Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Social Insurance and the Contributory Principle: A Paradox in Contemporary British Social Policy

At the outset of the twenty-first century, the situation of British National Insurance is one of paradox. Due to socioeconomic changes and successive government policies over the past three decades, the contributory principle, which was a cornerstone of social security reconstruction after World War II, has been in remarkable decline. At the same time contributions to the National Insurance Fund increased significantly and continues to represent a substantial form of total social security revenue. The contributory principle has a broad public appeal, but National Insurance does not figure prominently in public debates and the system is poorly understood. Recent policies have added to the ambiguity as to how far the contributory principle confers social rights, and have further eroded its rationale. The article states that this situation is not matched by developments in other European countries. Despite substantial reforms and heated debates marked by controversy, the prospect for social insurance and the contributory principle appears considerably better than in the UK. One major explanation is, the article argues, the distinctive notion of social insurance in Britain and particularly the lack of “wage-replacement” transfers. Elsewhere in Europe, earnings-related transfers sustain a very different incentive structure, institutional involvement and wider public participation in matters of social insurance.
Deranged sodium to sudden death

In February 2014, a group of scientists convened as part of the University of California Davis Cardiovascular Symposium to bring together experimental and mathematical modelling perspectives and discuss points of consensus and controversy on the topic of sodium in the heart. This paper summarizes the topics of presentation and discussion from the symposium, with a focus on the role of aberrant sodium channels and abnormal sodium homeostasis in cardiac arrhythmias and pharmacotherapy from the subcellular scale to the whole heart. Two following papers focus on Na+ channel structure, function and regulation, and Na+/Ca2+ exchange and Na+/K+ ATPase. The UC Davis Cardiovascular Symposium is a biannual event that aims to bring together leading experts in subfields of cardiovascular biomedicine to focus on topics of importance to the field. The focus on Na+ in the 2014 symposium stemmed from the multitude of recent studies that point to the importance of maintaining Na+ homeostasis in the heart, as disruption of homeostatic processes are increasingly identified in cardiac disease states. Understanding how disruption in cardiac Na+‐based processes leads to derangement in multiple cardiac components at the level of the cell and to then connect these perturbations to emergent behaviour in the heart to cause disease is a critical area of research. The ubiquity of disruption of Na+ channels and Na+ homeostasis in cardiac disorders of excitability and mechanics emphasizes the importance of a fundamental understanding of the associated mechanisms and disease processes to ultimately reveal new targets for human therapy.
Sin Taxes: Do Heterogeneous Responses Undercut Their Value?

This paper estimates the price elasticity of demand for alcohol using Health and Retirement Survey data. To account for unobserved heterogeneity in price responsiveness, we use finite mixture models. We recover two latent groups, one is significantly responsive to price but the other is unresponsive. Differences between these two groups can be explained in part by the behavioral factors of risk aversion, financial planning horizon, forward looking and locus of control. These results have policy implications. Only a subgroup responds significantly to price. Importantly, the unresponsive group drinks more heavily, suggesting that a higher price could fail to curb drinking by those most likely to cause negative externalities. In contrast, those least likely to impose costs on others are more responsive, thus suffering greater deadweight loss yet with less prevention of negative externalities.
The Convergence of Monetary Policy between Candidate Countries and the European Union

We compare the convergence with German monetary policy of the monetary policy of transitioneconomy candidates for EU membership, of non-transition candidates and of countries that have recently joined the EU. We find significant long- and short-run linkages between German base money stock and that of the most recent members of the EU; the same holds true for the nontransition economy candidates. Among the transition economies, the ability to follow the policies of the Bundesbank is weaker or, for some countries, nonexistent. Such weak policy coordination may reflect the need for building up the financial sectors of these countries and allowing for a period in which they tie their policies more closely to that of the ECB.
Student-Athlete Wellbeing and Persistence: An In-depth Look at Student-Athlete Perceptions

Abstract This study investigated student-athlete perceptions of wellbeing and intent to academically persist. The study employed quantitative and qualitative data queries. This paper reports findings from the qualitative data, revealing that the student-athletes: (a) recognized, albeit at times somewhat reluctantly, their role, responsibilities and agency regarding their academic progress, and instructional communications and relationships; (b) acknowledged reliance, appropriately so, on the Athletic Department in terms of assistance in understanding and compliance with NCAA rules, (c) were aware of and made at least limited use of institution-based academic content support services; and (d) saw and valued themselves as students and student-athletes.
Effects of a Conducting Wall on Z-Pinch Stability

