Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ageing and the Skew Risk in Collective Choices

Oecd countries enjoy a complex system of welfare programs and regulations, which provides redistributive transfers across different generations. Yet, their design and dimensions largely differ. How will these different models react to the aging process? Aging reduces the return from payg pension systems, but increases the political power of the elderly. The overall effect on the policy-maker decisions is likely to lead to more overall pension spending, although pension per capita may have to be reduced and workers will have to retire later. Yet, the impact on the state regulation of the economy should not be overlooked. An increasing share of elderly individuals will increase the pressure for product market reforms, which lead to lower prices, and thereby to an increase in the purchasing power of their pension transfer. No effect of aging can be instead appreciated on labor market reforms. These suggest that the Southern European system based on large pension spending and rigid labor and product markets is less suited to deal with population aging.
Blockade of AMPA Receptors and Volatile Anesthetics: Reduced Anesthetic Requirements in GluR2 Null Mutant Mice for Loss of the Righting Reflex and Antinociception but Not Minimum Alveolar Concentration

Background The &agr;-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) subtype of glutamate receptor mediates fast excitatory neurotransmission in the central nervous system. Many general anesthetics inhibit AMPA receptors in vitro; however, it is not certain if this inhibition contributes to the behavioral properties of these drugs. AMPA receptors lacking the GluR2 subunit are resistant to blockade by barbiturates in vitro. Paradoxically, GluR2 null mutant (−/−) mice are more sensitive to barbiturate-induced loss of the righting reflex (LORR) compared with wild-type (+/+) littermates. To determine if interactions between anesthetics and AMPA receptors account for the increased sensitivity of (−/−) mice, the effects of volatile anesthetics that do not directly inhibit AMPA receptors were examined. Methods Isoflurane, halothane, desflurane, or sevoflurane were administered to (−/−) and (+/+) littermate controls. Anesthetic requirements for LORR, movement to tail clamp (minimum alveolar concentration [MAC]), and hind-paw withdrawal latency (HPWL) were determined. Electrophysiologic methods examined the inhibition of AMPA receptors by isoflurane and halothane. Results Anesthetic requirements for LORR and HPWL were decreased, whereas MAC values were unchanged in (−/−) mice. Isoflurane and halothane caused minimal inhibition of AMPA receptors at clinically relevant concentrations. Conclusions Direct blockade of AMPA receptors did not account for the increased sensitivity to volatile anesthetics in GluR2 null mutant mice for HPWL or LORR. Thus, the deficiency of GluR2-containing AMPA receptors increases the sensitivity of neuronal circuitry mediating these end points, but not MAC. GluR2-containing receptors do not contribute appreciably to MAC in this mouse model. These results illustrate the difficulties in attributing behavioral responses to drug–receptor interactions in genetically engineered animals.
Testing for Bubbles in Exchange Markets: A Case of Sparkling Rates?

This paper investigates the possibility that the observed deviations of major bilateral exchange rates from values implied by market fundamentals are a consequence of rational asset market bubbles. When a new econometric methodology for detecting asset market bubbles is used, the joint hypothesis of no bubbles and stable autoregressive processes for relative money supplies and real incomes is rejected for the dollar/deutsche mark and dollar/pound ratesusing monthly data over the period 1973-82. Additional tests for coefficient stability and for lack of cointegration between exchange rates and market fundamentals suggest that the bubble findings must be interpreted with care.
From personnel management to strategic human resource management

Few business organizations today could claim to be unaffected by globalization and pressures for competitiveness. The trend has undoubtedly caused the management of human resources to take on new strategic significance. There is however some suggestion that initiatives taken to manage human resources strategically are originating with chief executives and line management. Personnel management, it is argued, has been and continues to be in ‘decline’. Through reviews of literature this paper considers these issues and discusses the emergence of the concepts of HRM and strategic human resource management. The paper then focuses on the latter concept, viewing it as a vital phase in the evolution of personnel management and one which is poised to settle some of the dilemmas in the field by aspiring, as it does, to integrate the functional practices of human resource management with the strategic process of the organization. Based on a synthesis of literature a model is presented with proposals as to how it mig.
What shapes an individual's work values? An integrated model of the relationship between work values, national culture and self-construal

