Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
What Affects Transit Ridership? A Dynamic Analysis involving Multiple Factors, Lags and Asymmetric Behaviour

This study seeks to determine the relative impacts of various factors in affecting ridership, to quantify their short-run and long-run effects, and to test the symmetry in ridership in response to rises and falls in gasoline price and transit fare. The results show that the effect of gasoline price, albeit small, is significant, extends over a year and mainly derives from its rise not fall. Fare is most influential both in terms of short-term and long-term elasticities and its effect is largely contributed by fare increases. The combination of these two results points to the policy of increasing gasoline price over decreasing transit fare to encourage ridership. On the relationship between service and fare, the results support the ‘demand follows supply’ hypothesis. The results also provide empirical evidence that ridership responds differentially between a rise and a fall in gasoline price or transit fare.
Motivations and impacts in the firm and stakeholders of quality certification: Evidence from small- and medium-sized service enterprises

Certified quality systems are progressively being adopted by all types of industries worldwide. This is due to the fact that many business organisations are actively seeking ways in which they can improve the products and services they offer. However, research has tended to focus on large manufacturing enterprises with a relative neglect of issues relating to quality certification among small-and-medium enterprises in the service sector. The present study addresses this relative gap in the literature by analysing the motives for, and impacts of, quality certification among both small- and medium-sized companies in the Spanish hotel industry. The study finds that significant differences exist with regard to quality certification between both size types in the hotel industry and previous studies based on large companies. The results highlight the importance that these enterprises grant to certified quality systems as a strategic tool that can be used in a proactive way to contend with market changes and adverse economic situations. Our findings have important implications for the management of small- and medium-sized enterprises.
Diabetes and dyslipidaemia

The risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) is higher and the prognosis poorer for diabetic than for non‐diabetic individuals. Diabetic dyslipidaemia is characterized by hypertriglyceridaemia, low levels of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) and the presence of small, dense low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) particles. Increased physical activity and weight loss are the first steps in managing diabetic dyslipidaemia. A secondary goal is to achieve non‐HDL‐C targets with cholesterol‐lowering therapy. Improved glycaemic control, the first priority in managing hypertriglyceridaemia, can also aid in lowering levels of LDL‐C. Lipid‐lowering therapy should be initiated if lifestyle changes and glycaemic control fail to reduce LDL‐C levels to <100 mg/dl (5.5 mmol/l), regardless of the status of CVD, coronary heart disease or peripheral vascular disease, and to reduce triglyceride levels of ≥150 mg/dl (8.3 mmol/l). Many diabetic patients may need oral hypoglycaemic agents or insulin to achieve adequate glycaemic control. Intensive insulin therapy can provide tight glycaemic control and reduce elevated triglyceride levels.
Impact of Hyperglycemia on Xerostomia and Salivary Composition and Flow Rate of Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Xerostomia is defined as a subjective sensation of having a dry mouth (Fox et al., 1987) and is reported by the patient (Guggenheimer & Moore, 2003; Moore et al., 2001). The subjective feeling of dry mouth (xerostomia) is one of the oral manifestations of diabetes (Sreebny et al., 2006; von Bultzingslowen et al., 2007). Xerostomia results from a reduction in saliva secretion, although it may occur in spite of the presence of a normal salivary flow rate (Guggenheimer & Moore, 2003; Scully, 2003). Altered saliva composition rather than the quantity of saliva may play a role in the induction of xerostomia (Anttila et al., 1998; Fox, 1996). Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) is a metabolic dysfunction characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from definitive deficiency in insulin secretion caused by autoimmune illness and genetic factors (ADA, 2004). The American Diabetes Association (ADA) reports that 75% of DM1 cases are diagnosed in persons under the age of 18 years (ADA, 2006). Glycemic control is fundamental to the management of diabetes and is associated with sustained decreased rates of microvascular (retinopathy and nephropathy) as well as neuropathic complications (ADA, 2008). Glycemic control has a modifying effect on the relation between dental caries and salivary factors in young patients (Syjala et al., 2003). Patients with DM1, particularly those who have poor glycemic control, may have decreased salivary flow rate (Guggenheimer & Moore, 2003). Many clinical problems develop in the presence of xerostomia, such as: difficulty in swallowing and speech, high susceptibility to oral infections (mainly candidiasis and dental caries), gingivitis and mucositis (Anttila et al., 1998). Furthermore, xerostomia was shown to have a negative impact on the quality of life of adolescents with DM1 (Busato et al., 2009). The relationship among DM1, salivary composition and xerostomia has been widely investigated (Swanljung et al., 1992; Moore et al., 2001; Lopez et al., 2003; Siudikiene et al., 2006; Siudikiene et al., 2008; Orbak et al., 2008). It has been found that most DM1 patients have salivary dysfunction as well as differences in biochemical salivary composition compared with healthy subjects (Swanljung et al., 1992; Moore et al., 2001; Lopez et al., 2003; Siudikiene et al., 2006; Siudikiene et al., 2008; Orbak et al., 2008). Moreover, there is a lack of studies showing the relationship among hyperglycemia, xerostomia and salivary factors, especially in
Market structures and competitive strategies: the carrier–stevedore arm-wrestling in northern European ports