The stabilizing effect of a conducting wall on Z-pinch stability has been investigated through a systematic experimental and numerical study. Numerical simulations of a Z-pinch with a cylindrical conducting wall are compared with a case that modeled perforations in the conducting wall. The conducting wall also acts as the return current path for these investigations. Plasma conditions with various pinch sizes were studied numerically to better understand the effect of wall stabilization in Z-pinches. A study using the ZaP Flow Z-Pinch was performed by inserting a 0.35-m perforated section of electrode that has eight longitudinal slots cut from the outer electrode, reducing the conducting wall material by ≈70% . This modification prevents currents from flowing freely along the azimuthal distance of the outer electrode required to stabilize the m = 1, 2, 3 modes, which are experimentally monitored. Operating with identical experimental parameters with and without the perforated electrode was assumed to produce similar equilibrium and flow shear conditions in the pinch. Comparing the stability characteristics isolated the potential effects of the conducting wall. Magnetic data, interferometry, and optical images indicate that the conducting wall does not have a discernible effect on stability in the ZaP experiment. This result agrees with simulations with similar ratios of conducting wall radius to pinch radius.
Rotation crossover and K-site move mutation for evolutionary protein folding in 3D FCC HP model (preliminary version)

In this paper we present a new evolutionary algorithm for the protein folding problem. We study the problem in the 3D FCC HP model which has been widely used in previous research. Our focus is to develop evolutionary algorithms (EA) which are robust, easy to operate and can handle various energy functions. We propose lattice rotation for crossover and K-site move for mutation, which form the key components of our evolutionary algorithms. Experiment shows that our algorithms are able to find minimum-energy conformations for many sequences whose optimal conformations are not found in previous EA-based algorithms. Furthermore, our idea can be easily integrated into Monte Carlo and Tabu searches as approaches for local searches.
The Existence of International Trade Equilibrium with Trade Tax-Subsidy Distortions

A typical proof of the existence of a perfectly competitive market equilibrium employs an appropriately continuous price-to-price mapping that depends on excess demands. If trade tax-subsidy distortions are introduced into the model, the excess demand mappings may have disconnected image sets and destroy the continuity of the price-to-price mapping. This difficulty is overcome by developing a technique which explicitly takes account of the dependence of demand on both income and prices and simultaneously solves for equilibrium prices and income levels for all agents. This technique is then applied to establish two existence theorems for models of international trade with trade tax-subsidy distortions.
THE VALUE RELEVANCE OF GERMAN ACCOUNTING MEASURES: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS

In this study we compare the value relevance of accounting measures for U.S. and German firms matched on industry and firm size, and evaluate the incremental informativeness of earnings adjusted on the basis of a formula proposed by analysts. German companies have been at the center of a controversy between the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The controversy arises from the SEC's insistence that, to list on a U.S. stock exchange, non-U.S. companies must reconcile earnings and shareholders' equity to U.S. generally accepted accounting practice (U.S.-GAAP) (Fuerbringer [ 1992] and Jarrell [ 1992] )41 The NYSE 's concern has been that
Psychologic Management of Brace Therapy for Patients With Idiopathic Scoliosis

Study Design. A trial of brace therapy modified by a measured personality pattern of patients with idiopathic scoliosis was performed. Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of performing personality tests for patients with idiopathic scoliosis who undergo brace therapy. Summary of Background Data. Brace therapy has often been used for the treatment of scoliosis. However, emotional distress can result from this therapy. Few attempts have been made to reduce such stress. Methods. A test using the Maudsley Personality Inventory was performed on 145 adolescent females with idiopathic scoliosis, treated with brace therapy alone, before the start of brace therapy and 1 month after the start of brace therapy. On the basis of test results, the patients were rated as normal type and four abnormal types. Brace therapy was continued considering the personality pattern of patients. For all patients, changes in psychologic test results, compliance with braces wearing instructions, and correction of scoliosis were analyzed. Result. Of the 134 patients rated as normal before the start of therapy, 108 patients were rated as abnormal pattern when tested 1 month after the start of therapy. After performing autogenic training for patients with E−N+ and E−N− personalities, and giving advice to school teachers to decrease the emotional stress for patients with E+N+ personality, 47 patients were finally rated as abnormal pattern. In total, 12 (8%) of the 145 patients dropped out. In dropouts, the average pretreatment deformity of 29° (range: 21°–37°) had increased to an average of 37° (range, 31°–48°). Conclusion. Psychologic tests may be useful and provide a means of modifying brace therapy tailored to the psychologic conditions of individual patients.
The characteristics and motivational decisions of outdoor adventure tourists: a review and analysis

