Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Early Childhood Program Participation on Academic Achievement at the Elementary Level.

iv Acknowledgments vi Dedication viii Chapter I – INTRODUCTION Problem Statement 1 Purpose of the Study 5 Research Question 6 Subsidiary Questions 6 Theoretical Framework 7 Methodology Overview 10 Significance of the Study 12 Delimitations 12 Limitations 13 Definition of Terms 14 Summary 16 Chapter II – LITERATURE REVIEW Introduction 17 Overview 18 Factors Which Influence Learning 20 School Readiness 21 Theoretical Framework 24 Preschool Attendance and School Readiness 30 Student Transition and School Readiness 35 School Readiness and Later School Success 38 Parental Interactions with Students and School Readiness 47 Parental Involvement and Later School Success 49 Social Success and School Readiness 56 Student Behavior and Later School Success 61 Summary 67 Chapter III – METHODOLOGY Introduction 72 Research Design 72 Research Procedures and Instrumentation 74 Data Collection 75 Data Analysis 75
The Changing Meaning of Neighbourhood Attachment in Chinese Commodity Housing Estates: Evidence from Guangzhou

The housing reform in urban China since the 1990s and the ensuing spatial and social dynamics gave rise to new kinds of neighbourhoods with new logics of neighbouring and neighbourhood attachment. Meanwhile, neighbourhoods are actively promoted as platforms for policy implementation. Both are reasons to revisit the meaning of neighbourhood attachment in the Chinese context. This article focuses on the roles of neighbourly interaction and physical environment, juxtaposing post-reform commodity housing estates against traditional neighbourhoods. The analysis draws on both qualitative and quantitative datasets from three case studies in Guangzhou and a city-wide survey. Results indicate that, compared with traditional neighbourhoods, residents of commodity housing estates have weak neighbourly interactions but strong neighbourhood attachment, which is based mainly on their satisfaction with the physical environment and less on their neighbourly contacts. Neighbourhoods in China have apparently shifted their function from social arenas to privatised living environments.
Governing Global Supply Chains: What We Know (and Don't) About Improving Labor Rights and Working Conditions

Research over the past decade has made considerable progress toward achieving a holistic understanding of the myriad actors, interests, and relationships shaping labor rights in global supply chains, but numerous obstacles remain to building a more cumulative research program. In this essay we outline two major challenges and several fruitful directions forward. First, we review the different outcomes of interest in research on labor rights and highlight several tensions that lead to difficulty comparing findings across studies, inappropriate data choices, and unexamined causal assumptions. Second, we highlight a failure to adequately integrate the findings of research in two different subliteratures, one focusing on the incentives of states and firms to adopt reforms, and a second focusing on the implementation of those reforms with monitoring and enforcement mechanisms. We conclude by highlighting the important questions raised by a clearer integration of these two literatures and identifying several re.
Phosphatidylinositol Phosphates as Co-activators of Ca2+ Binding to C2 Domains of Synaptotagmin 1*

Ca2+-dependent phospholipid binding to the C2A and C2B domains of synaptotagmin 1 is thought to trigger fast neurotransmitter release, but only Ca2+ binding to the C2B domain is essential for release. To investigate the underlying mechanism, we have compared the role of basic residues in Ca2+/phospholipid binding and in release. Mutations in a polybasic sequence on the side of the C2B domainβ-sandwich or in a basic residue in a top Ca2+-binding loop of the C2A domain (R233) cause comparable decreases in the apparent Ca2+ affinity of synaptotagmin 1 and the Ca2+ sensitivity of release, whereas mutation of the residue homologous to Arg233 in the C2B domain (Lys366) has no effect. Phosphatidylinositol polyphosphates co-activate Ca2+-dependent and -independent phospholipid binding to synaptotagmin 1, but the effects of these mutations on release only correlate with their effects on the Ca2+-dependent component. These results reveal clear distinctions in the Ca2+-dependent phospholipid binding modes of the synaptotagmin 1 C2 domains that may underlie their functional asymmetry and suggest that phosphatidylinositol polyphosphates may serve as physiological modulators of Ca2+ affinity of synaptotagmin 1 in vivo.
Exploring the relationships between top management behaviors and employee perceptions of fairness

Leaders and administrators of both public and private sector organizations are concerned with the issue of work place justice; however, little research has examined the influence of top managers on employees’ perceptions of fairness in the workplace. In this study, data were collected measuring behaviors of both supervisory and top management leadership, which were correlated with measures of workplace justice. Results found that, while supervisory behaviors were important predictors of workplace justice, top management vision was also found to be a significant predictor, explaining variance above and beyond that explained by the supervisory behaviors. Results are discussed as they apply to public sector organizations.
Nonlinear adjustment to purchasing power parity with flexible Fourier function in G-7 countries