Over the last few years, liner and stevedoring markets have been facing new challenges. The progressive concentration on the demand side (carriers) and the emergence of global alliances in the mid-1990s have triggered a similar process of consolidation on the supply side (stevedores). In turn, more recently, the strategic choices of pure terminal operators have led to the progressive involvement of carriers in port operations, both from a financial and a managerial point of view. This paper aims at analysing the current contest in northern Europe between customers and suppliers of port services. Substantial concentration in the stevedoring market and the emergence of dedicated facilities in that area, make this arm-wrestling stronger and stronger. At present, the liner market is following a number of strategic directions including the pursuit of economies of scale (larger vessels) and the supply of services using faster vessels (deployment of ‘fewer’ assets) in order to offer either new services or additional loops (scope). By exploring the strategic behaviours of the top carriers (‘bigger’ or ‘more effective’), the paper attempts to outline the future evolution of the two industries in a 2015 vision, highlighting in particular scenarios for north European ports. Global alliances are weakening and a new era of M&As is probably approaching: how will the bargaining power change between port users and port customers? Which competitive paradigm will dominate?
Resource needs for a socially just and sustainable urban agriculture system: Lessons from New York City

Abstract Many urban agriculture programs, and the organizations that run them, require substantial resources to remain viable and provide the multifunctional benefits that practitioners and supporters hope to achieve. As urban agriculture activity expands, practitioners and supporters face significant challenges, including how to match resources to the needs of practitioners and expectations of municipalities, and how to distribute those resources effectively and equitably so that communities, and the city as a whole, capture the benefits of these projects. This is particularly important as cities face increasing pressure to reduce costs and maximize the return on public expenditures. A 2-year study called Five Borough Farm documented the goals and objectives of urban agriculture projects in New York City and the resources for their success. The data showed that resource needs go beyond the material and financial needs discussed in the urban agriculture literature (e.g., land, soil, money). Interviews documented that urban agriculture projects have broader goals than merely producing food, and that attaining these goals (e.g., environmental improvements, community development, social justice) requires the support of government and networks of practitioners, non-profit organizations and philanthropies. Moreover, interviewee comments suggested that significant disparities in access to resources make the urban agriculture system in New York unequal and constrain the efforts of some farms and gardens. This paper, based on the Five Borough Farm research, examines the resource needs of urban agriculture operations in terms of farm and garden viability and equity among practitioners. It describes the goals, expectations and resource needs of New York City urban agriculture from the perspectives of farmers and gardeners, and from the views of city officials, funders and supporting non-profits. It discusses the need for attention to the political and social structures that create disparity and precariousness to ensure a sustainable and just urban agricultural system, in addition to the financial and technical assistance resources that enable farmers and gardeners to produce food. The paper concludes with recommended strategies to align resource needs and urban agriculture goals and expectations in New York and other cities.
Ranking countries for minerals exploration

