Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Benefits Analysis of Nitrogen Dioxide Control Programmes: A Case-study of Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

The objectives of this case-study were to apply a benefits valuation method to assess the economic benefits of past environmental policies relating to nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) in Chiyoda Ward (Chiyoda-ku), Tokyo, and to validate the results by comparing them with results obtained by other researchers. Our point estimates of the numbers of additional cases of respiratory illness which would have occurred had there been no NO2 pollution control were 110 000 cases of phlegm in adults (population 35 910) and 71 000 cases in workers (population 23 143), and 16 000 cases of lower respiratory illness in children aged 5-12 years (population 2812) during a 1-year period. Our point estimate of medical costs in adults and children plus the cost of lost wages for workers and working mothers was ¥6.2 billion (US$52 million). For duration of illness and medical treatment costs, and certain illness occurrence rates, our estimated and calculated values fell within the range of values reported by other researchers. For lost wages among sick workers and working mothers, and some other rates of illness, our estimated values were higher. Overall, our results appear more likely to be underestimates than overestimates due to several unquantified benefits. Our calculations of health impacts avoided suggest that pollution control policies successfully prevented a large expense to the society in extra medical care and lost work time.
A Return to Contract? Performance Related Pay in a Public Service

Performance related pay (PRP) schemes, which link salary to the results of an individual performance assessment, have spread rapidly through the public services in recent years and are often regarded as indicators of a fundamental shift in the employment relationship. This article tests the latter claim by considering evidence on the purposes and effects of PRP in local government. It seeks to determine whether PRP represents a `return to contract' in public service employment, characterised by a precise specification and monitoring of the wage-work bargain by management. The conclusion is that, while some aspects of PRP conform to the contractual model others do not and the study attests to the ability of public sector organisations to absorb, deflect and modify new management techniques transposed from the private sector.
On Bond Ratings and Pension Obligations: A Note

Financial analysts have been intrigued by bond ratings since John Moody first started publishing them in 1909. Bond ratings are assigned by three agencies (Moody's, Standard and Poor's (S&P), and Fitch); these ratings are widely publicized and are, therefore, critically important. A bond's rating affects investors' purchase decisions and, consequently, the issuing firm's cost of debt and, indirectly, its cost of equity.
The Crosstalk of c-MET with Related Receptor Tyrosine Kinases in Urothelial Bladder Cancer

RTKs are often deregulated in human malignancies, contributing to cancer development and progression. Deregulation of RTKs leads to aberrant receptor activity resulting in in‐ creased cell proliferation, inhibition of apoptosis, invasion, and enhanced tumor metastases. Because RTKs are membrane proteins, they represent attractive targets for cancer therapy, with a number of agents already approved for clinical use.
Planting Trees to Mitigate Climate Change: Contested Discourses of Ecological Modernization, Green Governmentality and Civic Environmentalism

Forest plantations or so-called carbon sinks have played a critical role in the climate change negotiations and constitute a central element in the scheme to limit atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations set out by the Kyoto Protocol. This paper examines dominant discursive framings of forest plantation projects in the climate regime. A central proposition is that these projects represent a microcosm of competing and overlapping discourses that are mirrored in debates of global environmental governance. While the win-win discourse of ecological modernization has legitimized the inclusion of sink projects in the Kyoto Protocol, a green governmentality discourse has provided the scientific rationale necessary to turn tropical tree-plantation projects operational on the emerging carbon market. A critical civic environmentalism discourse has contested forest sink projects depicting them as unjust and environmentally unsound strategies to mitigate climate change. The article examines the articulation and institutionalization of these discourses in the climate negotiation process as well as the wider implications for environmental governance. Copyright (c) 2006 by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Study of anxiety and depression in cervical cancer survivors.

e20644 Background: Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths among women in Korea. However, few studies have been conducted to elucidate the psychological distress of this population. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of anxiety and depression among cervical cancer survivors, and to identify factors associated with such caseness. METHODS A total of 832 cervical cancer survivors recruited from six large hospitals in Korea completed a mailed survey, which included the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30, and QLQ-CX24. Anxiety and depression were defined by a score of ≥ 8 on the HADS subscales. With a framework that included socio-demographic, clinical, and symptom characteristics, multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with anxiety and depression. RESULTS Among cervical cancer survivors, 34.3% reported HADS-defined anxiety and 39.7% reported HADS-defined depression. Anxiety was associated with having a lower income (OR=1.95, p=.021), smoking (OR=2.42, p=.002), poor body image (OR=3.26, p<.001), peripheral neuropathy (OR=2.21, p=.002), menopausal symptoms (OR=2.02, p=.004), and sexual inactivity (OR=2.35, p=.001). Depression was associated with younger age (OR=1.75, p=.006), having a lower income (OR=2.14 p<.001), drinking (OR=1.56, p=.050), poor body image (OR=4.59, p<.001), peripheral neuropathy (OR=2.34, p<.001), and sexual inactivity (OR=2.68, p=.002). Both anxiety and depression were influenced by socio-demographic factors, health behaviors, and cervical cancer-specific symptom characteristics rather than cancer- or treatment-related factors. CONCLUSIONS Anxiety and depression were highly prevalent among cervical cancer survivors in Korea. This examination of risk factors for anxiety and depression will be helpful for the development of clinical management strategies in cervical cancer survivors. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
pVHL: A Multipurpose Adaptor Protein

