Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Regional zooplankton dispersal provides spatial insurance for ecosystem function

Changing environmental conditions are affecting diversity and ecosystem function globally. Theory suggests that dispersal from a regional species pool may buffer against changes in local community diversity and ecosystem function after a disturbance through the establishment of functionally redundant tolerant species. The spatial insurance provided by dispersal may decrease through time after environmental change as the local community monopolizes resources and reduces community invasibility. To test for evidence of the spatial insurance hypothesis and to determine the role dispersal timing plays in this response we conducted a field experiment using crustacean zooplankton communities in a subarctic region that is expected to be highly impacted by climate change – Churchill, Canada. Three experiments were conducted where nutrients, salt, and dispersal were manipulated. The three experiments differed in time‐since‐disturbance that the dispersers were added. We found that coarse measures of diversity (i.e. species richness, evenness, and Shannon–Weiner diversity) were generally resistant to large magnitude disturbances, and that dispersal had the most impact on diversity when dispersers were added shortly after disturbance. Ecosystem functioning (chl‐a) was degraded in disturbed communities, but dispersal recovered ecosystem function to undisturbed levels. This spatial insurance for ecosystem function was mediated through changes in community composition and the relative abundance of functional groups. Results suggest that regional diversity and habitat connectivity will be important in the future to maintain ecosystem function by introducing functionally redundant species to promote compensatory dynamics.
Intellectual capital disclosure and the fashion industry

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature and extent of intellectual and marketing capital disclosure among fashion companies, specifically to compare intellectual capital (IC) disclosure between European and North American fashion companies as well as between fashion industry sectors.Design/methodology/approach – A coding framework proposed by Guthrie and Petty and adapted by Shareef and Davey was further developed for the fashion context and the top 15 European companies and the top 15 North American companies with accessible 2005 annual reports were analysed.Findings – The voluntary annual report disclosures confirmed brands as highly valuable capital assets, central to competitiveness and differentiation in this industry. Fashion firm disclosures also reflected organisational change processes and philosophies in several cases. However it is concluded that fashion companies do not value the role of the consumer in the brand value dynamic, customer satisfaction, nor customer loyalty a.
Collaborative Management and Planning of Urban Heritage Tourism: Public Sector Perspective

SUMMARY ‘This paper investigates collaborative management and planning among public organisations involved in urban heritage tourism. An exploratory case study has been applied, capturing urban heritage tourism development in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. The findings demonstrate a shared desire for further collaboration between the key public bodies involved, with limited existing and previous collaboration, beyond work that is the result of existing hierarchies. Collaboration is at an early stage, and many looked to the Local Authority to provide leadership in driving new initiatives. The private sector has a limited but increasing role in this. There are differing views on the focus of heritage tourism development – some suggesting a regional, others a city focus. ’ Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Back to the nineteenth century: the managerial reform of the French civil service

The French civil service managerial reform initiated in 2007 was supposed to establish a brand new professional world where civil servants would be called to use new public management (NPM) methodology and tools in order to be more efficient and accountable. The final goal was to ‘privatize’ civil servants at least partially. Beyond the economic argument in a time of deep fiscal crisis, the rationale of the reform was political and philosophical, to eliminate the specificity of the civil service. The implementation of the reform and a massive reduction in force have produced systematic conflicts with unions, and most managers have rejected measures that had been designed to foster their individual motivation. A central argument of this article is to show that the values of this NPM reform run counter to those of a majority of civil servants and that public management is not politically neutral. Another argument, based on empirical surveys, is to demonstrate that this reform is of a conservative nature, designed to reinforce traditional hierarchies within the State bureaucracy. Finally, the so-called modernity of public management has produced an involution regression toward the social and professional structures of the nineteenth century.
The determinants of cross-sectional liquidity in the IPO aftermarket

This article examines the determinants of cross-sectional liquidity in the Initial Public Offering (IPO) aftermarket. Previous literature suggests that liquidity trading, information asymmetry, the extent of estimation uncertainty and heterogeneity of opinion are related to share turnover of seasoned stocks, whereas very few papers examine the factors of liquidity of newly listed firms. Because IPO stocks typically experience a volatile trading period following the IPO issuance date, I draw on the literature on trading activities and IPO firms and explore the sources, if any, of IPO liquidity during the period of 1995 through 2005. I also examine IPO attributes, such as the presence of venture capital and the number of underwriters in a syndicate. The results of random effects models suggest that liquidity trading, the mass of informed agents and certain IPO attributes play a role in explaining IPO trading activity. In contrast to previous studies on the trading activity of seasoned stocks, I find that differences of opinion and estimation uncertainty about an IPO firm have little effect on IPO liquidity. My findings contribute to the understanding of determinants of IPO liquidity.
Stock Options and Employees' Firm-Specific Human Capital Under the Threat of Divesture and Aquisition

