Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Spatial Analysis of Loop Closing Among Recycling, Remanufacturing, and Waste Treatment Firms in Texas

Industrial ecology has emerged as a key strategy for improving environmental conditions. A central element of industrial ecology is the concept of closing the loop in material use (cycling) by directing used material and products (wastes) back to production processes. This article examines the issue of geographic scale and loop closing for heterogeneous wastes through an analysis of the location and materials flows of a set of recycling, remanufacturing, recycling manufacturing, and waste treatment (RRWT) firms in Texas. The results suggest that there is no preferable scale at which loop closing should be organized. RRWT firms are ubiquitous and operate successfully throughout the settlement hierarchy. The cycling boundaries of RRWT firms are dependent primarily upon how and where their products are redirected to production processes rather than the firm's location in the settlement hierarchy. In other words, loop closing is dominated by the spatial economic logic of the transactions of the firm involved. These results suggest that we cannot assign loop closing to any particular spatial scale a priori nor can we conceive of closing the loop via RRWT firms in terms of monolithic networks bounded in space or place with internal material flows.
An improved heuristic algorithm for frequency assignment in nonhomogeneous cellular mobile networks

We present an improved heuristic sequential algorithm for fixed frequency assignment in mobile radio systems with nonequal cells. This algorithm models the problem using nonbinary constraints and accounts for the interference level and the number of channel requirements to define a degree of difficulty for each cell in order to establish the sequence for the assignment process. Improvements with respect to an existing algorithm are done by accounting for transmitting power and adjacent channel interference, and by introducing a more accurate urban propagation model.
Beyond the Cholinergic Hypothesis: Do Current Drugs Work in Alzheimer's Disease?

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by memory and cognitive loss, and represents the leading cause of dementia in elderly people. Besides the complex biochemical processes involved in the neuronal degeneration (formation of senile plaques containing Aβ peptides, and development of neurofibrillary tangles), other molecular and neurochemical alterations, like cholinergic deficit due to basal forebrain degeneration, also occur. Because acetylcholine has been demonstrated to be involved in cognitive processes, the idea to increase acetylcholine levels to restore cognitive deficits has gained interest (the so‐called cholinergic hypothesis). This has led to the development of drugs able to prevent acetylcholine hydrolysis (acetylcholinesterase inhibitors). However, the analysis of clinical efficacy of these drugs in alleviating symptoms of dementia showed unsatisfactory results. Despite such critical opinions on the efficacy of these drugs, it should be said that acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, and for some aspects memantine also, improve memory and other cognitive functions throughout most of the duration of the disease. The pharmacological activity of these drugs suggests an effect beyond the mere increase of acetylcholine levels. These considerations are in agreement with the idea that cognitive decline is the result of a complex and not fully elucidated interplay among different neurotransmitters. The role of each of the neurotransmitters implicated has to be related to a cognitive process and as a consequence to its decline. The current review aims to highlight the positive role of cholinergic drugs in alleviating cognitive deficits during wake as well as sleep. Moreover, we suggest that future therapeutic approaches have to be developed to restore the complex interplay between acetylcholine and other neurotransmitters systems, such as dopamine, serotonin, noradrenaline, or glutamate, that are likely involved in the progressive deterioration of several cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and learning.
Effect of warm-up exercise on delayed-onset muscle soreness

Title Effect of warm-up exercise on delayed-onset muscle soreness Author(s) Takizawa, Kazuki; Soma, Toshio; Nosaka, Kazunori; Ishikawa, Tomoji; Ishii, Kojiro Citation European Journal of Sport Science, 12(6): 455-461 Issue Date 2011-08-22 Doc URL http://hdl.handle. net/2115/50707 Rights This is an Author's Accepted Manuscript of an article published in European Journal of Sport Science, 12(6), pp.455461, 22 Aug. 2011, copyright Taylor & Francis, available online at: http://www.tandfonline. com/10.1080/17461391.2011. 566371. Type article (author version) File Information EJSS12-6_455-461.pdf
A SOD1 gene mutation in a patient with slowly progressing familial ALS

Article abstract We report a new missense mutation (Gly12Ala) in exon 1 of the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) gene in a 67-year-old patient with familial ALS (FALS). The clinical course showed an unusually slow progression. The enzymatic activity of the mutated SOD1 was 80% of normal. At the molecular level, the Gly12Ala mutation occurs in a region outside the active site and may lead to local distortion strain in the protein structure.
Does corporate governance explain dividend policy in Sub‐Saharan Africa?

