Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Corporate philanthropy: When is giving effective?

We've all heard the saying, “Give and ye shall receive. ” But for corporations, that's only true if you're very choosy about who receives your charitable donations. With so many candidates, how can you select beneficiaries to generate the greatest rewards—for your company, your employees, and society? © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Belastet die Inflation verschiedene Haushaltstypen in Deutschland unterschiedlich stark

When the prices of important goods such as energy and food greatly increase, the ques-tion arises whether the impact on the various income groups differs. An analysis of the structure of consumption expenditure of different household groups does not yield significant differences in the effect of the surge in energy and food prices: the household-specific inflation rates are quite similar. It does not follow, however, that households across income groups are affected by the price increase to the same degree: Low-income households are more affected in the sense that they may actually have to con-sume less given their high consumption ratio and lack of wealth.
A Proposed Framework for Measuring Human Capital Intangible Value Component in Restaurant Organizations Using Economic Value Added

Abstract Those restaurant companies that are able to deliver high performance human resource management, which increases the intangible value of their human capital (HC), and create greater economic value added (EVA) have the potential to compete more effectively. The purpose of this paper is to propose the development of a framework to demonstrate the EVA of an intangible human resource high performance work system (HPWS). When a restaurant firm has the ability to measure the total value (tangible + intangible) of their human resources, then they may choose to engage in a paradigm shift and undergo a fundamental change in philosophy that will enable them to harvest the full potential of their employee's intangible economic value.
Beyond the limits of the European Higher Education Area: the case of Belarus

All European Union (EU) member states and many former post-Soviet countries joined the Bologna Process without major obstacles during the 2000s and today belong to the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). The only European country which was refused membership in the EHEA was Belarus, whose demand was rejected in 2012. The case study of this failed accession provides a unique opportunity to analyse the interaction between European and national levels in the process of higher education (HE) transformations. This paper examines various strategic uses of the Bologna Process by different national and European actors. If the Belarusian officials perceived Bologna mainly as an opportunity to improve their relations with the EU by cooperating on a politically neutral issue, other domestic actors such as the Public Bologna Committee saw EHEA accession as an instrument for radically reforming the existing HE system. The refusal of the Belarusian application also reveals a complex interplay between the increasing importance of ‘technical’ criteria inside the EHEA and EU external policy considerations.
Comparison of Heritability Estimation and Linkage Analysis for Multiple Traits Using Principal Component Analyses

A disease trait often can be characterized by multiple phenotypic measurements that can provide complementary information on disease etiology, physiology, or clinical manifestations. Given that multiple phenotypes may be correlated and reflect common underlying genetic mechanisms, the use of multivariate analysis of multiple traits may improve statistical power to detect genes and variants underlying complex traits. The literature, however, has been unclear as to the optimal approach for analyzing multiple correlated traits. In this study, heritability and linkage analysis was performed for six obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) related phenotypes, as well as principal components of the phenotypes and principal components of the heritability (PCHs) using the data from Cleveland Family Study, which include both African and European American families. Our study demonstrates that principal components generally result in higher heritability and linkage evidence than individual traits. Furthermore, the PCHs can be transferred across populations, strongly suggesting that these PCHs reflect traits with common underlying genetic mechanisms for OSAHS across populations. Thus, PCHs can provide useful traits for using data on multiple phenotypes and for genetic studies of trans‐ethnic populations.
Cycles and trends in U.S. net borrowing flows

Trend and cyclical patterns of household, business, government, and foreign net borrowing shares of gross domestic product are reviewed using diagrams and covariance decompositions of the identity stating that the sum of the shares equals zero. Household and business net borrowing shares and thereby those sectors' contributions to effective demand are procyclical. Household borrowing over the cycle is led by residential investment. Consumption varies countercyclically, but it is offset by rising taxes as opposed to saving, suggesting that "consumption smoothing" by households as featured in much macro theory is not empirically important. Procyclicality of private net borrowing is countered by a countercyclical government deficit along traditional lines. In terms of trends, "twin" fiscal and foreign deficits appear infrequently, with the household and external deficits being much more closely related. The former is linked to a strong upward trend in health-care spending as a share of disposable income, with a corresponding downward trend in saving after the early 1980s.
Construction Costs and the Supply of Housing Structure