This study applied the nonlinear Kapetanios et al. (2003) test with a Fourier function (capturing the smooth breaks) to test the validity of long-run Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) for G-7 countries over the period January 1994 to April 2010. The empirical results indicate that PPP holds for all the G-7 countries studied. Our results have important policy implications for the G-7 countries under study.
The buy-and-hold horizon and portfolio choice

Ever since the development of consumption-based portfolio choice models byMerton (1969) and Samuelson (1969), economic theory has been at odds with the financial planning industry. Financial planners argue that age or the investment horizon is an important determinant in portfolio choice: ‘My favorite rule of thumb is (roughly) to hold a bond position equal to your age’, Bogle (2007, p. 208). Theoretical economic models, however, imply that age is irrelevant to portfolio choice in the simplest case of independent and identically distributed (IID) asset returns. Recently, the result that portfolio choice is invariant to the investment horizon has been qualified because of the discovery of mean reversion and thus the predictability of stock returns (see Barberis 2000 and Campbell and Viceira 2002). While these qualifications may be of practical importance, they don’t seem to capture the rationale for the financial planners’ rule of thumb. In fact, in the paper where Samuelson (1969) reported his result on the irrelevance of age, he expressed surprise that his results were at odds with the conventional wisdom: However, before writing this paper, I had thought that points three and four could be reformulated so as to give a valid demonstration of businessman’s risk, my thought being that investing for each period is akin to agreeing to take a 1/nth interest in insuring n independent ships. The present lifetime model reveals that investing for many periods does not itself introduce tolerance for riskiness at early, or any, stages of life. (Samuelson 1969, p. 240, emphasis as in the original.)
Cerebral cortical registration of subliminal visceral stimulation.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Although brain registration of subliminal somatic stimulations such as masked visual stimuli and their influence on electrical and hemodynamic measures of cerebral activity have been reported previously, there have been no reports on cerebral cortical registration of subliminal visceral stimulation. Because studies evaluating the consequences of subliminal somatic stimulation have shown that subliminal stimulation can effect behavior, it is conceivable that such subliminal messages from the intestine could potentially influence intestinal sensory/motor function or effect the perception/interpretation of sensory signals originating from the gut. METHODS We studied the cerebral cortical functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) response to subliminal, liminal, and supraliminal rectal distention in healthy volunteers. RESULTS Study findings indicate that subliminal afferent signals originating from the gut are registered in the cerebral cortex without reaching the level of awareness. Locations of cortical activity caused by intestinal subliminal stimulation are similar to those of liminal and supraliminal stimulation but their intensity and volume are significantly lower (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Subliminal afferent signals originating from the gut are registered in the cerebral cortex and induce changes in measures of brain activity, such as hemodynamic changes detectable by fMRI.
'Not that I wouldn't trust them, I trust probably two of them …' Exploring the Information Worlds of Ethnic Minority Adolescents in Ireland

Recognition of the need to provide for the social inclusion of all young people was demonstrated by the Irish Government’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989), the drafting of the National Children’s Strategy (2000) and the establishment of the Office of the Minister for Children.The focus of international literature regarding the integration of ethnic minority children tends to concentrate predominantly on educational issues such as the acquisition of host country languages. However it is clear in this body of work that integration is more effective when educators and library/information specialists work in partnership to this end. Exploring the information needs and information seeking behaviour of ethnic minority adolescents can contribute to the development of policies that can be used cooperatively by educational and library services to expedite their successful integration. Findings from this study suggest that both ethnic minority and indigenous Irish adolescents have a range of information needs and information behaviours arising from membership of both the ‘small world’ of adolescence and ‘small worlds’ related to their social, cultural and/or economic circumstances.
THE IMPACT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY, AMENITIES AND FISCAL FACTORS ON AGE-SPECIFIC MIGRATION RATES

ABSTRACT. Migration models have considered several different categories of determinants, including economic opportunities, amenities, and state and local fiscal factors. Migration has also been shown to depend on the individual's position in the life cycle. This paper represents a first attempt to integrate all three categories of determinants of migration into a life-cycle framework. Empirical findings generated from a countrywide model of white male migration, over the period 1970 to 1980, reveal that all three types of determinants are important. Specifically, economic opportunities are most influential for males during their working years. Amenities are also found to follow a life-cycle pattern with older migrants more attracted to amenable locations than their younger cohorts. Finally, state income and death taxes display life-cycle effects; working males in their peak earning years are detracted by high income taxes while all migrants aged 55 to 69 avoid counties in states with high inheritance and estate taxes.
Managing the crises – how did local governments react to the financial crisis in 2008 and what explains the differences? The case of Swiss municipalities 1

