Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A First Assessment of the P-SBAS DInSAR Algorithm Performances Within a Cloud Computing Environment

We present in this work a first performance assessment of the Parallel Small BAseline Subset (P-SBAS) algorithm, for the generation of Differential Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Interferometry (DInSAR) deformation maps and time series, which has been migrated to a Cloud Computing (CC) environment. In particular, we investigate the scalable performances of the P-SBAS algorithm by processing a selected ENVISAT ASAR image time series, which we use as a benchmark, and by exploiting the Amazon Web Services (AWS) CC platform. The presented analysis shows a very good match between the theoretical and experimental P-SBAS performances achieved within the CC environment. Moreover, the obtained results demonstrate that the implemented P-SBAS Cloud migration is able to process ENVISAT SAR image time series in short times (less than 7 h) and at low costs (about USD 200). The P-SBAS Cloud scalable performances are also compared to those achieved by exploiting an in-house High Performance Computing (HPC) cluster, showing that nearly no overhead is introduced by the presented Cloud solution. As a further outcome, the performed analysis allows us to identify the major bottlenecks that can hamper the P-SBAS performances within a CC environment, in the perspective of processing very huge SAR data flows such as those coming from the existing COSMO-SkyMed or the upcoming SENTINEL-1 constellation. This work represents a relevant step toward the challenging Earth Observation scenario focused on the joint exploitation of advanced DInSAR techniques and CC environments for the massive processing of Big SAR Data.
Implied volatility forecasts in the grains complex

This article finds that the implied volatilities of corn, soybean, and wheat futures options 4 weeks before option expiration have significant predictive power for the underlying futures contract return volatilities through option expiration from January 1988 through September 1999. These implied volatilities also encompass the information in out‐of‐sample seasonal Glosten, Jagannathan, and Runkle (GJR;1993) volatility forecasts. Evidence also demonstrates that when corn‐implied volatility rises relative to out‐of‐sample seasonal GJR volatility forecasts, implied volatility substantially overpredicts realized volatility. However, simulations of trading rules that involve selling corn option straddles when corn‐implied volatility is high relative to out‐of‐sample GJR volatility forecasts indicate that none of the trading rules would have been significantly profitable. This finding suggests that these options are not necessarily overpriced. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 22:959–981, 2002
On-Chip Dual-Stream DWDM Eight-Channel-Capable SOI-Based MUX s/DEMUX s With 40-GH z Channel Bandwidth

We demonstrate two 8 × 1 silicon ring resonator (RR)-based multiplexers (MUXs) integrated on the same chip for dual-stream 16-channel multiplexing/ demultiplexing applications. Cascaded second-order RRs equipped with microheaters were integrated on a silicon-on-insulator platform with the radii of MUX1 and MUX2 being ~12 and ~9 μm, respectively. The resonances of the two MUXs were thermooptically tuned in order to achieve 100-GHz channel spacing, revealing a tuning efficiency of 43 and 36 μW/GHz/RR for MUX1 and MUX2, respectively, and 352 mW total power consumption. Lower than 18 dB crosstalk and higher than 40-GHz 3-dB bandwidth was obtained for the tuned channels of the MUXs. The signal integrity when using these devices in multiplexing and demultiplexing operations was evaluated for a 4 × 10 Gb/s non-return-to-zero data stream (i.e., 10 Gb/s line rate) via bit-error-rate measurements, yielding error-free performance with up to 0.2 dB power penalty for all channels. Proofof-concept demonstration for supporting higher data rates was also realized by using three 100-GHz-spaced 25-Gb/s return-to-zero data signals (i.e., 25 Gb/s line rate) for multiplexing and demultiplexing via MUX2, resulting in error-free operation for all channels with lower than 0.3 dB power penalties.
DECOMPOSITION OF THE FISHER IDEAL INDEX OF PRODUCTIVITY: A NON-PARAMETRIC DUAL ANALYSIS OF US AIRLINES DATA*

In this paper, the authors offer a nonparametric method of decomposing the Fisher ideal index of productivity into individual factors measuring technical efficiency change, allocative efficiency change, shift in the cost function, scale economies due to output change, and an adjustment factor reflecting change in the output attributes. Cross-section data from the U.S. airline industry for the years 1983 and 1984 are utilized in an empirical application illustrating this method. Copyright 1996 by Royal Economic Society.
The Effect of Holidays on Hotel Daily Revenue