ABSTRACT Construction costs account for the bulk of the price of new houses in most markets, but their study has been relatively neglected. We document that there are economically large differences in construction costs across U.S. housing markets. We also estimate a very elastic supply for physical structure; hence, differences in construction activity across markets do not explain the variation in costs. Supply shifters that collectively do account for differences in building costs include the extent of unionization within the construction sector, local wages, local topography in terms of the presence of high hills and mountains, and the local regulatory environment.
Mycophenolate mofetil treatment in primary glomerular disease: one-year follow-up in steroid dependent and resistant nephrotic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE Treatment of primary nephrotic syndrome (NS) with steroid and cyclophosphamide may be unsuccessful and have much toxicity. Therefore, the authors evaluated the outcome of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) treatment in these patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD Fourteen primary NS patients who had failure to steroid and/or cyclophosphamide therapy were treated by MMF for at least 3 months as alternative treatment. Median +/- SD (range) of urine protein to creatinine index (UPCI), serum albumin, serum creatinine, serum cholesterol and dose of prednisolone at the start, 1mo, 3 mo, 6mo, and 12 mo after MMF therapy were compared. RESULTS In the study group, the mean of UPCI decreased significantly from 2.79 +/- 8.1 to 1.81 +/- 1.54 (p = 0.02) at 12 months after the MMF therapy with no significant change in the mean serum creatinine from 1.14 +/- 0.45 to 1.27 +/- 0.67 mg/dL. The mean serum albumin increased significantly from 2.87 +/- 0.56 to 3.46 +/- 0.76 g/dL (p = 0.05) and the mean of prednisolone dosage decreased significantly from 34.64 +/- 19.16 to 11.11 +/- 8.58 mg/day (p = 0.004). For patients with IgM Nephropathy (IgMN), one of three steroid dependent patients presented with improved renal function. One of two patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) had a complete remission and one of two patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) had improved renal function with partial remission. CONCLUSION MMF therapy in NS patients with primary glomerular disease was well tolerated and safe. These efficacies can improve NS, stabilize renal function, and achieve steroid withdrawal.
[Sexual function and mental state in patients with redundant prepuce or phimosis].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the correlation of sexual dysfunction with psychological abnormalities by analyzing the sexual function and mental state of the patients with redundant prepuce or phimosis. METHODS This study included 216 randomly selected patients with redundant prepuce or phimosis and 85 normal male controls. We conducted investigations among the subjects using a questionnaire on the general data of the patients, Chinese Index of Sexual Function for Premature Ejaculation (CIPE), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), and Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90). Then we assessed the status of premature ejaculation (PE) and erectile dysfunction (ED), calculated the incidence of psychological abnormalities, such as depression and anxiety, and analyzed the correlation of PE and ED with the mental state of the patients. RESULTS The PE and ED patients scored significantly higher than normal controls on SCL-90, somatization, compulsion, depression, anxiety and other factors (P < 0.05). CIPE scores were correlated with the scores on SCL-90, somatization, compulsion, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety and other factors, while ED-related scores showed no correlation with the scores on SCL-90 and other factors. CONCLUSION Patients with redundant prepuce or phimosis have poor mental health, and there is an interaction between PE and the mental state of the patient.
Stability Analysis of Polynomially Dependent Systems by Eigenvalue Perturbation

In this technical note we present a stability analysis approach for polynomially-dependent one-parameter systems. The approach, which appears to be conceptually appealing and computationally efficient and is referred to as an eigenvalue perturbation approach, seeks to characterize the analytical and asymptotic properties of eigenvalues of matrix-valued functions or operators. The essential problem dwells on the asymptotic behavior of the critical eigenvalues on the imaginary axis, that is, on how the imaginary eigenvalues may vary with respect to the varying parameter. This behavior determines whether the imaginary eigenvalues cross from one half plane into another, and hence plays a critical role in determining the stability of such systems. Our results reveal that the eigenvalue asymptotic behavior can be characterized by solving a simple generalized eigenvalue problem, leading to numerically efficient stability conditions.
Principles of Effective Professional Development for Mathematics and Science Education: A Synthesis of Standards

erable attention to the role that effective professional development can play in improving the teaching of mathematics and science. Significant contributions on this question are represented in national and state efforts to develop standards to guide reform. Some national efforts, such as those by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the National Research Council, come from those who are interested in improving particular subject matter, as well as teaching and assessment. Other groups, such as the National Staff Development Council, focus on professional development itself.
The impact of firm entry regulation on long-living entrants