Mutations in the von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor gene VHL occur in various inherited and sporadically occurring tumors. The protein encoded by VHL—pVHL—bears no known enzymatic activities but interacts with numerous protein partners. With the identification of distinct pVHL-containing multiprotein complexes, a refined portrait of pVHL tumor suppressor function has arisen. In general, pVHL acts as a multipurpose adaptor protein that controls a diverse array of gene expression programs, as well as extracellular matrix assembly and microtubule-based processes, by linking various target proteins to appropriate enzymatic activities. These findings provide an evermore complex but coherent view of how pVHL functions molecularly and of the consequences of dysregulation of these diverse molecular activities on tumor formation.
Trust as a moderator of the relationship between organizational learning and marketing capabilities: Evidence from Spanish SMEs

In the current environment of technological change and increased competition, it is more important than ever for small- and medium-sized enterprises to develop competitive advantages that enable them to consolidate their market position. This research analyses the links among organizational learning (OL), operational marketing capability, and performance in such organizations. In particular, interpersonal trust may moderate the positive impact of OL on the development of marketing capabilities. This study is based on a nationwide survey of 163 small- and medium-sized Spanish industrial firms. The results confirm the existence of the moderating effect, as well as the positive influence of OL on performance.
Strategic, Organizational, and Operational Challenges of Product Innovation in China

OVERVIEW: Although there are several studies highlighting the best new-product development (NPD) practices of Western firms, we know very little about the NPD practices of Chinese firms. Understanding Chinese NPD practices will be helpful not only for Chinese firms to improve their NPD but also for Western firms interested in engaging in NPD in China. This paper presents a survey study highlighting major strategic, organizational, and operational aspects of the NPD practices of Chinese Hong Kong firms and identifying related challenges. It compares the results with Western NPD practices, discusses why Chinese and Western NPD practices might differ, and highlights the implications of the results for both Chinese and Western firms.
Cannabinoids reduce levodopa-induced dyskinesia in Parkinson’s disease: A pilot study

The lateral segment of the globus pallidus (GPl) is thought to be overactive in levodopa-induced dyskinesia in PD. Stimulation of cannabinoid receptors in the GPl reduces γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) reuptake and enhances GABA transmission and may thus alleviate dyskinesia. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial (n = 7), the authors demonstrate that the cannabinoid receptor agonist nabilone significantly reduces levodopa-induced dyskinesia in PD.
An Assessment of Resilience: Disaster Management and Recovery for Greater New Orleans’ Hotels

While numerous studies have examined the disaster-related challenges of residential populations, little research has documented the effects of disasters on businesses in the tourism industry (Drabek, 2000). As with residential circumstances, effective and efficient preparation, speedy response, and strategic recovery following disasters are crucial for tourism businesses. In this research, Greater New Orleans hotels are examined to assess their resiliency when handling the effects of Hurricane Gustav. Specifically, this research examines (a) the reasons for and effects of business closure, (b) the impact of losing lifeline services (e.g., electricity and telephone service), and (c) the human resource challenges that were caused by the disaster. In a study involving a representative sample of hotels, results indicated that 88% closed to the general public before the hurricane and were closed for an average of four days. Approximately 13% of hotels lost power, 17% lost telephone services, and 42% lost the minimum base of employees needed to continue providing full guest service. Findings also indicated that many of the challenges faced by hoteliers were connected to human resource factors. The results of this research are important to managers because it provides an illustration that could aid in future disaster management planning.
Facilitation of Serotonergic Activity and Amnesia in Rats Caused by Intravenous Anesthetics