Purpose – This study aims to examine the effect of corporate governance on firms' dividend payout policy in sub‐Saharan Africa. The study also aims to examine how dividend payout influences corporate governance.Design/methodology/approach – Using a sample made up 27 Ghanaian firms, 177 Nigerian firms, 51 Kenyan firms, and 270 South African firms covering the period 1997‐2006, the paper employs a simultaneous panel regression model in its estimation.Findings – The results show that board composition and board size exhibit significantly positive relationship with dividend payout in Kenya and Ghana, respectively. Institutional ownership positively influences dividend payout among South African and Kenyan firms. In the case of Nigeria, all the corporate governance measures show significantly negative effects on dividend payout. The findings clearly suggest that, with respect to South Africa, Kenya and Ghana, good corporate governance structures lead to high‐dividend payout, probably due to easy access to and .
Information literacy needs of local staff in cross-cultural development projects

Information literacy is about people's information practices in their information and communication technology (ICT) environment. Increasing access to ICTs to bridge the digital divide has implications for the information literacy needs of people in developing communities. The research described in this paper investigated development workers' perceptions of information literacy needs amongst local staff participating in community development projects in cross-cultural situations. A phenomenographic approach was used to elicit five hierarchically related, qualitatively different understandings of information literacy needs within the development context. The results reveal possible directions for those involved in bringing ICTs into workplace settings within developing communities. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Role of Tetrahydrobiopterin in Superoxide Generation from eNOS: Enzymology and Physiological Implications

Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is a ubiquitous pteridine metabolite that serves as a NOS cofactor. Recently, we showed that BH4 efficiently inhibits superoxide generation from the heme group at the oxygenase domain of eNOS. This role indicates that BH4 acts as a redox switch in the catalytic mechanism of the enzyme, which may have important consequences in the physiology of the endothelium. Here the mechanism by which BH4 inhibits superoxide release from eNOS and the "uncoupling" effects of oxidized BH4 metabolites are presented. The implications of the disparate actions of fully reduced and oxidized BH 4 metabolites in the control of eNOS biochemistry are discussed in the light of clinical data indicating that BH 4 levels are important in the regulation of superoxide levels and of endothelial reactivity.
Potential Resources of Non-edible Oils for Biodiesel

Abstract Alkyl esters of long-chain fatty acid are called biodiesel. These esters can be obtained from vegetable oils by transesterification with methanol/ethanol. Biodiesel derived from non-edible vegetable oil has good potential as an alternative diesel fuel. Biodiesel is an attractive alternative fuel because it is environmentally friendly and can be synthesized from edible and non-edible oils. A large variety of plants that produce non-edible oils can be considered for biodiesel production. The non-edible oils, such as jatropha, microalgae, neem, karanja, rubber seed, mahua, silk cotton tree, etc., are easily available in developing countries and are very economical comparable to edible oils.
Online activities and export performance of the smaller firm: a capability perspective

Firms engage in online exports with varying levels of success, yet limited understanding concerns explanations for these differences in performance. This study investigates antecedents of Online Contribution to Export Performance (OCEP), defined as the extent to which an export firm's objectives are achieved via online activities. The paper examines how online capabilities, complementary capabilities in exporting, IT resources and intentional efforts on the part of the firm affect OCEP. The results, based on a cross-industry sample of 603 SMEs, show that whilst some capabilities positively affect the performance of online export activities, others have a detrimental effect. Managers are advised to focus on relational online capabilities rather than necessarily invest in online transactions as these do not seem to be associated with increased online performance. Managers are also advised against treating online exporting as a substitute for offline exporting practices.
The Effect of Past Earnings and Dividend Patterns on the Information Content of Dividends When Earnings are Reduced

This study pursues two objectives: first, to provide evidence on the information content of dividend policy, conditional on past earnings and dividend patterns prior to an annual earnings decline; second, to examine the effect of the magnitude of low earnings realizations on dividend policy when firms have more-or-less established dividend payouts. The information content of dividend policy for firms that incur earnings reductions following long patterns of positive earnings and dividends has been examined (DeAngelo et al., 1992, 1996; Charitou, 2000). No research has examined the association between the informativeness of dividend policy changes in the event of an earnings drop, relative to varying patterns of past earnings and dividends. Our dataset consists of 4,873 U.S. firm-year observations over the period 1986-2005. Our evidence supports the hypotheses that, among earnings-reducing or loss firms, longer patterns of past earnings and dividends: (a) strengthen the information conveyed by dividends regarding future earnings, and (b) enhance the role of the magnitude of low earnings realizations in explaining dividend policy decisions, in that earnings hold more information content that explains the likelihood of dividend cuts the longer the past earnings and dividend patterns. Both results stem from the stylized facts that managers aim to maintain consistency with respect to historic payout policy, being reluctant to proceed with dividend reductions, and that this reluctance is higher the more established is the historic payout policy.
Why has feedback systems thinking struggled to influence strategy and policy formulation? Suggestive evidence, explanations and solutions