This paper considers whether or not the first-best level of firm-specific human capital investment is attained by the use of stock option plans for workers and the choice of the method of payment for acquisitions even though workers are threatened with the possibility of a divestiture and acquisition. We show that the first-best level of firm-specific human capital investment is achieved by a stock option plan with a positive exercise price for workers conditional on the event of a divestiture and acquisition. We also suggest that, under certain conditions, a stock offer in the acquisition can resolve a collusion problem in which the target firm may collude with workers and attempt to raise the acquisition tender price up to the level that is consistent with the first-best level of investment even though workers actually choose an inefficient level of investment.
Matters of Opinion: Talking About Public Issues

Acknowledgements Transcription conventions Focus-group data 1. Paradoxes of opinion 2. A tool kit for analysing group discussions 3. Forums for opinion: 'what is it that's going on here? ' 4. Institutions of opinion: voice of the people? 5. Topics in interaction: 'why that now? ' 6. Agreeing and disagreeing: maintaining sociable argument 7. Representing speech: other voices, other places 8. Questioning expertise: who says? 9. Radio phone-ins: mediated sociable arguments 10. Vox pop television interviews: constructing the public 11. Opinions as talk References Index.
Oxidized, bioactive implants are rapidly and strongly integrated in bone. Part 1--experimental implants.

OBJECTIVES The study presented was designed to investigate the speed and the strength of osseointegration of oxidized implants at early healing times in comparison which machined, turned implants. MATERIAL AND METHODS Screw-shaped titanium implants were prepared and divided into two groups: magnesium ion incorporated, oxidized implants (Mg implants, n=10) and machined, turned implants (controls, n=10). Mg implants were prepared using micro-arc oxidation methods. Surface oxide properties of implants such as surface chemistry, oxide thickness, morphology/pore characteristics, crystal structures and roughness were characterized with various surface analytic techniques. Implants were inserted into the tibiae of ten New Zealand white rabbits. After a follow-up period of 3 and 6 weeks, removal torque (RTQ), osseointegration speed (DeltaRTQ/Deltahealing time) and integration strength of implants were measured. Bonding failure analysis of the bone-to-implant interface was performed. RESULTS The speed the and strength of osseointegration of Mg implants were significantly more rapid and stronger than for turned implants at follow-up periods of 3 and 6 weeks. Bonding failure for Mg implants dominantly occurred within the bone tissue, whereas bonding failure for turned implants mainly occurred at the interface between implant and bone. CONCLUSIONS Oxidized, bioactive implants are rapidly and strongly integrated in bone. The present results indicate that the rapid and strong integration of oxidized, bioactive Mg implants to bone may encompass immediate/early loading of clinical implants.
Recession Analysts and Conservative Forecasting

This study investigates whether the properties of sell-side analysts' earnings forecasts are associated with the adverse macroeconomic conditions that exist at the time of their initial hire or major promotion. We find that analysts who begin their career in an economic recession are more conservative in their earnings forecasts: they are more pessimistic, less likely to be leaders, deviate less from the consensus, and more (less) likely to issue negative (positive) bold revisions. They are also asymmetrically more likely to respond to bad rather than good news during recessions, when bad news is abundant. Our results are not subsumed by analysts' characteristics and incentives identified in prior literature. Overall, we find that their forecast properties are associated with the adverse macroeconomic conditions at the time of initial hire or major promotion.
Flow quantification in the superior sagittal sinus using magnetic resonance

To date, the intracerebral veins and venous sinuses have not been amenable to noninvasive study. We describe a magnetic resonance (MR) technique using "bolus tracking" for rapid imaging and measurement of cerebral venous flow. We specifically applied the technique to the superior sagittal sinus, but it can be used for evaluation of other cerebral venous structures. In 10 healthy subjects and 21 patients referred for MR brain studies, mean flow was 420 ml/min. There was a significant inverse correlation between blood flow and age. There were dynamic changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF) during hyperventilation and hypercapnia. Since the cerebral cortex drains almost exclusively to the superior sagittal sinus, these flow measurements represent an index of global CBF. MR flow quantification provides a new means for assessing dynamic changes in CBF, and may prove useful for monitoring the effects of various disease processes and pharmaceutical agents on CBF.
The relationship between organizational slack and innovation: revisited