The holiday effect phenomenon has been studied in industry sectors such as securities, retail, and so on. Literature is devoid of a purposeful study specific to the hospitality industry that evaluates the economic impact of holidays on the hotel industry. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of holidays on hotel daily revenue. Using daily occupancy data of the U.S. lodging industry between January 2000 and February 2004, the study found a significant holiday effect prevalent in the hotel industry. Findings indicate that individual effects of holidays on hotel daily revenue differ significantly from one to another. In addition, some holidays have differential impacts depending on the day of the week on which they fall. Findings can be used to develop more targeted strategies by the lodging industry as a whole.
Protective Effect of Combined Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester and Bevacizumab Against Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Oxidative Stress in Human RPE Cells

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and combined CAPE-bevacizumab against oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in human retinal pigment epithelium. Methods: ARPE-19 cells were pretreated with 5, 10, and 30 μM CAPE alone and in combination with bevacizumab for 3 h, then exposed to H2O2 for 16 h. Cell viability was evaluated with the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein levels in the medium were measured using a human VEGF ELISA kit. Total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) were measured in ARPE-19 cells using the test kit from Rel Assay. Expression levels of VEGF, Bax, Bcl-2, cytochrome c, apoptotic protease activating factor-1 (apaf-1), and caspase-3 were determined using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: Pretreatment of ARPE-19 cells with 30 μM CAPE and combined CAPE-bevacizumab reduced H2O2 mediated cell death. H2O2-induced oxidative stress increased TOS and VEGF production, which was significantly inhibited by CAPE and the CAPE-bevacizumab combination. VEGF, Bax, cytochrome c, apaf-1, and caspase-3 gene expressions were significantly decreased in cells pretreated with 5, 10, and 30 μM CAPE and combined CAPE-bevacizumab compared to the H2O2 group. In addition, Bcl-2 expression was significantly increased in both the CAPE and CAPE-bevacizumab combination groups compared to the H2O2 group. Conclusions: CAPE has a protective effect on ARPE-19 cells against oxidative stress, and VEGF protein level and expression can be decreased by incubation with different concentrations of CAPE. These results demonstrate that CAPE suppresses the mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in ARPE-19 cells under oxidative stress. In addition, the use of CAPE in combination with bevacizumab has an additive effect.
Religious Social Norms and Corporate Financial Reporting

Religion has been shown to influence economic choices and outcomes in a variety of contexts. Honesty and risk aversion are two social norms forwarded to characterize the religious. Using the level of religious adherence in the county of a U.S. firm’s headquarters as a proxy for these religious social norms, we find that higher levels of religious adherence are associated with both a lower likelihood of financial restatement and less risk that financial statements are misrepresented because of overstated (understated) revenue/assets (expenses/liabilities). We also find that accruals of managers in areas of high religious adherence exhibit smaller deviations from expectations, and deviations, when they occur, tend to improve the time series mapping of accruals into cash flows. These results hold overall and separately for both Catholic and Protestant religious adherence. Further analysis reveals that the effects of religious social norms extend beyond accrual choices. We find that firms located in areas of high religious adherence are less likely to engage in tax sheltering, and are more forthcoming with bad news in their voluntary disclosures. Collectively, our results provide new evidence on the role of religion and social norms in corporate financial reporting.
Linear Peptide Specificity of Bovine Antibody Responses to p67 of Theileria parva and Sequence Diversity of Sporozoite-Neutralizing Epitopes: Implications for a Vaccine

ABSTRACT A stage-specific surface antigen of Theileria parva, p67, is the basis for the development of an anti-sporozoite vaccine for the control of East Coast fever (ECF) in cattle. By Pepscan analysis with a series of overlapping synthetic p67 peptides, the antigen was shown to contain five distinct linear peptide sequences recognized by sporozoite-neutralizing murine monoclonal antibodies. Three epitopes were located between amino acid positions 105 to 229 and two were located between positions 617 to 639 on p67. Bovine antibodies to a synthetic peptide containing one of these epitopes neutralized sporozoites, validating this approach for defining immune responses that are likely to contribute to immunity. Comparison of the peptide specificity of antibodies from cattle inoculated with recombinant p67 that were immune or susceptible to ECF did not reveal statistically significant differences between the two groups. In general, antipeptide antibody levels in the susceptible animals were lower than in the immune group and neither group developed high responses to all sporozoite-neutralizing epitopes. The bovine antibody response to recombinant p67 was restricted to the N- and C-terminal regions of p67, and there was no activity against the central portion between positions 313 and 583. So far, p67 sequence polymorphisms have been identified only in buffalo-derived T. parva parasites, but the consequence of these for vaccine development remains to be defined. The data indicate that optimizations of the current vaccination protocol against ECF should include boosting of relevant antibody responses to neutralizing epitopes on p67.
Sample Attrition between Waves 1 and 5 in the European Community Household Panel