The concept of life values has become a central in studies of individual level motivations and behaviour, particularly in HRM and organisational behaviour. Among the various types of life values, work values (or goals) are often viewed as a central determinant of a wide range of an individual's work-related attitudes and behaviours. The importance of understanding work values is further emphasised by increasingly diverse workforces within countries and through the internationalisation of business and the need to mange people across culturally diverse workforces across national borders. Despite its perceived importance, much of this research is plagued by controversy over what factors are most important in shaping an individual's work values. Typically, much of this work has centred on establishing the pre-eminence of individual level factors or, alternatively, cultural-level factors which shape an individual's work values. These cultural level interpretations have been particularly influential in international HRM. In this article we develop and test a simple integrated model of the relationship between national cultural and individual level value orientations, and two higher order work value constructs: extrinsic and intrinsic rewards. Using data from a survey of business students, we find strong support that the relationship between national culture and intrinsic work values is mediated by individual self-construal. The possible moderating effect of cultural adaptation on these relationships is also explored and supported. We conclude by considering the implications of our results for managing people in culturally diverse settings.
A Confirmatory Factor Analysis of Dutch Work Addiction Scale (DUWAS)

The current study contributes to the existing literature by examining the psychometric properties of Dutch Work Addiction Scale (DUWAS). Confirmatory factor analysis was carried out on the responses of public and private sector employees working in various sectors of service industries of Jammu region (India) using AMOS 16 Software package against the various dimensions of DUWAS. The results provide support for the first-order a priori 3-factor, 20-item DUWAS scale which collectively comprised second order factor called workaholism.
Efficacy of Telephone-Administered Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders: Case Studies

Cognitive behaviour therapy is effective for obsessive-compulsive disorder and for obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders such as trichotillomania. Unfortunately, many people with these disorders, especially those living in rural areas, have limited access to treatment. Telephone-administered cognitive behaviour therapy may help address this problem. In a recent study of telephone treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder, we found that such treatment was often effective (42% in remission at post-treatment, and 47% in remission at 12-week follow-up). This article presents 2 case reports of the same treatment, applied to obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders (trichotillomania and compulsive skin picking). Treatment was associated with symptom reduction for both participants, although one subsequently relapsed. Possible reasons for relapse are discussed. The findings encourage further studies to identify the characteristics of people most likely to benefit from telephone treatment for spectrum disorders.
Pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of an angiotensin II receptor antagonist--characterization by use of Schild regression technique in man.

OBJECTIVE The pharmacodynamic properties of a new angiotensin II receptor antagonist (BAY 10-6734) in humans were to be quantitatively characterized from the rightward shifts of the agonist dose-response curves after administration of different doses of the antagonist. METHODS 24 healthy male volunteers received single oral doses of 20-300 mg BAY 10-6734. Before and up to 23 h post dosing (p.d.) plasma was obtained for HPLC measurement of parent compound and active metabolite BAY 10-6735. Exogenous angiotensin II was infused in increasing dose steps until blood pressure had increased by +25 mmHg. Angiotensin II dose-response curves were fitted individually using the sigmoidal Emax model. From the antagonist-induced rightward shifts, as compared to a premedication curve, dose ratios (DR) were determined and DR-1 plotted versus applied dosages and measured plasma concentrations. From these Schild regression plots the fictive doses and concentration (Ki) inducing a DR-1 = 1, i.e. a 2-fold shift in agonist dose-response curves, were derived. The "doubling (t2.0) time" of the apparent Ki doses was calculated. RESULTS BAY 10-6734 dose-dependently induced rightward shifts of the angiotensin II blood pressure response curves, mean maximum DR at 2 h p.d. ranged from 42 (80 mg) to 216 (300 mg), and at 23 h p.d. decreased to about 2 (80 mg) to 4 (300 mg). Pharmacodynamic (3.4-4.6 h) and pharmacokinetic half-lives (3.4-4.3 h) were nearly identical. Apparent Ki doses increased from about 1-2 mg at 2 h p.d. to about 80-100 mg at 23 h p.d. , their time course revealed a doubling (t2.0) time of 3.5-3.8 h. A Ki concentration of about 10 micrograms/l was obtained for the active metabolite BAY 10-6735. CONCLUSIONS Oral administration of BAY 10-6734 in man antagonized angiotensin II dose blood pressure response curves in a dose-dependent manner. The time kinetics of the pharmacodynamic effect, derived from the decay of DR-1 values, as well as the doubling time of the apparent Ki values well agreed with the pharmacokinetic half-life. Schild regression revealed competitive angiotensin II antagonistic properties within the dose/concentration range tested. This technique was shown to be an adequate means to evaluate pharmacodynamic potency and kinetic behavior of an angiotensin II receptor antagonist in vivo.
On multicarrier signal transmission for high-voltage power lines

Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), as a type of multicarrier modulation, is becoming one of the preferred communication schemes to achieve reliable high-rate data transmission. In this paper, we propose a multicarrier signal transmission system to be applied in a high-voltage power line scenario and we demonstrate the gain of the proposed scheme with respect to a single carrier power line modem in terms of achievable bit-rate for a given quality of service requirement.
Measuring System Usage: Implications for IS Theory Testing

There is widespread agreement among researchers that system usage, defined as the utilization of information technology IT by individuals, groups, or organizations, is the primary variable through which IT affects white collar performance. Despite the number of studies targeted at explaining system usage, there are crucial differences in the way the variable has been conceptualized and operationalized. This wide variation of system usage measures hinders the efforts of MIS researchers to compare findings across studies, thus impeding the accumulation of knowledge and theory in this area. The purpose of this paper is to address conceptual as well as methodological issues related to measuring system usage. First, via LISREL measurement modeling techniques, we compare subjective and objective measures of system usage, namely, self-reported versus computer-recorded measures. Next, using a modified form of Davis' Technology Acceptance Model TAM as a nomological net, we test the nomological validity of these system usage constructs and measures. Results of the LISREL measurement and nomological net analysis suggest that system usage should be factored into self-reported system usage and computer-recorded system usage. Contrary to expectations, these constructs do not appear to be strongly related to each other. Moreover, while self-reported measures of system usage are related to self-reported measures of TAM independent variables, objective, computer-recorded measures show distinctly weaker links. In the face of such counter-evidence, it is tempting to argue that research that has relied on subjective measures of system usage for example, research confirming TAM may be artifactual. There are several alternative explanations, though, that maintain the integrity of TAM and studies that measure system usage subjectively. These alternative explanations suggest directions for further research as well as new approaches to measurement.
Joint 3D cell segmentation and classification in the Arabidopsis root using energy minimization and shape priors

This paper presents a discrete energy minimization approach to integrate different prior knowledge and image cues for simultaneous cell segmentation and classification. When there are multiple types of cells to segment, the segmentation of cells and the classification of the cell types are dependent on each other. The presented approach selects the optimal segmentations from hypotheses and infers the cell types in the same process. The approach is applied to the volumetric data of Arabidopsis roots.
Calculating customer intimacy: accounting numbers in a sales and marketing department

Purpose - The purpose of this research is to examine the role of accounting numbers in one organisation's attempts to enact and calculate customer intimacy, given renewed interest in organisation-customer relationships. Design/methodology/approach - The paper utilises actor-network theory in conducting an ethnography at a wholesale financial services firm pursuing a strategy of customer intimacy. The main empirical site was the sales and marketing department, where actors were attempting to further their knowledge of customer needs in the present and anticipate them into the future. Findings - The paper finds heterogeneous enactments of “customer intimacy” through a “numeric calculation network” and a “sales calculation network”. The former sought to use accounting numbers to calculate how customer intimacy was enacted and impose upon a sales-force periphery a regime of performance measurement. The latter eventually destabilised the proposed performance measures by promoting their own basis for calculating customers. These were more diverse and “implicit”, comprising talk and communication through co-location and proximity with customers. Originality/value - The paper provides a number of insights into the role of accounting as a calculative practice. The observed emergence of novel means of producing accounting numbers outside the domain of the accounting function and within the sales and marketing department has important implications for the practice and study of accounting. In addition, potential limits to the use of accounting in enabling “action at a distance” are identified through the observed contest between “hard” accounting' numbers and softer modes of calculation.
An empirical analysis of homeownership in urban China

Purpose – This paper seeks to investigate the impact of socioeconomic factors of homebuyers such as gender, age, marital status, education, economic status and race on home ownership and loan decisions in urban China. Design/methodology/approach – This paper employs logistic regression to investigate the socioeconomic factors affecting the consumers' house purchase decision in urban China and the factors affecting the housing loan application. Findings – Using a structured questionnaire to collect relevant data from household residents (both homeowners and non-home owners) in Nanjing in 2010, the findings document that male respondents who are non-minorities and have higher levels of education are more likely to purchase a house. The results also show that race, educational attainment, size of household and credit card ownership are significantly related to rejection for a housing loan. Research limitations/implications – The findings in this paper provide homebuyers with a better understanding of factors.
Therapy of highly active pediatric multiple sclerosis