This paper presents the results of a survey of multinational mining companies pertaining to the ranking of countries for non-fuel minerals exploration in the early 1990s. It ranks countries in order of greatest exploration interest in the early 1990s, as well as countries that have geologic potential but unacceptable investment climates. It provides a list of priority commodities for exploration, the criteria for exploration levels, critical and negotiable factors in selecting countries for exploration, and the investment climate ratings of countries where exploration is probable in the early 1990s. The results of the survey indicate that major minerals exploration activities are concentrated in a small number of countries. Political and economic reforms around the world should increase the number of countries receiving active private sector minerals exploration in the 1990s.
Paraesophageal hiatal hernia: Open vs. laparoscopic surgery

BACKGROUND: paraesophageal hiatal hernia represents 5-10% of hiatal hernias. Its importance is based on the severe complications it may have, including gastric volvulus, and surgical treatment is recommended when a diagnosis is established. MATERIAL AND METHODS: a retrospective study of all patients who underwent surgery for paresophageal hernia between 1985 and 2007. RESULTS: we studied 90 cases, 68 females and 22 males with a median age of 67.6 years (37-96). Forty-five patients reported pyrosis, 34 epigastric postprandial pain, and 15 dysphagia; eight patients were diagnosed with gastric volvulus. Eighty-one patients underwent elective surgery and 9 emergency surgery. Forty-seven cases underwent an open procedure and 43 a laparoscopic one; 5 (11.6%) of them required conversion. The techniques performed were D Or fundoplication in 35 cases, Nissen in 35, Toupet in 14, simple hiatal closure in 2, Narbona in 1, and Lortat-Jakob in 1; in 10 patients a mesh was placed. The complication rate for open procedure was 10.6 and 9.5% for the laparoscopic one (p > 0.05). Median hospital stay was 9.1 days for the open procedure and 3.4 for the laparoscopic one (p < 0.05). As follow-up, we analyzed 84 patients. After a median follow-up of 12 years (1-19), 15 patients were still symptomatic (17.8%), with recurrence in 8 cases (5 required reoperation). The satisfaction rate was 95.5%. CONCLUSION: equivalent results were observed after laparoscopic and open surgery and a significant shorter hospital stay in the laparoscopic one. Therefore, we think that laparoscopic surgery should be considered as the election procedure for paraesophageal hiatal hernia.
Effect of the composition of very low and low density lipoproteins on the rate of cholesterylester transfer from high density lipoproteins in man, studied in vitro

Abstract. The process of cholesterylester (CE) transfer is supposed to be a regulatory factor in the distribution of CE between lipoproteins. In addition to the activity of CE transfer protein, this process may be affected by acceptor lipoprotein characteristics. In this study the effect of the composition of different very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) and low density lipoproteins (LDL) on the ability to accept CE from HDL in vitro was investigated. [3H]‐CE high density lipoprotein (HDL) (100 nmol CE) from one batch was incubated with VLDL (75 nmol CE), isolated from fifteen subjects for 4 h and separately with LDL (250 nmol CE), isolated from thirteen subjects for 16 h, both in the presece of lipoprotein‐free plasma providing a source of cholesterylester transfer protein. The CE transfer rate to VLDL (range 1·34–2·84% [3H]‐CE transferred h‐1) was correlated to the triacylglycerol (TG):CE molar ratio (r: 0·63, P < 0·05), to the phospholipid (PL):CE molar ratio (r: 0·75, P < 0·01), to the protein (Pr):CE ratio (expressed in g nmol‐1) (r: 0·72, P < 0·01) and to the free cholesterol (FC):CE molar ratio (r: 0·69, P < 0·01), but not to the FC:PL molar ratio (r: ‐0·08, NS). The CE transfer rate to LDL (range 1·18–3·59 nmol CE h‐1) was correlated to the Pr:CE ratio (r: 0·72, P < 0·01) and inversely to the FRC:PL molar ratio (r: ‐0·88, P < 0·001), but not to the TG:CE molar ratio (r: 0·40, NS), nor to the FC:CE molar ratio (r: ‐0·37, NS). The correlation between CE transfer rate and PL:CE molar ratio almost reached significance (r: 0·54, 0·05 < P < 0·10). It is concluded that the ability of VLDL to accept CE is enhanced when it contains more TG and more surface constituent, relative to CE, while in LDL surface characteristics are involved in the process of CE transfer. An influence of VLDL and LDL composition and CE transport in human plasma is suggested.
Investigating the relationship between director's profile, board interlocks and corporate social responsibility

