Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Leniency in exchange for cartel confessions

Leniency offers corporations the possibility to come clean about their involvement in cartel conduct (for example, price-fixing, bid-rigging) in exchange for immunity or reduction of financial penalties. In Europe, nearly 60 percent of detected cartels are discovered through leniency. This makes leniency the most applied detection tool for uncovering cartel conduct violations. What are the considerations in applying for leniency or refraining from doing so? How do those considerations relate to private law enforcement through civil liability regarding business cartels? These questions are discussed based on semi-structured interviews (n = 34) with cartelists, competition lawyers and in-house legal counsel to study theoretical assumptions underpinning leniency arrangements in the Netherlands. This study investigates four scenarios on the use of leniency suggested in the literature and finds empirical support for only two. Strategic use of leniency and false confessions occur in the Netherlands, but to a lesser extent than the existing literature suggests. Moreover, various disincentives, and especially the rise of private enforcement, make leniency an unattractive and uncertain option for cartelists.
Long noncoding RNA ZFAS1 promotes progression of papillary thyroid carcinoma by sponging miR-590-3p and upregulating HMGA2 expression

Background Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy, papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the main form of thyroid cancer. The long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) zinc finger antisense 1 (ZFAS1) is highly expressed in various cancer tissues and it has been shown to function as a tumor promoter in various cellular processes. However, the role of ZFAS1 in PTC is not well understood currently. Thus, this study aimed to explore the potential roles of ZFAS1 in the development and progression of PTC. Material and methods PTC tissues (n=80) and noncancerous tissues were collected. Gain- and loss-of-function assays were performed to determine the effect of ZFAS1 on proliferation in K-1 and TPC-1 cells. The ZFAS1/mir-590-3P/HMGA2 aixs were analysed in PTC cell lines. Results We found that the expression of ZFAS1 was increased in PTC tissues and four PTC cell lines (B-CPAP, IHH-4, TPC-1, and K-1). The gain- and loss-of-function assays showed that overexpressing ZFAS1 promoted cell proliferation and inhibited cell apoptosis in PTC cells in vitro. We demonstrated that knockdown of ZFAS1 inhibits tumor growth and upregulation of ZFAS1 promotes tumor growth in vivo. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that miR-590-3p targeted the 3ʹ-UTR of ZFAS1. The double luciferase reporter and RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation assay demonstrated that miR-590-3p is a target of ZFAS1. Rescue experiments confirmed that miR-590-3p could reverse the effect of ZFAS1 on PTC cells. Moreover, we identified high mobility group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2) to be a downstream target of miR-590-3p and ZFAS1 which activates HMGA2 expression by sponging to miR-590-3p. Conclusion High ZFAS1 expression level was associated with the progression of PTC, and ZFAS1 contributed to PTC progression via miR-590-3p/HMGA2 regulatory aixs. Therefore, ZFAS1 might be a potential therapeutic target for PTC intervention.
The Effect of Consumer Boycotting on the Stock Market

Our work seeks to determine if the act of a consumer boycott has a significant effect on the stock price of target firms and to determine what aspects of the firm either contribute positively or negatively to this effect. Most research suggests that the effects of a boycott on stock price can be highly varied with little to no explanation for this variance. We analyzed the abnormal stock returns of our 23 sample firms in the 30 day period leading up to the boycott and after the commencement of the boycott. We’ve found the results that the market overall does not react significantly to consumer boycotting. However, our results show that the firms having a bad reputation before the boycott, larger market capital, and frequent past scandals are more likely to have significant or marginally significant market reactions.
Potential effects of scaling-up infrastructure in Peru: a general equilibrium model-based analysis

ABSTRACT This study assesses and compares the potential economic impacts of different investment plans dedicated to filling infrastructure gaps in Peru. Using a national database at the firm level, we start by estimating empirically the positive externalities of Peruvian infrastructure, such as energy, telecommunications, and transportation facilities, on the output of private activities. In the second step, these estimates are introduced in a dynamic computable general equilibrium model used to conduct counterfactual simulations of various investment plans in infrastructure over a 15-year period. These simulations show first to what extent scaling-up infrastructure could be a worthwhile strategy to achieve economic growth in Peru; however, they also show that these benefits depend on the choice of funding schemes related to such public spending.
The hierarchy-of-effects model and prelaunch forecasting

Pre-release forecasting of the opening box office revenue allows a studio to prepare a more effective marketing campaign and budget allocation. The purpose of this study is to forecast the opening box office revenue using attitudinal tracking measures. The proposed model aims to establish a relationship between the opening box office and the tracking data of the hierarchy-of-effects (HOE) constructs, which managers can use as the target of marketing planning. To test the causal relationships between the HOE constructs and opening box office revenue, we estimate a serial mediation model that incorporates direct and indirect effects of advertising to the HOE constructs with the covariates including marketing efforts, movie characteristics, and viewer demographics. Based on the posterior predictive distributions of the model parameters, we obtain the forecasts of opening box office revenue as new data become available. The validation results show highly encouraging predictive accuracy, indicating the benefit of utilizing attitudinal tracking.
Trends and Influential Factors in Child Abuse Reporting: Implications for Early Career School Counselors.