Objective: Study aims were to determine the frequency of highly active disease in pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS), the response to natalizumab (NTZ) and fingolimod (FTY) treatment, and the impact of current treatment modalities on the clinical course. Methods: Retrospective single-center study in the German Center for MS in Childhood and Adolescence. Results: Of 144 patients with first MS manifestation between 2011 and 2015, 41.6% fulfilled the criteria for highly active MS. In total, 55 patients treated with NTZ and 23 with FTY demonstrated a significant reduction in relapse rate (NTZ: 95.2%, FTY: 75%), new T2 lesions (NTZ: 97%, FTY: 81%), and contrast-enhancing lesions (NTZ: 97%, FTY: 93%). However, seven patients switched from NTZ to FTY experienced an increase in disease activity. Comparing pediatric MS patients treated in 2005 with those treated in 2015 showed a 46% reduction in relapse rate and a 44% reduction in mean Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Conclusion: The rate of highly active disease among pediatric MS patients is high; more than 40% in our cohort. Response to NTZ and FTY treatment is similar if not better than observed in adults. Current treatment modalities including earlier treatment initiation and the introduction of NTZ and FTY have significantly improved the clinical course of pediatric MS.
An Analysis on Marketing Mix in Hospitals

Hospital marketing is becoming increasingly competitive all over the world and India is no exception. The gradual shift from the selling to marketing vis-a-vis the customer orientation is quiet evident in present day hospital services. Hospitals become consumer centered and are expecting high medical care and demanding quality services at reasonable prices. Under these circumstances, age-old methods may not give us long run results. The application of modern marketing principles would pave avenues for rationalizing and standardizing the services. Thus marketing has become a new ‘mantra’ for the service providers in a hospital setting. Study evaluates the innovative marketing strategies adopted by corporate hospitals to sell their services and tries to explore the Marketing process explained with the help of 7P’s i.e. Product, Price, Place, Promotion, People, Physical evidence and Process in sample hospitals which run under different corporate managements. For this purpose it is proposed to elicit the perceptions from the doctors, nursing staff and administrative staff on marketing mix of hospitals. The data was analyzed by applying different statistical tools to know whether the perceptions of respondents are indistinguishable or not.
The Impact of 1970s Repatriates from Africa on the Portuguese Labor Market

This paper examines the labor market effect of the retornados who immigrated to Portugal from Angola and Mozambique in the mid-1970s following Portugal's loss of its African colonies. The retornados increased the Portuguese labor force by roughly 10% in just three years. Two analyses suggest contrasting conclusions. First, comparisons of Portugal with Spain and France indicate that any adverse effect of the retornados was quantitatively swamped by the Europe-wide downturn in labor market conditions in the 1970s. Second, comparisons between districts within Portugal indicate that the retornados may have had a strong adverse effect on Portuguese wages, suggesting that immigration may be considerably more harmful than previous case studies have concluded. The authors, however, regard the results of the within-Portugal analysis as less reliable than those of the comparison across countries.
Digestible Lysine on Live Performance of Chicken Type Naked Neck During the Starter Phase

The poultry market has changed due to a higher consumer interest on products with differentiated organoleptic characteristics, making of free-range broiler production a promising activity. This experiment was conducted to determine the digestible lysine requirements of Redbro Cou Nu male and female chickens during the starter phase (one to 21 days of age). Six hundred and thirty Redbro Cou Nu broilers were distributed into 30 pens (21 chickens/pen) according to a randomized complete design in a 5 x 2 factorial arrangement, consisting of five levels of digestible lysine and two sexes, with three replicates (pens) per treatments. Diets with increasing digestible lysine levels (8.1, 9.5, 10.9, 12.3 and 13.7 g of digestible lysine per kg of diet) were offered ad libitum. The following performance traits were evaluated at the end of the experiment (d 21): feed intake, lysine intake, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio. No interaction between dietary lysine level and sex was observed for the evaluated traits. The effect of sex was only detected on body weight gain, while effects of dietary lysine level were only detected on the feed intake. Males presented higher body weight gain than females. Lysine intake and body weight gain increased, and feed conversion ratio decreased as the level of dietary lysine increased. The best feed conversion ratio was obtained when birds were fed 12.95 g of digestible lysine per kg of diet.