%. CONCLUSIONS Given the requirement of a high specificity, eventual operation could be adequately predicted in a sample of 183 patients with clinical nerve root compression. The application of the model in patients with nerve root compression might lead to earlier operation in a subset of patients resulting in a reduction of duration of illness and associated indirect costs. An important prerequisite for future application would be the validation of the prediction rule in another population.
Sustainable rural tourism strategies: a tool for development and conservation.

This paper reviews how the principles of sustainable tourism have special relevance to the development of rural tourism, and examines how those principles can be translated into practice by the writing and implementing of regional sustainable tourism strategies. It considers the advantages of this approach, and offers guide‐lines for future practitioners. A case study is given of the development of a strategy for an area in northern England, Berwick‐upon‐Tweed.
Combined used of RAPD and touchdown PCR for epidemiological studies of Aspergillus fumigatus.

INTRODUCTION Aspergillus fumigatus is a filamentous fungus that acts as an opportunistic pathogen and has emerged as a major problem in immunosuppressed patients. Nosocomial outbreaks of aspergillosis are becoming more frequent, but their identification and epidemiological characterization is slow and difficult. OBJECTIVE Description of a fast, sensitive, specific method to identify and fingerprint A. fumigatus using methodology available in clinical laboratories. METHODS We studied several strains of A. fumigatus isolated from patients with invasive aspergillosis (n = 4), the hospital environment (n = 5) and reference cultures (n = 1), as well as other close phylogenetic fungal species from patients (n = 1), hospital environment (n = 6) and reference cultures (n = 1). A. fumigatus was identified by both touchdown PCR and conventional phenotyping methods. Genotyping was performed with random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis, comparing the results from two primers (OPZ-19 and R-108) and different amplification protocols with regard to band resolution and reproducibility. RESULTS Touchdown PCR and phenotype results were identical. Best RAPD results were obtained with the R-108 primer and considerably longer ramp times between annealing and extension. CONCLUSION RAPD analysis is a fast, reliable tool for DNA fingerprinting. Patterns may be easier to repeat and interpret when longer ramp times are used. Touchdown PCR combined with RAPD analysis is a sensitive, accurate method for managing clinical outbreaks of Aspergillus fumigatus.
Advancing the Orang Asli through Malaysia?s Clusters of Excellence Policy (doi: 10.14425/00.45.76)

Since gaining independence in 1957, the government of Malaysia has introduced various programmes to improve the quality of life of the Orang Asli (aboriginal people). The Ministry of Education, for example, is committed in providing education for all including the children of Orang Asli. However, whilst the number of Orang Asli children enrolled in primary and secondary schools has increased significantly over the last decade, the dropout rate among them is still high. This has been attributed to factors such as culture, school location, poverty, pedagogy and many more. The discussion in this article is drawn upon findings from fieldwork study at an Orang Asli village in Johor, Malaysia. This article discusses efforts in raising educational attainment of the Orang Asli through the implementation of the Clusters of Excellence Policy. In so doing it highlights the achievement of the policy and issues surrounding its implementation at the site.
The (Im)possibility of Child Sexual Rights in South African Children's Account of HIV/AIDS

A key strategy in the fight against HIV/AIDS is to safeguard the rights of those who are infected and at risk of infection. However, because of the association with sexuality, the rights of children are not often addressed and instead are represented as innocent and ignorant of sexuality and HIV/AIDS. This article challenges that representation, based on a study of seven and eight year-olds in a black township in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The researcher found that the children already knew a great deal and could talk to her comfortably about AIDS, sex and condoms. However, they had also learnt that they were not supposed to talk about such things in front of teachers or parents, or punishment might ensue. The article explores how children exercise, adjust and negotiate their knowledge of HIV/AIDS and of sexuality. It concludes with suggestions on the possibility of sexual rights in early childhood.
1Precautionary Savings Motives and Tax Efficiency of Household Portfolios: An Empirical Analysis