This study used quantitative measures to explore child abuse reporting trends for early career school counselors and to examine factors influencing their decisions to report suspected child abuse. Thematic coding was used to analyze recommendations for additional training needs regarding child abuse reporting and for the challenges school counselors faced regarding mandated reporting. Participants completed online surveys to assess their experiences. Factors found to influence school counselors’ decisions to report suspected child abuse included school counselors’ self-efficacy levels, academic setting, and students’ participation in the schools’ free or reduced lunch program. Qualitative results were also reviewed.
The impact of competition on experts' information disclosure: the case of real estate brokers

We analyze how competition can counter the tendency of experts to pass biased information to their customers, by using data from an online company that connects real estate brokers with clients who want to sell their housings. Different counterfactuals allow us to show that more competition or lower opportunity to collude induce brokers to raise their initial price estimation by about 5 percent. A similar but lesser impact is observed on listing price and selling price, but no significant effect is observed on the time to sell, which suggests that the manipulation of information observed in the absence of competition is detrimental to the client. Increasing competition among agents also changes the way they respond to, and sometimes align with, price preferences expressed by their customers.
Sail: a system for adaptive interest-based learning in stem education

The aim of this research is to alleviate many challenges faced in STEM education through the creation of a scalable, adaptive learning framework that supports interest-based learning (IBL) in multiple domains. Adaptive Learning is the idea that software and material should “adapt” to individual student’s needs, typically based on previous knowledge, pace, or learning style. This research takes a less explored approach by adapting content and practice problems based on a student’s interests. Interest-based learning (IBL) has been shown to improve intrinsic motivation, leading to better learning and achievements, but no solution currently exists to facilitate and promote IBL across multiple domains. This work presents the design and pilot of SAIL, a System for Adaptive Interest-based Learning, to easily facilitate IBL in an adaptive and scalable platform. SAIL is not limited by domain, but was designed with STEM subjects in mind due to their high applicability in other fields. With SAIL, one student in an introductory programming course could practice loops through sports-themed examples while another could learn through music or science. SAIL was designed to help alleviate many of the concerns in STEM education by providing a competent and compelling curriculum delivering individualized instruction to help increase motivation, performance and fill the gaps in STEM education. SAIL showcases the interconnectivity of STEM subjects with other fields, combatting misperceptions and increasing motivation to help attract and retain a larger and more diverse population of students. With SAIL, students become active participants in their learning experience as they utilize an interactive map to traverse their unique path through interest-based course material. A large pilot study (N=307) in the context of introductory programming (Java) was conducted comparing a class using SAIL to three other classes with varying control conditions. This study resulted in new quantitative and qualitative knowledge about how SAIL can impact introductory Computer Science (CS) as well as assessing viability for other STEM fields, including K-12 STEM education. Via SAIL, we raise the standard of education, increase enjoyment, remedy gender disparities, and aid in encouraging more students to continue their CS education. Index words: Interest-based Learning, STEM Education, Computer Science Education, Individualized Instruction, Personalized Context, Adaptive Learning, eLearning, Community Knowledge Sharing SAIL: A System for Adaptive Interest-based Learning in STEM Education
Conservation Benefits of Whale Watching in Juneau, Alaska