Attrition in the first five waves of the European Community Household Panel is examined. Although overall attrition rates are high in several countries, multivariate analysis revealed that only a small proportion of the total variation in attrition is accounted for by a comprehensive set of substantive variables of the kind likely to be of interest in research on poverty and social exclusion The loss of respondents is greatest among those adults who did not complete a personal interview in the initial wave (indicating reluctant participation in the survey), and individuals who are geographically mobile. There are also smaller, but statistically significant, differences between countries in the tendency to lose individuals either from the top (the Southern countries and Ireland) or the bottom (the remaining countries) of the income distribution. Nevertheless, even in the absence of compensating attrition weights, attrition has only a minor impact on the estimates of two key social exclusion indicators: the poverty rate and the quintile income share ratio (S80/20). The results indicate that fears that attrition has undermined the representativeness of the ECHP samples in later waves of the survey are largely unfounded
A Taxonomy of Academic Quality Indicators for U.S.-Based 4-Year Undergraduate Hospitality Management Programs

The purpose of the study was to classify quality indicators into unique construct groups. Seventy-two quality indicators were investigated as predictors of undergraduate hospitality management program excellence. A multidimensional approach was used on a sample of 277 stakeholders to answer relevant research questions. By cluster analysis of primary quality indicators for undergraduate hospitality management programs, three construct groups were identified: (a) students/alumni, industry support, faculty; (b) facilities, curriculum; and (c) research. Furthermore, results showed these groups to be unique in quality indicator characteristics. Implications for hospitality management program planning and assessment and suggestions for further research are discussed.
Estimating the effectiveness of a vehicle miles travelled tax in reducing particulate matter emissions

This study estimates the effectiveness of a vehicle miles travelled (VMT) tax in controlling mobile-source emissions of particulate matter (PM2.5) in a non-attainment area located in northern Utah. Using a recently updated household-level dataset, the study finds no evidence of an endogenous relationship between choice of vehicle type and VMT. VMT elasticities are also estimated with respect to cost per mile that are in some cases larger in magnitude than those reported in previous studies. Based on vehicle emissions tests performed by the Houston Advanced Research Center, the study estimates the reduction in particulate emissions that would occur with two different sets of VMT tax rates. Principal findings are that a VMT tax rate of $0.003 per passenger car mile and $0.01 per light-duty truck mile (resulting in a mean annual tax burden of $128 per household in the first year) would reduce annual particulate emissions by between 7% and 11%, depending upon the degree of heterogeneity in household driving behaviour. Assuming constant elasticity, this means that at tax rates of $0.006 and $0.02 per mile for passenger cars and light-duty trucks, respectively (resulting in double the mean annual tax burden), annual particulate emissions would be reduced by between 12% and 23%. Both the advantages and limitations of the VMT tax are discussed.
Evaluating the Impact of Different Training Methods on SME Business Performance

With this study we evaluate the impact of different training methods (TMs) on small and medium-enterprises' (SMEs') business performances, utilising a dataset of 3521. We consider the relationship between the satisfaction SMEs have towards their employees' training needs being met by a diverse range of TMs and the levels of impact the training has had on business performance. To investigate both the interdependence and dependence of satisfaction levels of training needs met with business performance, we undertake bivariate correlations and multivariate regression-type analyses (using Regression-type Classification and Ranking Belief Simplex). The results presented offer novel insights into the relationships between TMs and business performance.
Analysis of mesoergonomic at logistic process of bottled drinking water

Significant growth in demand for bottled drinking water with many varieties and wide distribution area has resulted a long and complicated logistic process. The product is packaged using carton box to ease logistics process. The high level of the carton box damage during the logistic process is one of the problem occurs. This study tried to perform analysis of the problem using an integrated analysis of microergonomic and macroergonomic as called as mesoergonomic. Some hypotheses are developed to know the variables relation and their effects to the problem. The results of this study are expected to shed light on the relationship level of product packaging damage during logistic process in the industry.
The politics of judicial discretion: Rethinking the interaction between national courts and the Eurpean court of justice

The recognition that courts play a significant role in the process of European integration has focused attention on the interaction between national judges and the European Court of Justice. The prevailing theoretical model of this interaction holds that a variety of incentives impel national judges to co‐operate with the ECJ by providing it with frequent preliminary references. This article tests the ability of the model to account for the behaviour of national courts during the period 1972–94. In assessing the utility of the model two central claims are made. First, that the model as currently constructed is incapable of explaining the patterns of references originating from various member states, particularly the consistent lack of references from British courts. Second, that the level of British references, and patterns of judicial co‐operation in general, can be better understood by questioning the model's core assumption ‐ that national judges face powerful incentives to refer to the ECJ. As a first.
A framework for strategic decision making and performance among Chinese managers