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss a research model that presents three metrics of corporate social performance (CSP): board interlocks, director’s profile and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Design/methodology/approach – Based on social network theories, the authors argue the possible relationships between the three variables. The authors conduct the study on 255 directorships in the boards of 20 listed companies in France, which participate in Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) for 2010. Findings – The results show that director’s background and nationality diversity in the board are the most relevant attributes to discerning firms with high CSR scores. However, the relationship between board interlocks and CSR is not consistent. Some explanations are reported and discussed. Research limitations/implications – The research contributes to recognize the most influential variables in board composition for firms with high CSR scores, although it is based on a conceptual development and an.
Economic Growth and Environment: Tourism as a Trigger for Green Growth

The paper analyses the implications of tourism activities for economic growth and environmental assets, focusing especially on small island countries. The author develops a stylized dynamic economic model in which tourism is the trigger of the incentive mechanism leading to abatement activities and economic growth. The basic idea is that tourists choose the location to visit according to a number of factors (including environmental quality) which are affected by residents' choices. If residents engage in environmental protection activities, it then may be possible for environmentally based tourism economies to reach a smooth development process. The author shows that the (sustainable) balanced growth path is the only viable equilibrium, and along such a path consumption grows while environmental quality rises. Tourists' preferences crucially affect the long-run outcome, since economic and environmental growth rates increase with the green preference and decrease with the grey preference and crowding aversion parameters. Thus, if tourism specialization is to be the pathway to development, green tourism will need to be promoted.
Comorbidity between depressive disorders and nicotine dependence in a cohort of 16-year-olds.

BACKGROUND There has been growing interest in the associations between cigarette smoking and symptoms of depression. This study documents the comorbidity between depression and nicotine dependence in a birth cohort of 16-year-olds and examines the extent to which comorbidity between depression and nicotine dependence could be explained by risk factors associated with both outcomes. METHODS Data were gathered during the course of a 16-year longitudinal study of a birth cohort of 947 New Zealand children for (1) depressive disorders and nicotine dependence at age 16 years; and (2) prospectively measured risk factors including family social position, family history of criminality, parental smoking, life events, parental attachment, conduct problems, self-esteem, and affiliations with delinquent peers. RESULTS There was evidence of moderate to strong comorbidity between depression and nicotine dependence at age 16 years; teenagers with a depressive disorder had odds of nicotine dependence that were 4.6 times those of teenagers without depressive disorder. Analyses using logistic regression and log-linear modeling methods revealed that a substantial component of the comorbidity between depression and nicotine dependence was explained by common or correlated risk factors associated with both outcomes. After adjustment for common or correlated risk factors, the adjusted odds ratio between depression and nicotine dependence was 2.3. CONCLUSIONS Comorbidities between depression and nicotine dependence seem to be well established by the age of 16 years. Much of this comorbidity can be explained by common or correlated risk factors associated with depression or nicotine dependence.
Push or Pull? The light‐weight architecture of the Daphnia pulex carapace is adapted to withstand tension, not compression