Purpose - – The slack-innovation relationship has interested scholars for years. The authors aim to delve into the impact of financial slack on firm innovation by replicating a classic study arguing that this relationship has an inverse U-shape. Design/methodology/approach - – The sample consists of all US firms that were publicly traded between 1993 and 2011. The authors employ the standard econometrics methodology of panel regression with firm-fixed effect and time-fixed effect to estimate the regression equation of firm innovation on financial slack. Findings - – The authors find that the relationship between financial slack and R&D investments is similar to that suggested by earlier authors, thus enhancing the generalizability of this important finding in management research. The authors also find that this relationship holds even during economic downturns. Originality/value - – The authors replicate Nohria and Gulati's classic study by considering the impact of slack on innovation. The authors also move away from survey data, as used by Nohria and Gulati. The authors utilize actual firm-level data for a large sample of US publicly traded firms from 1993 to 2011, thus enhancing the generalizability of these findings.
Racial Attitudes of White Residents in Integrated and Segregated Neighborhoods

One of (he many patterns that characterizes contemporary American society is the movement of Negroes into the central city. This urbanization of the Negro creates a demand for housing which focuses our attention on the persistent problem of residential integration versus segregation. It has been noted that negroes are by far the most residentially segregated large minority in recent American history (Taeuber and Taeuber, 1969: 14). Furthermore, Negroes have become a significant urban minority, and as some segments of the Negro community as well as whites express doubts about the goals, benefits and desirability of integration, the issue becomes even more confused and controversial.
What Cooks Needs from Multimedia and Textually Enhanced Recipes

Using recipes in a step-by-step format with multimedia enhancements has been found to increase confidence and enjoyment of cooking but the field lacks research with cooks on the problems they encounter, so it is unclear what granularity of recipe step and associated multimedia would best support them. The current study observed 16 cooks prepare 3 dishes using recipes in 3 different formats to understand what problems cooks have with recipes. Recipe format had a significant effect on the ratings given to the recipe for clarity and ease of use but not on time to complete the recipe. Analysis of cooking activity and cooks' feedback shows that cooks want (i) step-by-step recipes with ingredient quantities in the recipe step, (ii) pictures of the interim states of the recipe, (iii) videos of preparation of unfamiliar ingredients, and (iv) videos of preparation techniques with different types of utensils.
Standardization of primary processing of fennel ( Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) in tribal area of Sirohi (Rajasthan)

An experiment was conducted in a farmer’s field at Sirohi (Rajasthan) during 2009–10 and 2010–11. Five separate experiments on (i) harvesting time (ii) umbels drying structure (iii) fennel threshing floor (iv) grading stages and (v) packing material of fennel, were laid out in a completely randomized design with four treatments replicated five times. The results revealed that different treatments had significant effect on sensory attributes, geometry and economics of fennel seed quality. The fennel umbels which were harvested at post maturity stage [31-40 days after flower initiation (DAFI)] were superior to rest of the harvesting stages and recorded maximum sensory scores, seed dimensions and highest yield (17.35 q ha-1), maximum market rate (Rs. 150.24 kg-1) and B:C ratio (4.62). Results also showed that drying of fennel umbels in modified locally made structures gave better quality of seed over other structures, giving good market price (Rs. 135.74 kg-1). Threshing on RCC floor was found to be better for maintaining good quality of seed. The grading and packing also improved the quality of seed. The fennel seed which was packed in polyethylene lined gunny bag was found to be better because the quality of seed did not deteriorate in terms of taste, colour, and flavour for longer time. Maximum shelf life of produce along with better quality and higher market price was also obtained in this treatment.
Prospectus Earnings Forecasts and the Pricing of New Issues on the Unlisted Securities Market

Abstract This paper extends the primarily US based literature on management earnings forecasts to an investigation of the role of prospectus earnings forecasts (Pefs) on the pricing of new issues on the Unlisted Securities Market (USM) in the UK. The analysis finds that Pefs are no more biased but are significantly more accurate than time-series forecasts. In addition, traded prices of USM stocks immediately after flotation are found to be positively related to the information content (unexpected component) of the Pefs. There is, however, no evidence of a relationship between the information content of Pefs and the initial offer price of the USM stocks.
Conflict between current knowledge about posttraumatic stress disorder and its original conceptual basis.

OBJECTIVE The author's goal was to explore the historical, political, and social forces that have played a major role in the acceptance of the idea of trauma as a cause of the specific symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and to discuss the impact that current research findings have had on some of the initial conceptualizations of the disorder. METHOD The conceptual origins of PTSD are described, and the literature on the prevalence, longitudinal course, phenomenology, and neurobiology of PTSD is reviewed. RESULTS Paradoxically, there are a series of findings that support the idea that PTSD is a distinct diagnostic entity, but these are different from those originally developed from psychosocial theory and stress research. CONCLUSIONS PTSD has been a controversial diagnosis and is again at a vulnerable point. It is imperative that the field address how current findings challenge the original conceptualizations of this disorder so that the next generation of conceptual issues can be formulated.
A Spatially Explicit Estimate of Avoided Forest Loss