Swiss municipalities are, to a large extent, responsible for their financial resources. Since these resources primarily depend on income and property taxes from individuals and enterprises, municipality budgets are likely to be directly affected by the current crisis in the financial sector and the economy. This article investigates how municipalities perceived this threat and how they reacted to it. In a nationwide survey conducted at the end of 2009 in all 2596 Swiss municipalities, we asked local secretaries which measures had been launched in order to cope with expected losses in tax income and a possible increase in welfare spending. Did the municipalities rely on Keynesian measures increasing public spending and accepting greater deficits, or did they try to avoid further deficits by using austerity measures and a withdrawal of planned investments? Our results show that only a few municipalities – mainly the bigger ones – expected to be greatly affected by the crisis. Their reactions, however, did not reveal any clear patterns that theory would lead one to expect. Preferences for austerity measures and deficit spending become visible but many municipalities took measures from both theories. The strongest explanatory factors for determining how/why municipalities react are: the municipality’s level of affectedness followed by whether or not the municipality belongs to the French-speaking part of the country. Size also has an impact, whereas the strength of the Social Democrat party is negligible. Explaining what kind of measures municipalities are likely to take is more difficult. However, the more a municipality is affected, the more likely it is to stick to austerity measures. Points for practitioners How to react to a financial crisis is not only a challenging question to answer for the scientific community but also for practitioners being confronted with the crucial decisions to be taken. This contribution shows that the theoretical debates stipulating the exclusiveness of deficit spending or austerity measures is hardly reflecting reality, at least not at the local level. Policymakers are well advised to cut down expenditure and to invest where necessary. This is, at least, what can be learned from the practices of the Swiss municipalities after the 2008 crisis.
Customer Satisfaction in the Tourist Industry

Although research in customer satisfaction and service quality has increased enormously in the past 10 years, little of this research has focused on the tourist industry. A survey instrument was developed that identified four primary components of a tourist's vacation: transportation, accommodation, outdoor activities, and attractions. Tourists were inter viewed at Auckland International Airport before leaving New Zealand. They rated their satisfaction with each of the four components and various subcomponents. Multiple regres sion results showed that satisfaction with accommodation, outdoor activities, and attrac tions has the strongest impact on overall satisfaction with the holiday, while only satisfac tion with outdoor activities affects the likelihood of recommending New Zealand as a vacation destination. Although there is not much difference in the satisfaction levels among tourists from different countries, there are major differences in the demographic profile of the tourists and the activities in which they participate during their stay.
Remineralization of enamel subsurface lesions in situ by sugar-free lozenges containing casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate.

BACKGROUND The anticariogenic potential of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate nanocomplexes (CPP-ACP) has been demonstrated using laboratory, animal and human in situ caries models. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of CPP-ACP incorporation into a sugar-free lozenge (pressed mint tablet) on enamel remineralization in a human in situ model. METHODS The study utilized a double-blind, randomized, cross-over design with four treatments: (i) a lozenge containing 56.4mg (3 per cent w/w) CPP-ACP; (ii) a lozenge containing 18.8mg (1 per cent w/w) CPP-ACP; (iii) a lozenge not containing CPP-ACP; and (iv) a no lozenge nil-treatment control. Ten subjects wore removable palatal appliances with four, human-enamel, half-slab insets containing subsurface lesions. Lozenges were consumed, without chewing, four times per day for 14 days duration. After each treatment period the enamel slabs were removed, paired with their respective demineralized control, embedded, sectioned and subjected to microradiography and computer-assisted densitometric image analysis to determine the level of remineralization. RESULTS The incorporation of CPP-ACP into the lozenge significantly increased enamel subsurface lesion remineralization with 18.8 and 56.4mg of CPP-ACP increasing remineralization by 78 and 176 per cent respectively, relative to the control sugarfree lozenge. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that lozenges are a suitable vehicle for the delivery of CPP-ACP to promote enamel remineralization.
The influence of intellectual capital on export performance

Purpose – The purpose is to analyze the impact of intellectual capital (IC) on export performance of firms and industries.Design/methodology/approach – This research used value added intellectual coefficient (VAIC) to measure intellectual capital as an independent variable. An export performance, as dependent variable, was measured as growth of exports. The sample consisted of 134 firms in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H). Empirical analysis was done by linear regression analysis.Findings – The results of regression analysis show a significant (p<0.01), positive influence of the value added intellectual coefficient and its components on the export growth in the sector of food and beverages and manufacturing of furniture and wood products in B&H. For other sectors there is no significant relation of independent and dependent variable.Practical implications – The results correspond with the results of the EU project that determined competitive advantages of B&H by Michael Porter's methodology. Results of this r.
The Ecology of Leadership: Adapting to the Challenges of a Changing World