This study develops an integrative model that explains the relationship between Chinese culture, managers' strategic decision making (SDM) processes, and organizational performance. For the study 1200 participants were randomly selected from a business club's company register, resulting in 204 valid respondents. The results highlighted two significant SDM paths used by managers: (1) the cognitive-speed path, which suggested that Overseas Chinese managers (the Chinese who live outside of Mainland China) focus on the big picture, draw analogies from past experiences, and use extensive networks to reduce the duration of the decision process; and (2) the social-political path which shows that Overseas Chinese managers focus on collective interests, strive to maintain harmony, and to save face while using a collaborative style to handle conflict; this approach reduces dysfunctional political behavior, while reinforcing the decision team's focus on common goals. From these results we concluded that a speedier decision making process (based on intuition, experience, and networks) accompanied by the appropriate use of political behavior (that created harmony, through a hierarchical structure, during conflict management) in the Overseas Chinese managers' strategic decision making process could positively influence organizational performance.
Participation and Social Learning: Supporting Farmer Innovation in Central Ghana

This paper presents a learning process approach to farmer innovation through a case study of a collaborative, participatory research and extension project in natural resources management in central Ghana. It describes the learning process, and the institutional partnerships between research, extension and development supporting farmer innovation. The study builds on concepts in social learning theory to examine, within a particular natural resource management context, the outcomes, potentials and transaction costs in facilitating learning in the management of innovations. The discussion illuminates the potentials inherent in an extension approach that requires institutional actors not only embracing farmer centered processes of learning, but also undergoing shifts in values and normative positions relating to the roles of farmers in the innovation process.
British Wildlife Tourism Operators: Current Issues and Typologies

The UK wildlife outbound tourism sector is a relatively uncharted area of academic study both in terms of demand and supply. The purpose of this paper is first, to move towards a typology of British wildlife tour operators and their favoured destinations, and secondly, to introduce the relationship between satisfying the consumer and sustainable product/destination management. A systematic review of wildlife tourism brochures and in-depth interviews with key stakeholders indicate a gradual shift from a specialised market offering high involvement in a particular species (usually birds) to a more general market looking for an interesting, but pleasant and relaxing holiday based around a general interest in nature and the environment. Both markets coexist in a complex product and tourist spectrum with neither market being entirely inclusive. Instead there is a degree of movement between one and the other which has led to operators offering a wider range of products to suit the hard-core expert and the novice enthusiast. However, product development and satisfying the consumer implies some difficult management dilemmas such as the use of tape recordings, food provisioning and the constant search for new destinations to offer experienced tourists something different.
Characterization of three diaminopyrimidines as potent and selective antagonists of P2X3 and P2X2/3 receptors with in vivo efficacy in a pain model

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE P2X3 and P2X2/3 receptors are highly localized on the peripheral and central pathways of nociceptive signal transmission. The discovery of A‐317491 allowed their validation as chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain targets, but this molecule has a very limited oral bioavailability and CNS penetration. Recently, potent P2X3 and P2X2/3 blockers with a diaminopyrimidine core group and better bioavailability were synthesized and represent a new opportunity for the validation of P2X3‐containing receptors as targets for pain. Here we present a characterization of three representative diaminopyrimidines.
Role of Branched-Chain Amino Acid Transport in Bacillus subtilis CodY Activity

ABSTRACT CodY is a branched-chain amino acid-responsive transcriptional regulator that controls the expression of several dozen transcription units in Bacillus subtilis. The presence of isoleucine, valine, and leucine in the growth medium is essential for achieving high activity of CodY and for efficient regulation of the target genes. We identified three permeases—BcaP, BraB, and BrnQ—that are responsible for the bulk of isoleucine and valine uptake and are also involved in leucine uptake. At least one more permease is capable of efficient leucine uptake, as well as low-affinity transport of isoleucine and valine. The lack of the first three permeases strongly reduced activity of CodY in an amino acid-containing growth medium. BcaP appears to be the most efficient isoleucine and valine permease responsible for their utilization as nitrogen sources. The previously described strong CodY-mediated repression of BcaP provides a mechanism for fine-tuning CodY activity by reducing the availability of amino acids and for delaying the utilization of isoleucine and valine as nitrogen and carbon sources under conditions of nutrient excess. IMPORTANCE Bacillus subtilis CodY is a global transcriptional regulator that is activated by branched-chain amino acids (BCAA). Since the level of BCAA achieved by intracellular synthesis is insufficient to fully activate CodY, transport of BCAA from the environment is critical for CodY activation, but the permeases needed for such activation have not been previously identified. This study identifies three such permeases, reports their amino acid transport specificity, and reveals their impact on CodY activation.