An increasing number of visitors to Juneau, AK, alongside a predictable population of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), has supported the substantial growth of its whale-watching industry. The industry provides benefits to the community through economic gains, while the experience can foster environmental awareness and support for protection of whales and the environment. However, the sustainability of the industry could be jeopardized if increasing whale-watching vessel pressure affects the health of its resource, the whales. This study investigates whether participation in whale-watching tours in Juneau, AK can support conservation of whales and the environment. Participant knowledge, attitudes, intentions, and behaviors were obtained from 2,331 respondents in surveys before, after, and 6 months after a whale-watching tour during the 2016 and 2017 seasons. Following a whale watch, the percentage of participants that indicated whale watching as a knowledge source increased (p = 0.022), awareness of guidelines and regulations doubled (p < 0.001), and strong support for regulations increased (p = 0.016). Six months later, these responses remained significantly higher than before the whale watch. Despite knowledge of distance threshold increasing after a whale watch (p = 0.003) and 6 months after (p = 0.021), getting close to whales remained an important factor in a participant's whale watch. Participants had a higher likelihood of strongly supporting guidelines and regulations if they indicated that boats can have a negative impact on whales or were aware of guidelines and regulations. Lastly, participants that acknowledged negative effects on whales from boats had higher overall proenvironmental attitudes. This study indicates that incorporating messages that facilitate participant awareness of guidelines/regulations and the purpose of those measures can support conservation and protection of local whale populations through managing participant expectations and ultimately encouraging operator compliance.
USDA’s Value-Added Producer Grant Program and Its Effect on Business Survival and Growth

The USDA’s Rural Development mission area (RD) implements several loan and grant programs to support businesses in rural areas, including the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program. This report examines the impacts of the VAPG program on business survival and growth. The VAPG program provides financial assistance for agricultural producers to enter into value-added activities related to processing and/or marketing of value-added products. The study was conducted by combining data on the VAPG program obtained from RD with establishment-level data from the National Establishment Time-Series (NETS), and comparing business survival and employment growth outcomes of VAPG recipients to the outcomes of businesses having similar observable characteristics and employment growth histories that did not receive VAPGs. The results show that VAPGs enable recipient businesses to reduce the risk of failing and to provide more jobs than the comparison group.
Examining problem-solving interpretations: The role of age, sex, and femininity

Examining Problem-Solving Interpretations: The Role of Age, Sex, and Femininity Jennifer A. Flinn The current study examined age and sex differences in communal interpretations (statements focusing on the needs of others), and whether participants’ femininity mediated these differences. One hundred and ninety six participants, 121 younger adults (M=19.26, SD=1.31: 53 M, 68 F) and 75 older adults (M=73.74, SD=7.65: 36 M, 39 F), were given a vignette regarding a hypothetical job relocation problem that involved either a male or female protagonist. To assess interpretations, participants were asked to indicate all the issues to be considered. The degree to which interpretations reflected communal concerns was coded. Results showed that women had higher communal interpretation scores and higher femininity means than did men in the study. Femininity was not demonstrated as a mediator of age and sex differences in communal interpretations. Implications for understanding how interpretations may affect the problem-solving process and implications for future research are discussed.
Parental Beliefs and Children’s Metacognitive Awareness

Metacognition is the knowledge a person has of his or her thinking and of things related to that thinking process (Flavell, 1979). Children with metacognitive awareness have better self-management and time and activity management (Brown & Smiley, 1978; Schraw & Dennison, 1994). Parents’ beliefs and behavior influence their children’s cognitive development (S. Miller 1988; Carr et al, 1989). The aim of this study determines the influence of parental beliefs on children’s metacognitive awareness. This study has a quantitative design, incorporating a self-report questionnaire, namely the Parental Beliefs Questionnaire (PBQ) or the Junior Metacognitive Awareness Inventory (Jr. MAI), depending on surveyed population. The participants are 64 parents and 64 students in the fourth grade from three schools. The results of PBQ regression analysis undertaken on the results of Jr. MAI do not show a significant relationship, with a significance-test value of 0.742. For further research, first, addition of participant is needed; second, addition of variables such as teacher beliefs and parental behavior may be needed in the next study.
High-Frequency Trading Activities and Brokerage Firms Effect : Empirical Evidence From the Indonesia Stock Exchange

This research studies the trading activity of type of traders through their brokers. Order imbalance is believed to be a better proxy for explaining trading activity. This paper presents some empirical test that on brokerage level analysis exhibit information paradigm in Indonesia which market makers and specialist are not available. We divide imbalances into groups of samples (all stocks and most liquid stocks), trader type (foreign or domestic) and size of brokerage firm (small to big). Our results show that order imbalances generally have a positive serial correlation for all the traders and brokers analyzed. However, we find that the determinant of order imbalances is a particular phenomenon at the brokerage level, whose results differ from our market-wide analysis. We do not find that previous order imbalances can predict market returns across trader type and brokerage class. In contrast, for the inventory paradigm, the evidence from the brokerage level analysis indicates that information dissemination is induced order imbalance by brokerage house.
On the conflation of purpose and meaning in life: A qualitative study of high school and college student conceptions