What is the impact of firm entry regulation on sustained entry into self-employment? How does firm entry regulation influence the performance of long-living entrants? In this paper, I address these questions, exploiting a natural experiment in firm entry regulation. After German reunification, East and West Germany faced different economic conditions, but fell under the same law that imposes a substantial mandatory standard on entrepreneurs who want to start a legally independent firm in one of the regulated occupations. The empirical results suggest that the entry regulation suppresses long-living entrants, not only entrants in general or transient, short-lived entrants. This effect on the number of long-living entrants is not accompanied by a counteracting effect on the performance of long-living entrants, as measured by firm size several years after entry.
From rags to richness : A structuration perspective on interactional richness and its impact on customer evaluations of online experiences

Nowadays, simply being present online is not enough anymore; companies should engage their customers in online interactions and simultaneously recognize the power customers have in creating a valuable online experience. The research in this dissertation is driven by the importance of reciprocal interactions between websites and their visitors and the attainment of both customer and company goals in terms of respectively creating a valuable online experience for customers and ultimately creating customer loyalty towards the website. The success of companies’ online presence depends on their online interaction process with their customers. Therefore, this dissertation aims at contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the reciprocal interaction process between website and their visitors by applying structuration theory of the sociologist Giddens (1984) in an online context. This central research problem is addressed in three-interrelated studies. One important contribution of our research is the introduction and development of a conceptualization of interactional richness that draws a distinction between media and information richness as an important driver of online customer value and loyalty. In addition, our empirical findings clearly demonstrate the indispensable role of visitors’ characteristics such as reflexivity, competence and (non)-purposeful behavior on their value perceptions.
Enhancing food security through experiential sustainability leadership practices: A study of the Seed to Supper program

Experiential and inclusive sustainability leadership practices in learning garden programs can lead to increased community food security. This recent study shows that Oregon Food Bank's Seed to Supper program increases food literacy, builds social capital, and creates opportunities for fostering inclusive leadership in learning garden communities. Through a mixed-methods community-based research process, the study found that learner empowerment through food literacy and sustainability leadership increased access to locally-grown foods for food insecure populations. The leadership model discussed in this paper uses the concept of the web of inclusion (Helgesen, 1990) as a framework for discussing the intricate social networks within the Seed to Supper program.
Dynamic distribution of ototoxic gentamicin entry into inner hair cells of mice

Abstract Conclusion: Dynamic distribution of ototoxic gentamicin entry into inner hair cells (IHCs) may cause an interruption of cochlear ribbon synapse. Objective: To explore the pattern of uptake of gentamicin into IHCs, as well as its possible contribution to hearing loss. Methods: Adult C57 mice were injected intraperitoneally with gentamicin (100 mg/kg, conjugated with Texas Red ester) continuously for 14 days. The hearing thresholds were detected by auditory brainstem response (ABR) examinations. Immunostaining and confocal microscopy were utilized to trace gentamicin distribution, as well as the expression of RIBEYE/CtBP2 in mouse IHCs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation was used to find possible alterations of stereocilia. Results: The distribution of gentamicin in IHCs was first found on the 4th day and the accumulation of gentamicin was increased significantly on the 7th day after treatment, corresponding to the maximal elevation of the hearing threshold. However, the accumulation of gentamicin on the 14th day did not show significant differences compared with the level found on the 7th day. In addition, the uptake of gentamicin was excessively identified at or near the synaptic ribbons of IHCs throughout the 4th, 7th, and 14th days after the treatment, suggesting that cochlear ribbon synapses could be affected by ototoxic gentamicin exposure.
Social processes and group decision making: anonymity in group decision support systems

Various social processes in decision-making groups are considered detrimental to the quality of decisions. It is often assumed that removing the ability for groups to exert strong social influence on its members improves group decisions. Group Decision Support Systems (GDSSs) are increasingly used to remedy the social faults of the decision-making process in groups. In these systems, anonymity is seen as a tool to reduce the impact of the group over its members, and therefore as the key to improved group performance. This meta-analytic review examines the assumption that anonymity in GDSSs is beneficial for group decision-making on a range of performance indicators. In 6 meta-analyses of 12 independent investigations there is no support for this hypothesis. The only reliable effect of anonymity was to lead to more contributions, especially more critical ones. An alternative model is presented to account for the findings. This model argues that performance in decision-making groups depends on the social context and relevant social norms as well as on system characteristics such as anonymity. It is concluded that the integration of anonymity into phases of group decision support does not guarantee improved performance.
Follow-up of children of depressed mothers exposed or not exposed to antidepressant drugs during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE To compare the structural growth and developmental outcome of children born to mothers diagnosed with major depressive disorder during pregnancy who were exposed or not exposed to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in utero. STUDY DESIGN Children whose mothers were diagnosed with major depressive disorder in pregnancy and elected not to take medication (n = 13) were compared with children of depressed mothers treated with SSRIs (n = 31) on birth outcomes and postnatal neurodevelopmental functioning between ages 6 and 40 months. Children underwent blinded standardized pediatric and dysmorphology examinations and evaluations of their mental and psychomotor development with the use of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID II). RESULTS The Bayley mental developmental indexes were similar in both groups. Children exposed to SSRIs during pregnancy had lower APGAR scores and scored lower on the Bayley psychomotor development indexes and the motor quality factor of the Bayley Behavioral Rating Scale than unexposed children. CONCLUSIONS The findings that SSRIs during fetal development might have subtle effects on motor development and motor control are consistent with the pharmacologic properties of the drugs.
The effects of physicians’ personal characteristics on innovation readiness in Taiwan’s hospitals