Background:Midazolam and propofol often provoke retrograde amnesia after recovery from anesthesia in humans. Because an increase in central serotonergic activity impairs learning and memory, the authors examined the relation between changes in the serotonergic activity caused by intravenous anesthetics and memory. Methods:Changes in extracellular concentrations of monoamines and their metabolites were investigated in rat striatum by a microdialysis procedure, and the effects of intraperitoneal injections of midazolam (5 mg/kg), propofol (60 mg/kg), and pentobarbital (15 mg/kg) were then examined. To evaluate the behavioral alteration with these agents, the authors used a step-through passive avoidance test. Results:Midazolam and propofol slightly increased the extracellular concentration of 5-hydroxytryptamine in the striatum, although pentobarbital did not produce any changes. Midazolam and propofol increased the extracellular concentration of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, a metabolite of 5-hydroxytryptamine, with the peak values each 138% and 138% of that in saline-injected animals, respectively. However, pentobarbital decreased the 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid concentration to 61% of that in the saline group. Administration of midazolam or propofol immediately after the completing the passive avoidance learning reduced step-through latencies after 24 h, although pentobarbital-injected animals maintained a consistent performance. The effects of midazolam and propofol on step-through latencies were completely antagonized by intracerebroventricular administration of spiroxatrine (5 &mgr;g), a 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A antagonist, 30 min before training. Conclusions:Midazolam and propofol increased central serotonergic activity and provoked retrograde amnesia. Because amnesia was completely diminished by a 5-hydroxytryptamine antagonist, facilitation of the serotonergic system may be involved in retrograde amnesia caused by these agents.
Exploring Academic Procrastination Among Turkish Students: Possible Gender Differences in Prevalence and Reasons

The authors examined the prevalence of and reasons, or excuses, for academic procrastination as a function of gender and academic grade level. In Study 1, a factor analysis of responses by 203 Turkish undergraduate students to an academic procrastination measure provided evidence of reliability and validity for the revised scale. In Study 2, 784 students (363 women, 421 men; M age = 20.6 years, SD age = 1.74 years) completed the validated Turkish Procrastination Assessment Scale-Students. The results were that 52% of students self-reported frequent academic procrastination, with male students reporting more frequent procrastination on academic tasks than female students. Significantly more female students than male students reported greater academic procrastination because of fear of failure and laziness; male students reported more academic procrastination as a result of risk taking and rebellion against control than did female students.
Efficiency and scale economies in banking in new EU countries

In this paper, we provide empirical evidence on bank cost-efficiency in transition countries. Our estimates of the cost-efficiency using a distribution-free approach suggests that among the countries analysed, Estonia, Latvia and Slovenia display the highest X-efficiency while the Czech Republic and Poland show the lowest X-efficiency. Reported X-inefficiency is found to be lowest in the segment of foreign banks that were on average more efficient than other banks. The efficiency of small and foreign banks was also higher when compared with large state-owned banks. Results also indicate that economies of scale decrease with bank size.
Signal-Bandwidth Evaluation for Power Measurements in Electric Automotive Drives

The determination of the efficiency of an electric motor or an inverter in an electric vehicle requires power measurements on the ac side of the inverter. Voltage and current signals arise there from the switching operation of the inverter and are therefore hardly bandlimited. The finite bandwidth of measurement devices, like sensors or ADCs, yields to a bandwidth limitation of the measured signals. This limitation modifies the measured signals and has an effect on the calculated power. Measurement uncertainty considerations require the evaluation of the relation between this bandwidth limitation and the resulting error in the power measurement. This relation allows then for evaluating the significance of the spectral components for the power calculation and the decision which components are relevant and must not be filtered out by a bandwidth limitation. This paper presents an evaluation method for determining the bandwidth limitation error and identifies critical quantities in a numerical study.
Molecular Mechanisms of CD200 Inhibition of Mast Cell Activation

CD200 and its receptor CD200R are both type I membrane glycoproteins that contain two Ig-like domains. Engagement of CD200R by CD200 inhibits activation of myeloid cells. Unlike the majority of immune inhibitory receptors, CD200R lacks an ITIM in the cytoplasmic domain. The molecular mechanism of CD200R inhibition of myeloid cell activation is unknown. In this study, we examined the CD200R signaling pathways that control degranulation of mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells. We found that upon ligand binding, CD200R is phosphorylated on tyrosine and subsequently binds to adapter proteins Dok1 and Dok2. Upon phosphorylation, Dok1 binds to SHIP and both Dok1 and Dok2 recruit RasGAP, which mediates the inhibition of the Ras/MAPK pathways. Activation of ERK, JNK, and p38 MAPK are all inhibited by CD200R engagement. The reduced activation of these MAPKs is responsible for the observed inhibition of mast cell degranulation and cytokine production. Similar signaling events were also observed upon CD200R engagement in mouse peritoneal cells. These data define a novel inhibitory pathway used by CD200R in modulating mast cell function and help to explain how engagement of this receptor in vivo regulates myeloid cell function.
Recommodifying Housing in Formerly “Red” Vienna?