Proponents of system dynamics expound its benefits for understanding and managing complex social systems. However, usage of system dynamics remains low, which questions the true value that policy-makers gain from the approach as currently delivered. Feedback systems thinking and causal loop diagrams currently dominate the representation of problem situations. Although substantial benefits are claimed for this approach, it embeds serious theoretical and pedagogical flaws, notably by separating the problem behaviour from the structure alleged to cause it, by ignoring scale and timing of behaviour, and by excluding the fundamental and unavoidable properties of asset stock accumulation. Policy-makers are thus unlikely to be provided with actionable solutions, whether from feedback diagrams alone or from subsequent simulation models, a failure that may have irretrievably alienated a significant fraction of management who have been exposed to system dynamics. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationship quality in agri-food chains: Supplier management in the German pork and dairy sector

In this paper we develop a measurement scale for relationship quality in procurement which provides a management tool for agribusiness companies to evaluate their supply chain basis. In agribusiness, processors are often confronted with thousands of small farmer-suppliers. According to findings from several research streams, we argue that relationship quality must be conceptualised as a construct comprising satisfaction, trust, and commitment. We test our model for the German dairy and pork chains, thereby providing new insights into the critical success factors of initiating and maintaining relationships with agricultural suppliers. Relationship quality is determined by a number of factors. Though there are differences between the industries in question, we find some parallels in the factors explaining relationship quality. It is surprising that farmer orientation of the processor and perception of management competence by the farmer are more important than price satisfaction. Thus, understanding farmers.
State Characteristics and the Location of Foreign Direct Investment within the United States

A conditional logit model of the location decision of foreign firms investing in manufacturing facilities in the United States is developed and estimated. The authors results for 1981-83 indicate that states with higher per capita incomes and higher densities of manufacturing activity attracted relatively more foreign direct investment. In addition, higher wages deterred foreign direct investment, while higher unemployment rates attracted it. Surprisingly, higher unionization rates were associated with increased foreign direct investment. Overall, higher taxes deterred foreign direct investment; however, more extensive transportation infrastructures and larger promotional expenditures were associated with increased foreign direct investment. Copyright 1991 by MIT Press.
Beyond good intentions: The next steps toward racial equality in the American workplace

Executive Overview Blatant racism is rarely observed in contemporary corporate America. This is partially attributable to the good intentions of many corporate leaders to establish racial equality. However, these good intentions have not always been enough to eliminate discrimination in employment. Discrimination still exists because a more subtle form of racism has emerged in recent years, one not necessarily alleviated by current popular programs such as diversity training.
Sensitivity to Enterocins of Thermophilic Campylobacter spp. from Different Poultry Species.

Campylobacter spp. have been isolated from various animals, including poultry. They are rapidly transmitted throughout broiler sheds by the fecal-oral route. A promising strategy to reduce Campylobacter spp. in poultry may be done due to the beneficial properties of probiotic bacteria and their bacteriocins. In this study, inhibition spectrum/activity of different enterocins was evaluated against Campylobacter spp. (isolated from different poultry) to indicate further practical use of enterocins. Enterocins are antimicrobial proteinaceous substances produced mostly by enterococci. Feces from broiler chickens (10), laying hens (47), ostriches (140), and ducks (40) were screened. Altogether, 23 strains were allotted to the species Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli using MALDI TOF mass spectrometry and confirmed by genotyping (PCR method). In the feces of ostriches, Campylobacter spp. were not confirmed. Campylobacter spp. isolated from different poultry showed resistance to nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin, and ampicillin. Interestingly, strains demonstrating antibiotic resistance revealed sensitivity to at least one of the nine enterocins used (except C. coli Kc1, SZ3, and C. jejuni 1/D). Almost 52% strains were inhibited by Ent A (P). Enterocins can therefore be used to prevent or reduce Campylobacter spp. ; it is a basis for practical use.
Trends and Determinants of the Geographic Dispersion of Irish Manufacturing Activity, 1926– 1996