Abstract: With the potential expansion of forest conservation programs spurred by climate‐change agreements, there is a need to measure the extent to which such programs achieve their intended results. Conventional methods for evaluating conservation impact tend to be biased because they do not compare like areas or account for spatial relations. We assessed the effect of a conservation initiative that combined designation of protected areas with payments for environmental services to conserve over wintering habitat for the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) in Mexico. To do so, we used a spatial‐matching estimator that matches covariates among polygons and their neighbors. We measured avoided forest loss (avoided disturbance and deforestation) by comparing forest cover on protected and unprotected lands that were similar in terms of accessibility, governance, and forest type. Whereas conventional estimates of avoided forest loss suggest that conservation initiatives did not protect forest cover, we found evidence that the conservation measures are preserving forest cover. We found that the conservation measures protected between 200 ha and 710 ha (3–16%) of forest that is high‐quality habitat for monarch butterflies, but had a smaller effect on total forest cover, preserving between 0 ha and 200 ha (0–2.5%) of forest with canopy cover >70%. We suggest that future estimates of avoided forest loss be analyzed spatially to account for how forest loss occurs across the landscape. Given the forthcoming demand from donors and carbon financiers for estimates of avoided forest loss, we anticipate our methods and results will contribute to future studies that estimate the outcome of conservation efforts.
1.8-MHz, 48-V Resonant VRM: Analysis, Design, and Performance Evaluation

A detailed analysis of operation and a basic design procedure for a new high-frequency (HF) resonant-converter technology with phase-shifted regulation is presented. The new HF resonant technology has a good potential to be a cost-effective solution for the voltage regulation modules (VRMs) for the next generations of microprocessor systems. The new HF resonant technology is employed in the development of a 1.8-MHz, 48-V, 130-W (0.95–1.7 V, 100A) VRM. Experimental results are provided.
Supplementation with flaxseed oil versus sunflowerseed oil in healthy young men consuming a low fat diet: effects on platelet composition and function.

OBJECTIVE To compare the effects of supplementing a low fat diet with an alpha-linolenic acid-rich (C18:3 n-3) oil with a linoleic acid-rich (C18:2 n-6) oil on platelet composition and function. DESIGN Prospective study with random allocation to one of the two oils. SETTING Free-living study. SUBJECTS Eleven healthy young males recruited from within the University. INTERVENTIONS Subjects were allocated to consume 40 g of either flaxseed oil (n = 5) or sunflowerseed oil (n = 6) daily for 23 days. Fasting blood samples were collected at commencement and completion of supplementation for analysis of platelet fatty acids and platelet aggregation. RESULTS The platelet eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) more than doubled in the group taking flaxseed oil (P < 0.05) but was unchanged in the sunflowerseed group. As a result the platelet EPA:arachidonic acid ratio, considered a marker for thromboxane production and platelet aggregation potential, increased in the flaxseed group (P < 0.05). The aggregation response induced by 0.75 and 2 micrograms of collagen was decreased in those taking flaxseed oil (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION This study provides further evidence that consumption of alpha-linolenic acid-rich oils may offer protective effects against cardiovascular disease over linoleic acid-rich oils via their ability to decrease the tendency of platelets to aggregate.
Hepatitis E in New Zealand

Background and Aim: Locally acquired hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection has been described in a number of developed countries and is thought to be zoonotic from pigs. Little is known about hepatitis E in humans in New Zealand (NZ) but 90% of NZ pigs show evidence of HEV infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of hepatitis E infection in NZ by documenting HEV immunoglobulin (Ig) G seroprevalence in NZ blood donors, testing patients with unexplained hepatitis for HEV, and comparing genetic sequences of human HEV with local porcine isolates.
Relationship between betel quid additives and established periodontitis among Bangladeshi subjects.

AIM To determine the relationship between betel quid chewing additives and established periodontitis in Bangladeshi subjects. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 864 subjects participated in this study. Among them, 140 pairs of sex- and age-matched case subjects and control subjects were selected. A case was defined as a person who had at least two sites with a clinical attachment level (CAL)> or =6 mm and at least one site with probing depth (PD)> or =5 mm. Subjects who did not fulfill these criteria were considered as controls. Information on sociodemographic variables, psychological stress, dental health behaviour, smoking and betel quid chewing habits was obtained. RESULTS Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that current betel quid chewers had greater probabilities of having established periodontal disease than did non-chewers (odds ratio=3.97, p<0.05). Mean PD, mean CAL, mean percentage of bleeding on probing and number of missing teeth were significantly higher in chewers of betel quid with tobacco and masala than in chewers of betel quid without such additives adjusting for age, sex, smoking habit, body mass index, dental visit pattern, stress and plaque index. Higher frequency and longer duration of betel quid chewing showed a significant relation to an increase in periodontal parameters. CONCLUSION The results indicate that betel quid additives might significantly enhance periodontitis in the population studied.