Traditional, mechanistic models of leadership are inadequate for dealing with the serious adaptive challenges facing the modern world. The complex, dynamic systems that result when these adaptive challenges interact requires that we draw upon ecological principles to understand the role that leadership processes can play in creating a sustainable, generative future. Ignoring the systemic nature of leadership processes creates an illusion that traditional positional leaders should be the focus of leadership studies. We propose that a more useful focus is the systemic processes out of which leadership emerges. A theory of leadership derived from principles of ecology calls for a radical shift in our perspectives of leadership. It emphasizes individual responsibility, a long term perspective, developing capacities of individuals within organizations, and harmony with nature, while showing the way toward sustainability for future generations.
Safe Haven Currencies

We study high-frequency exchange rate movements over the sample 1993-2007. We document that the (Swiss) franc, euro, Japanese yen and the pound tend to appreciate against the U.S. dollar when (a) SP (b) U.S. bond prices increase; and (c) when currency markets become more volatile. In these situations, the franc appreciates also against the other currencies, while the pound depreciates. The safe haven properties correspond to the carry trader's losses. They materialize over different time granularities (from a few hours to several days), during both "ordinary days" and crisis episodes and show some non-linear features.
PROFILE OF INTRAOCULAR IMMUNE MEDIATORS IN PATIENTS WITH AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION AND THE EFFECT OF INTRAVITREAL BEVACIZUMAB INJECTION

Purpose: To measure intraocular cytokine levels in patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration and analyze changes in the cytokine profile 2 days after intravitreal bevacizumab injection. Methods: This prospective case–control study enrolled 37 patients (37 eyes) with age-related macular degeneration including polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy. Twenty-eight age-matched patients (28 eyes) who underwent cataract surgery were used as controls. Undiluted aqueous humor samples were collected after intravitreal bevacizumab injection. Two days after intravitreal bevacizumab injection, cataract surgery was performed and undiluted aqueous humor samples were collected at the beginning of surgery (10 eyes). Twenty-three cytokines were measured using flow cytometry. P values were corrected in multiple comparisons using the conservative Bonferroni–Holm method. The level of significance was set at 0.0022 (0.05/23). Results: At baseline, aqueous humor levels of vascular endothelial growth factor, angiogenin, interferon gamma-inducible protein (IP)-10, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1&bgr;, monokine induced by interferon &ggr; (Mig), and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 were significantly higher in the age-related macular degeneration group than in the control group (P < 0.0022). The result of exploratory multivariate analysis showed that elevated angiogenin level was an important factor that discriminates the two groups (P = 0.0004). Two days after intravitreal bevacizumab injection, vascular endothelial growth factor levels tended to be reduced (P = 0.049), whereas interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 levels increased significantly (P < 0.0022). Conclusion: Vascular endothelial growth factor and also angiogenin, IP-10, MCP-1, MIP-1&bgr;, and Mig may be related to the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration. Intravitreal bevacizumab injection increases inflammatory cytokine levels, suggesting the induction of an inflammatory process.
Open interest, cross listing, and information shocks

This study examines the characteristics and behavior of the demand for hedging, proxied by open interest, for the cross‐listed Euribor futures contract traded at Euronext‐LIFFE and Eurex. The study is unique in its investigation of the simultaneous determinants of open interest in a cross‐listed setting. It also assesses the impact of shocks on traders' demand for hedging and shows how the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the credit crunch influence the level of dependency between Euronext‐LIFFE and Eurex. Differences of opinion, ECB Governing Council meetings, days of the week, contract maturity, illiquidity, and volatility are investigated as potential determinants of open interest. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 31:755–778, 2011
Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Self‐Regulation, and Time: Toward a More Comprehensive Theory

This article describes the current clinical view of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and suggests a model of prefrontal lobe executive functions that explains better than current theories the cognitive and behavioral deficits associated with ADHD. The model shows how behavioral inhibition is related to and necessary for the proficient performance of four executive functions that subserve self-regulation: nonverbal working memory; the internalization of speech; the self-regulation of affect, motivation, and arousal; and reconstitution. These functions permit the construction, execution, and control of behavior by internally represented information, which removes behavior from control by the immediate context and brings it under the control of time. ADHD disrupts this process and returns control of behavior to the temporal now. A blindness to past, future, and time more generally, as well as an inability to direct behavior toward the future and to sustain it are among many of the deficits predicted by this model for persons with ADHD.