Strobl E. (2004) Trends and determinants of the geographic dispersion of Irish manufacturing activity, 1926–1996, Reg. Studies 38, 191–205. This paper documents the trends in localization of the Irish manufacturing sector since the 1920s and investigates which of three prominent models is most consistent with the data. We find that aggregate manufacturing activity experienced an inverted u-shaped pattern of localization and is now more dispersed than it was in the 1920s. Our analysis of individual sub-sectors shows that, while this long-term trend holds for many of these, there is a considerable amount of heterogeneity in the extent and the evolution of their geographic dispersion. An econometric analysis of a panel of sub-sectors reveals that there is support for old and new trade theories, as well as economic geography models, in explaining location of the more modern manufacturing industries over the long run. For the more recent period since 1972 we find evidence consistent with new economic geography models for all manufacturing industries, while external economies arising from spillovers through foreign direct investment have acted to disperse modern manufacturing activities.
The Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on Firms’ Financial Performance in South Africa

If Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities are beyond a firm’s legal obligations and potentially require a sacrifice in short-term profits, why do firms promote CSR? This question motivates this investigation of the impact of CSR on a firm’s Corporate Financial Performance (CFP). This relationship is examined for the period from 2004 to 2013 in South Africa. We assess the short-term impact of CSR announcements on financial returns of firms included in or excluded from the Johannesburg Securities Exchange Socially Responsible Investment Index and determine whether there is a difference in the long-term CFP between these two groups for the entire period. The event study methodology shows that investors were rewarded in 2004 and 2012, when firms entered the index, and were penalized in 2013, when firms exited the index. When using regression analysis, the various industries provide mixed results between CSR and CFP for firms over the long term. Based on these results, we find that CSR activities lead to no significant differences in financial performance.
Contingent Autonomy

The authors argue that autonomy in the labor process results from the contingent interaction of worker power and organizational practices. Focusing on the “core jobs” (i.e., most central to the production process) in 618 randomly sampled workplaces in Australia, the authors find that the influences of technology and bureaucratization on autonomy are conditioned by the relative power (skill and unionization) of employees. As the relative power of workers increases, both the technical organization of work and bureaucratization are less likely to undermine job autonomy. The findings underline the importance of local power relations for understanding the impact of organizational structures on workers and help resolve deep ambiguities in the literature on autonomy and the labor process.
Selecting and evaluating tools and methods for public participation

The proposition that greater levels of public participation would improve public decisions derives from two antecedent assumptions. The first is that the process would be improved by including persons with perspectives and knowledge that would otherwise be missing. The second is that support for adopted policies would be stronger, if the public had better information and more access to the process. How should the effectiveness of available public participation techniques be evaluated and what principles should guide prospective choices from among them? Extending Habermas's critical theory, Renn, Webler, and Wiedemann [1] have proposed evaluating public participation methods according to whether they are fair and competent. Rohrbaugh and Quinn's [2] Competing Values theory defines four perspectives - rational, empirical, consensual, and political - for evaluating effectiveness. Thomas [3], the International Association for Public Participation, and Resources for the Future, among others, have also proposed potential evaluative frameworks. Important potential constraints on public participation include cost, time, political support, and feasibility. Additional thorny issues include: deciding whether to include public participation as part of the policy making process; balancing a priori versus a posteriori standards of fairness; giving weight to existing versus future preferences; managing the tension between democratic and representative processes, and resolving issues of standing in disputes. The selection and evaluation of public participation techniques need to take into account their virtues and potential drawbacks, circumstantial constraints, and the relative importance of the various competing objectives of public participation processes.
An Empirical Model of Collective Household Labour Supply with Non-Participation

I present a structural empirical model of collective household labour supply that includes the non-participation decision. I specify a simultaneous model for hours, participation and wages of husband and wife. I discuss the problems of identification and statistical coherency that arise in the application of the collective household labour supply model. The model includes random effects and it is estimated using a panel data set of Dutch couples. The estimates allow me to check the underlying regularity conditions on individual preferences and to obtain estimates of the sharing rule that governs the division of household income between husband and wife.
Does Child Undernutrition Persist Despite Poverty Reduction in Developing Countries? Quantile Regression Results

The eradication of child undernutrition and extreme poverty are important objectives for most societies. Countries with higher national incomes usually improve in both dimensions, but not always at the same rate. Using quantile regression, we show that poverty rates tend to decline with increased income at a roughly constant elasticity. In contrast, while the prevalence of child wasting declines at that same elasticity where it is most widespread, the elasticity becomes smaller as wasting becomes less prevalent. This finding suggests a greater need for increasingly targeted interventions to achieve a given reduction in undernutrition as its prevalence declines.