Abstract Among West European cities, Vienna stands out as a case that has developed a particularly large decommodified housing stock over the twentieth century. The city’s housing model has also shown greater stability against wider recommodification trends since the 1980s. This paper centres on two policy changes since the mid-1990s: first, the local government has ceased to provide council housing and is now entirely relying on non-profit associations for the provision of social rental housing. Second, the national government has liberalized rent regulation in the private rental market. The first part of the paper introduces these changes, discusses how they represent steps towards greater market influence and how they put pressure on decommodified housing, particularly since the mid-2000s. The second part argues that the reforms have initiated a dualization trend among low-income households, forging a division between market insiders and outsiders. The third part reflects whether the policy changes mean that Vienna is also increasingly incorporated into broader recommodification trends. We argue that substantial decommodification policies have remained in place, although they have been severely weakened by recommodification attempts. Representations of Vienna as an exceptional case without significant recommodification, however, should be questioned.
Alonso’s Systemic Model: A Review and Representation

This article reviews the development of Alonso’s systemic model and presents a seemingly meaningful new departure. It first traces the evolution of Alonso’s own views of the model and then surveys the various efforts of estimating the model and interpretations by other researchers. Issues and problems are identified. A model representing the observed data in terms of the variables in the systemic model is proposed. It is shown that the model is identifiable, interpretable without ambiguity, and can be used for predictive use as well. Further extensions and research issues are discussed.
Transaction Costs as Determinants of Vertical Coordination in the U.S. Food Industries

Vertical coordination is a more comprehensive concept than vertical integration, capturing market, contractual, and ownership coordination. Williamson suggests that transaction costs motivate the use of nonmarket arrangements to vertically coordinate production. This paper presents a vertical coordination index incorporating industry input-output relationships and nonmarket arrangements. In an econometric analysis, the vertical coordination index is utilized to examine transaction cost effects on food industry vertical linkages. Empirical results support the hypothesis that transaction costs are a primary motivation to vertically coordinate via nonmarket arrangements. Results also suggest the vertical coordination index is more robust than traditional vertical integration measure.
Fairness, Consumer Consciousness and the Welfare of Less Developed Countries

Activist organizations, interest groups, unions and media reveal information about labour standards. In a world where some consumers are not self-interested, the price of a product made by a multinational enterprise and the latter's location and production decisions depend on the difference in labour standards between developed and less developed countries. We study the effect of an increase in the fraction of informed inequity-averse consumers on the behaviour of multinational frms, on the equilibrium level of labour standards and on the welfare of workers in the less developed countries. An increase in activism deteriorates labour practices and decreases welfare.
Geographies of Housing Finance: The Mortgage Market in Milan, Italy

The geography of financial exclusion has mainly focused on exclusion from retail banking. Alternatively, and following the work of David Harvey, this paper presents a geography of access to and exclusion from home mortgage finance. The case of Milan shows that capital switching to the built environment is partly a sign of economic crisis and partly a sign of the intrinsic opportunities that the built environment provides. A major factor in both is the deregulation of the mortgage market that has enabled the loosening of historically stringent lending criteria, leading to a tremendous growth of the mortgage market, while leaving the co-evolution of family and home ownership intact. In addition, capital switches within sectors of the economy and between places. In Milan, once "unattractive" but currently gentrified nineteenth-century districts underwent cycles of devalorisation and revalorisation. Even though access to mortgages has increased throughout Milan, geographical disparities in mortgage lending persist: at present, yellowlining (differential access, based on less favourable terms) is common in parts of the Milanese periphery. The creation of boundaries makes the realisation of class-monopoly rent possible; while the subsequent redrawing of these boundaries creates new submarkets in which surplus value can be extracted. Based on the Milan case, one cannot explain the timing and geography of formation and reformation of submarkets in other cities, but it helps us to see how Harvey's abstract ideas of class-monopoly rent, submarket creation, and capital switching take place in the real world.
Market Price of Risk: A Comparison Among the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and Japan

This study examines and compares the market price of risk of the S&P 500, FTSE 100, All Ordinaries, and Nikkei 225 markets from 1984 to 2009 in the framework of Intertemporal Capital Asset Pricing Model (ICAPM). We follow the Vector Autoregressive instrumental variable approach in identifying the risk and hedge components of market returns and argue that in the context of market integration, covariance with a world market portfolio is a better measure of market risk than conditional market variance. Evidence is documented in support of using covariance as a risk measure in explaining market risk premiums in the Australian and Japanese markets. CAY, the consumption wealth ratio from the US market is found to be a robust state variable that helps to explain both conditional variance and covariance processes in the four markets. The market prices of risk, after controlling for the hedging demands, are positive and significant with the United States having the highest price of risk. The results are confirmed using a series of robustness tests that include varying the sampling interval.