The growing demand for outdoor adventure tourism activities, and the rapid growth in associated industry supply, means we need an improved understanding of outdoor adventure tourists. The paper considers the characteristics and motives of outdoor adventure tourists, as well as the influence of experience, age and gender on their motives. This is based, firstly, on a critical review of the relatively much more extensive literature on outdoor adventure activity participants for insights into the character and motives of outdoor adventure tourists. The paper also focuses, secondly, on an original case study of mountaineer tourists in Chamonix, France. Results from the case study of mountaineer tourists are evaluated against the research themes and gaps identified from the review of literature on outdoor adventure activity participants, including outdoor adventure tourists. It is shown how outdoor adventure tourists are a diverse group. Motivational similarities and differences exist between these tourists and their outdoor recreational counterparts. Experience, age and gender influence the motives and motivational differences among outdoor adventure activity participants. It is noted that there is considerable scope for further research on outdoor adventure tourists, including mountaineer tourists, and potential new research directions are identified for the specific themes examined in the paper.
Online Dating and Mating: The Use of the Internet to Meet Sexual Partners

Australia has experienced a large increase in Internet usage, and online dating is used for seeking romantic and sexual partners. Using a qualitative approach, 15 people who use online dating took part in in-depth, online chat interviews. Nearly all participants used multiple dating sites to seek partners and making use of email, chat and webcam to engage with, assess, validate and qualify their potential sexual partners. They would “filter” the identity of other online daters before taking further actions. They used an array of filters and filtering processes to determine when and how they might progress to face-to-face meetings with these other online daters, and if and how there might be sexual outcomes from these meetings. Participants filtered using the text, photographs, chat, and webcam opportunities available online, and followed progressive personalized steps in communication and engagement in the lead-up to meeting other online daters in person.
Understanding the Image of Self-Contained and Serviced Apartments

Self-contained and serviced apartments (SCSAs) are a primary offering at some destinations. To improve offerings for this type of accommodation, and consequently the competitiveness of the destination, understanding the direct or composite variables (i.e., dimensions that determine the image of SCSAs and the variables’ effect on the overall image of the accommodation product) is important. However, despite the apparent importance for commercial success, no previous research analyzed the nature of this image. This study, conducted in Gran Canaria, Canary Islands (Spain), encompasses a sample of 271 tourists, lodged at SCSAs, who completed a questionnaire at the airport departure terminal. An exploratory factor analysis examined both dimensions (cognitive and affective) followed by a logistic regression to analyze the influence of the different dimensions on the overall image of SCSAs. The empirical results suggest that, indeed, both main dimensions influence SCSAs’ overall image. For SCSAs on the Canary Islands, affective image is the formation of one factor—“SCSA’s affective image”—whereas cognitive image forms from seven factors. The logistic regression of the data further revealed that “SCSA affective image” is the most influential factor on SCSAs’ overall image, followed by four cognitive factors: “Personnel and cleanliness,” “Primary services,” “Outdoor areas,” and “Kitchen. ” Such prioritizing provides destination marketing organizations with detailed information for better integrating marketing initiatives and, for owners, measures directed toward improving SCSA services and facilities.
Renminbi in Ordinary Economies: A Demand‐Side Study of Currency Globalization

Most studies of renminbi internationalization focus on the supply side, by examining China's own economic and political conditions. In contrast, this study addresses the demand side of renminbi internationalization, by providing an in-depth analysis of renminbi use in ordinary foreign economies from both economic and political perspectives, with a particular focus on South Korea, China's next-door neighbor. The study finds that sustainable indigenous market forces facilitating renminbi use in South Korea remain weak, despite the country's close economic ties with China. This research also shows, however, that the Korean Government has itself recently been able, through its policy measures, to generate new domestic support for greater use of the renminbi. These findings ultimately highlight the significant impact on the internationalization of a currency of the politics in the foreign countries using it.
Board characteristics and audit pricing post-Cadbury: a research note