Tax efficiency is the dominant consideration in theoretical portfolio models that allow for both taxable and tax-deferred accounts (TDAs). Investors are advised to locate higher-tax assets in their tax-deferred accounts, which in the Unites States commonly translates into holding bonds inside TDAs and holding equities outside. Yet, observed portfolio allocations are not tax efficient. This paper empirically evaluates the predictions of a recent model designed to bridge the existing gap by explicitly incorporating uninsurable labor income risk and limited accessibility of TDA assets in household decisions [Amromin, 2003]. Together, these elements create tension between household's desire to maintain tax efficient allocations and its concern over the need to make costly TDA withdrawals in the event of bad income draws. This leads some borrowing-constrained households facing labor income risk and TDA access penalties to forgo tax efficiency in favor of allocations that provide more liquidity in bad income states - an outcome labeled as precautionary portfolio choice. The empirical results based on household-level portfolio data from the Survey of Consumer Finances provide evidence that both the choice of whether to hold a tax efficient portfolio and the degree of portfolio tax inefficiency are related to the presence and severity of precautionary motives.
Positive effect of yoga on cardiorespiratory fitness: A pilot study

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in developed countries. An integral part of primary prevention is physical activity. One form of physical activity to be potentially used is yoga, but this activity is associated with lower energy expenditure than that recommended for prevention. The study aimed at assessing the effect of regular yoga sessions on the aerobic capacity of the practitioners and comparing it with the normal population performing physical activity recommended by guidelines. Materials and Methods: Fifty-eight persons (16 males) with a mean age of 50.0 ± 11.06 years comprising the yoga group practiced yoga for at least 1 h a day for over 2 years. They underwent spiroergometry under maximal exercise testing to assess basic performance parameters. Their results were compared with those in 54 age-matched controls (16 males mean age of 48 ± 11.86 years performing a regular aerobic physical activity for at least 7 h a week. Results: The yoga group had statistically significantly higher maximum performance per kilogram (P = 0.007) and maximum oxygen consumption per kilogram per minute (P = 0.028). Conclusions: Despite low energy expenditure, yoga practices are better in some cardiorespiratory fitness parameters than other aerobic activities recommended by current guidelines for CVD prevention.
Education Vouchers in Spain: The Valencian Experience

This paper presents a description and an economic evaluation of the first Spanish education voucher programme: the nursery voucher system in Valencia. This programme began in 1992 with a moderate budget, but has been slowly developing and at present sets aside 3,282,000€ (2,898,000$)1 to finance the education of more than 5,000 children. This evaluation focuses on the two main objectives proposed by the local government: equality of opportunity in access to education and parental choice. The analysis of the data of the school year 1998-1999 shows that vouchers allow a number of poor children to be schooled as well as allowing a number of parents to choose the school they prefer. However, due to the characteristics and limitations of the Valencian system, these effects are not as significant as may have been expected. Moreover, parents have stated their preference for other public financing mechanisms, such as public provision or subsidies to private schools.
Association between gain-of-function mutations in PIK3CA and resistance to HER2-targeted agents in HER2-amplified breast cancer cell lines.

BACKGROUND The mechanism of resistance to human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-targeted agents has not been fully understood. We investigated the influence of PIK3CA mutations on sensitivity to HER2-targeted agents in naturally derived breast cancer cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS We examined the effects of Calbiochem (CL)-387,785, HER2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and trastuzumab on cell growth and HER2 signaling in eight breast cancer cell lines showing HER2 amplification and trastuzumab-conditioned BT474 (BT474-TR). RESULTS Four cell lines with PIK3CA mutations (E545K and H1047R) were more resistant to trastuzumab than the remaining four without mutations (mean percentage of control with 10 microg/ml trastuzumab: 58% versus 92%; P = 0.010). While PIK3CA-mutant cells were more resistant to CL-387,785 than PIK3CA-wild-type cells (mean percentage of control with 1 microM CL-387,785: 21% versus 77%; P = 0.001), CL-387,785 retained activity against BT474-TR. Growth inhibition by trastuzumab and CL-387,785 was more closely correlated with changes in phosphorylation of S6K (correlation coefficient, 0.811) than those of HER2, Akt, or ERK1/2. Growth of most HER2-amplified cells was inhibited by LY294002, regardless of PIK3CA genotype. CONCLUSIONS PIK3CA mutations are associated with resistance to HER2-targeted agents. PI3K inhibitors are potentially effective in overcoming trastuzumab resistance caused by PIK3CA mutations. S6K phosphorylation is a possibly useful pharmacodynamic marker in HER2-targeted therapy.