Daphnia (Crustacea, Cladocera) are well known for their ability to form morphological adaptations to defend against predators. In addition to spines and helmets, the carapace itself is a protective structure encapsulating the main body, but not the head. It is formed by a double layer of the integument interconnected by small pillars and hemolymphatic space in between. A second function of the carapace is respiration, which is performed through its proximal integument. The interconnecting pillars were previously described as providing higher mechanical stability against compressive forces. Following this hypothesis, we analyzed the carapace structure of D. pulex using histochemistry in combination with light and electron microscopy. We found the distal integument of the carapace to be significantly thicker than the proximal. The pillars appear fibrous with slim waists and broad, sometimes branched bases where they meet the integument layers. The fibrous structure and the slim‐waisted shape of the pillars indicate a high capacity for withstanding tensile rather than compressive forces. In conclusion they are more ligaments than pillars. Therefore, we measured the hemolymphatic gauge pressure in D. longicephala and indeed found the hemocoel to have a pressure above ambient. Our results offer a new mechanistic explanation of the high rigidity of the daphniid carapace, which is probably the result of a light‐weight construction consisting of two integuments bound together by ligaments and inflated by a hydrostatic hyper‐pressure in the hemocoel. J. Morphol. 277:1320–1328, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Signal Quality Assessment Model for Wearable EEG Sensor on Prediction of Mental Stress

Electroencephalogram (EEG) plays an important role in E-healthcare systems, especially in the mental healthcare area, where constant and unobtrusive monitoring is desirable. In the context of OPTIMI project, a novel, low cost, and light weight wearable EEG sensor has been designed and produced. In order to improve the performance and reliability of EEG sensors in real-life settings, we propose a method to evaluate the quality of EEG signals, based on which users can easily adjust the connection between electrodes and their skin. Our method helps to filter invalid EEG data from personal trials in both domestic and office settings. We then apply an algorithm based on Discrete Wavelet Transformation (DWT) and Adaptive Noise Cancellation (ANC) which has been designed to remove ocular artifacts (OA) from the EEG signal. DWT is applied to obtain a reconstructed OA signal as a reference while ANC, based on recursive least squares, is used to remove the OA from the original EEG data. The newly produced sensors were tested and deployed within the OPTIMI framework for chronic stress detection. EEG nonlinear dynamics features and frontal asymmetry of theta, alpha, and beta bands have been selected as biological indicators for chronic stress, showing relative greater right anterior EEG data activity in stressful individuals. Evaluation results demonstrate that our EEG sensor and data processing algorithms have successfully addressed the requirements and challenges of a portable system for patient monitoring, as envisioned by the EU OPTIMI project.
Trends in Hospitality Management Literature: a Content Analysis

The aim of this paper was to examine the growth in the body of literature in the discipline of hospitality management for the 20-year period from 1967 to 1986. The topics studied and the methodological approaches in the published articles were examined using the content analysis technique. An analysis indicates information gathering shifts in the topics studied, the method of research used, and the type of authors of the published articles.
Stochastic Volatility and Jump-Diffusion --- Implications on Option Pricing

This paper conducts a thorough and detailed investigation on the implications of stochastic volatility and random jump on option prices. Both stochastic volatility and jump-diffusion processes admit asymmetric and fat-tailed distribution of asset returns and thus have similar impact on option prices compared to the Black–Scholes model. While the dynamic properties of stochastic volatility model are shown to have more impact on long-term options, the random jump is shown to have relatively larger impact on short-term near-the-money options. The misspecification risk of stochastic volatility as jump is minimal in terms of option pricing errors only when both the level of kurtosis of the underlying asset return distribution and the level of volatility persistence are low. While both asymmetric volatility and asymmetric jump can induce distortion of option pricing errors, the skewness of jump offers better explanations to empirical findings on implied volatility curves.