This paper examines the impact of board and audit committee characteristics on the audit fee paid by large UK companies in the post-Cadbury period. Our results suggest that audit fees remain predominantly influenced by the size, complexity and risk of the audit client. Additionally, we find that companies operating in regulated industries pay lower audit fees. Despite the increased emphasis on internal governance mechanisms, we find no evidence that board and audit committee characteristics influence auditors' pricing decisions. The absence of a relationship suggests that any fee reductions expected due to improved board monitoring may be counterbalanced by the increased audit effort and assurances desired by non-executive directors.
The value of water connections in Central American cities: a revealed preference study

ABSTRACT We estimate annualized values of access to home tap water in three cities in El Salvador, and marginal ‘barrios’ in four Guatemalan cities, using a hedonic price method for studying changes in capitalized home values from obtaining a water connection. A tap water connection is found to add from 10 per cent to 52 per cent to sales values of homes in our sample. The estimated mean values of gaining tap water access represent 1–5 per cent of real household income, differing by city and with generally higher values in El Salvador. On average this gain eliminates between 1 per cent and 3 per cent of the initial difference in real incomes between the groups of connected and unconnected households. We also find large differences in the value of a tap connection depending on the main source of non-tap water, with lowest values when the source is a private well in El Salvador.
FDI and economic activity in Africa: The role of local financial markets

This article examines the role local financial markets play in the link between foreign direct investment (FDI) and economic activity. The article uses panel data methods on 32 African countries over the period 1997 to 2008. Our results show that FDI only has a significant effect on economic activity when interacted with financial market variables, namely, private-sector credit and savings. The results of this study imply that FDI is more productive in the presence of well-functioning local financial markets. African governments must therefore pay particular attention to developing further local financial markets to ensure full economic benefits of FDI inflows. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The impact of trade liberalization and the fiscal equalization transfer policy on provincial income disparities in Canada: an application of GMM estimation

This article uses the Solow growth model and the panel data method to examine the effect of trade liberalization and the federal equalization transfers on income convergence among Canadian provinces between 1981 and 2006. Estimation problems of weak instruments and endogenous regressors are addressed by the use of a system Generalized Method of Moment (GMM) estimator. The results from the empirical analysis indicate that the current rate of convergence of Personal Income (PI) in Canada is 4.41% per year. This rate is considerably higher than the range of 1.80 and 2.41% per year that previous studies using least-square estimators have reported. The findings from the policy analysis show that the launching and expansion of the North America regional integration have de-accelerated the convergence speed for Canadian provinces by 3.99 and 3.15% per year, respectively. However, consistent with the results from previous studies, the fiscal transfers, which are part of the federal equalization programme, have accelerated the convergence speed for Canadian provinces.
Targeted expression of shibirets and semaphorin 1a reveals critical periods for synapse formation in the giant fiber of Drosophila

In order to determine the timing of events during the assembly of a neural circuit in Drosophila we targeted expression of the temperature-sensitive shibire gene to the giant fiber system and then disrupted endocytosis at various times during development. The giant fiber retracted its axon or incipient synapses when endocytosis was blocked at critical times, and we perceived four phases to giant fiber development: an early pathfinding phase, an intermediate phase of synaptogenesis, a late stabilization process and, finally, a mature synapse. By co-expressing shibirets and semaphorin 1a we provided evidence that Semaphorin 1a was one of the proteins being regulated by endocytosis and its removal was a necessary part of the program for synaptogenesis. Temporal control of targeted expression of the semaphorin 1a gene showed that acute excess Semaphorin 1a had a permanent disruptive effect on synapse formation.
Individual Purchase Criteria for Energy-Related Durables: The Misuse of Life Cycle Cost

Although life-cycle costing is standard among economists, the results of most analyses bear no relationship to the behavior of individuals. Discount rates inferred from observations of purchases are much higher than routinely assumed by economists. This note contends that the disparity between life-cycle decisionmaking and individual decisionmaking is not the result of irrational behavior by individuals but the result of inappropriate assumptions about individual discount rates by economists. 27 references, 1 table.
Household vulnerability to income poverty

M uch attention has been given to the measurement and analysis of poverty. Official poverty statistics have been generated by the Philippine Statistical System since 1987 as sourced from income data from the Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES) and regularly released every three years. At the global front, the World Bank also comes up with its own estimates of consumption poverty. Nongovernment organizations (NGOs) such as the Social Weather Stations (SWS), meanwhile, monitor poverty on a quarterly basis by asking household heads’ perception on their state (or nonstate) of poverty. All these statistics provide different dimensions of poverty.