Abstract A minimal amount of information is known about how adolescents and emerging adults construe purpose and meaning in life, leaving many researchers to assume youth think about these constructs consistent with scientific understandings. In this preregistered study, we compared adolescent and emerging adult conceptions of purpose and meaning using directed content analysis. High school and college students were randomly assigned to write about purpose, meaning, or a control topic. Themes mentioned within the written samples did not significantly differ across purpose and meaning conditions, and this pattern did not significantly vary between adolescents and emerging adults. However, many who wrote about meaning mentioned purpose explicitly, suggesting nuanced differentiation. These findings can inform how purpose and meaning are studied and the development of future interventions.
PATIENTS SAFETY CULTURE DEVELOPMENT IN JAMBI PUBLIC HOSPITAL

Background: Patient safety is a serious issue in a healthcare organization. Building a patient safety culture is the first step in the improvement of safety. As patient safety culture is an inherent component of organizational culture; therefore, a study of organizational culture is required to develop it. This study aims to analyze the patient safety culture and identify the profile of the organizational culture in the hospital to find strategies to improve the patient safety culture. Methods: This study was used the quantitative study using a cross-sectional research method, followed by a qualitative method to get descriptive information. This research conducted in Jambi Public Hospital, Indonesia with 128 respondents. Data were obtained from a survey by the HSOPSC (Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture) questionnaire and OCAI (Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument. Focus Group Discussion was conducted to identify obstacles and expectations in the implementation of patient safety culture . Results: The highest positive perceptions are organizational learning and continuous improvement (90.6%) and teamwork within units (78.91%). While "staffing" (39.25) and "non-punitive responses to errors" (38.54 %) are the weakest dimension of patient safety. The most dominant type of organizational culture, followed by a hierarchy with a minimal score difference. This cultural assessment serves as a guide for changes with a quality strategy of clan culture and hierarchy culture were decided in the development of patients safety culture in this hospital. Conclusion : The patient safety culture belongs to the moderate culture category, the reporting culture dimension is the weakest. A management’s commitment and staff empowerment, as well as system development, are all needed on the development of a patient safety culture. Further research is required to investigate various factors to develop the reporting culture.
Tooth-colored Restoration in Molars: Three Case Reports

As technology progresses, the basic desires and expectations of humans are also increasing day by day. Esthetics is becoming the prime concern of patients even more than treatment. Here comes the role of esthetic restorations for anterior teeth as well as posterior teeth. An inlay or onlay is a more conservative and long-lasting way of restoring the tooth than metal filling, composite, and even a crown. Inlays are intracoronal restoration which may cap one or more, but not all of the cusps, and onlays are also a type of intracoronal restoration which cap all of the cusps of tooth. Most indirect restorations are made on a replica of the prepared tooth in a dental laboratory by a trained technician. Ceramic inlays and onlays have become popular not only because of patient demand for esthetic, durable restorative materials, but also because of recent improvements in materials, fabrication techniques, and bonding systems. The traditional fillings reduce the tooth strength by up to 50% whereas inlay or onlay made up of high-strength porcelain or ceramic can actu-ally increase tooth strength up to 75% and lasting 10 to 30 years. Therefore, maximum amount of tooth structure is conserved with the help of inlay and onlay as compared with crown. And the strength provided by tooth itself is much higher than any restorative material, the best way to maintain and improve the strength of tooth is preservation of the tooth tooth were supragingivally located, and the mesiobuccal width of proximal region was significantly wide, which drew the treatment plan toward indirect restoration instead of direct for better prognosis. esthetics prime
A Comparative Study on the Attitude of Nurses and Patients Towards Euthanasia

Background : In recent years, due to the remarkable advances in medical science and the long-term livelihood of patients, a new concept of death has become important. These advances have changed the concept of death for people, doctors and nurses. The suffering of patients, on the one hand, and the heavy cost of treatment imposed upon patients or families, on the other hand, raise the issue of euthanasia. The purpose of this study was to determine the attitudes of nurses and patients towards euthanasia. Methodology : This study was descriptive-analytic in the second half of 1394 and to compare and compare the attitude of nurses and patients in relation to the euthanasia. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results: The mean score of nurses' attitudes toward euthanasia was 54.89. So that 146 nurses had attitude score less than 60. Therefore, most nurses had a negative attitude toward euthanasia and did not agree with it. Also, in the group of patients, the mean score of attitude is 56.49, so that 131 patients had an attitude score of less than 60, which indicates that the group is opposed to euthanasia. Conclusion : Comparison of scores in the patients' and nurses' groups suggests that the nurses' group is opposed to the category of euthanasia. Abstract