Abstract This paper examines innovation in the healthcare industry in Taiwan. Specifically, we looked at how two critical factors (physicians’ creative traits and authoritarian personality) are related to innovation readiness within the medical care system in Taiwan. We argue that innovation readiness is the cognitive precursor to the behaviors supporting innovation. Additionally, we also examine the moderating effects of hospital types (teaching versus non-teaching hospitals) on these relationships. Data from 417 physicians belonging to 26 hospitals is used to test our hypotheses. Results show that the degree of innovation readiness a physician perceives is associated with both creative traits and authoritarian personality. With regard to the organizational variable, the evidence shows that of the specific kind of hospital is far less important than the people who work there when it comes to innovation readiness.
Monetary Policy, Trend Inflation and the Great Moderation: An Alternative Interpretation - Comment

Working with a small-scale calibrated New-Keynesian model, Coibion and Gorodnichenko (2011) find that the reduction in trend inflation during Volcker's mandate was a key factor behind the Great Moderation. We revisit this finding with an estimated New-Keynesian model with trend inflation and no indexation based on Christiano, Eichenbaum and Evans (2005). First, our simulations confirm Coibion and Gorodnichenko's (2011) main finding. Second, we show that a trend inflation-immune Taylor rule based on economic theory can avoid indeterminacy even at high levels of trend inflation such as those observed in the 1970s.
Not just financial support? Another role of public subsidy in university–industry research collaborations

Management of university–industry research collaboration (hereafter UIC) is the key to its success. In this respect, government can play an essential role in UIC. A public subsidy for research and development (hereafter R&D) is not only an important financial support for UIC but may also serve as a useful means of promoting trust among UIC members, resulting in higher innovation performance. However, few empirical studies have investigated the role a public R&D subsidy plays in promoting trust in UIC. To this end, by using original survey data, this study examines empirically whether a public R&D subsidy for UIC contributes to trust formation and, thus, to higher innovation performance based on trust. Our findings suggest that a public R&D subsidy promotes trust formation, which then increases the innovation performance of UIC participants, partially mediating the more direct effects of R&D subsidy on innovation performance.
Design of IIR digital filters with arbitrary log magnitude function by WLS techniques

The authors propose a technique for designing IIR (infinite impulse response) digital filters to have an arbitrary log magnitude frequency response. The technique is based on an iterative weighted least-squares (WLS) approach in the frequency domain. A weight updating procedure is introduced to obtain a nearly optimal approximation to the given log magnitude function in the least-squares sense. The weighting function is updated using the results of the previous iteration in such a way that the weighted error approximates the log magnitude error. Filter coefficients at each iteration are efficiently computed using a fast recursive algorithm for a set of linear equations derived from the WLS problem. Several design examples demonstrate the rapid convergence of the design algorithm. The algorithm is extended to equiripple approximation by means of a minor modification of the weight updating procedure. >
Controlling for Transactions Bias in Regional House Price Indices

Transactions bias arises when properties that trade are not a random sample of the total housing stock. Price indices are susceptible because they are typically based on transactions data. Existing approaches to this problem rely on Heckman-type correction methods, where a probit regression is used to capture the differences between properties that sell and those that do not sell in a given period. However, this approach can only be applied where there is reliable data on the whole housing stock. In many countries—the UK included—no such data exist and there is little prospect of correcting for transactions bias in any of the regularly updated mainstream house price indices. This paper suggests a possible alternative approach, using information at postcode sector level and Fractional Probit Regression to correct for transactions bias in hedonic price indices based on one and a half million house sales from 1996 to 2004, distributed across 1200 postcode sectors in the South East of England.