Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Which Portuguese firms are more innovative? The importance of multinationals and exporters: Pillars of the Future Global Economy

In this study we test the trade Global Engagement hypothesis in which firms more globally engaged – either multinationals or exporters – are more innovative. The test is applied to 4818 Portuguese enterprises ́ data for the period 2002-2004 through the use of the fourth Portuguese Community Innovation Survey. We estimated several Knowledge Production Functions assuming that knowledge outputs result from the combination of some knowledge inputs with the flow of ideas coming from existing stock of knowledge. We found that more internationally exposed firms create more knowledge output, than their domestic counterparts; indeed, more globalized firms use more inputs and have the opportunity to use a larger stock of knowledge. /otwithstand, the observed superiority of more internationally exposed firms is also the result of their globalized nature, not directly connected with knowledge inputs or information flows.
Short-term capital flows and economic crises

The currency crises that engulfed East Asian economies in 1997 and Mexico in 1994 - and their high development costs - raise a serious concern about the net benefits for developing countries of large flows of potentially reversible short-term international capital. Written by senior policy-makers and academics, the contributions to this volume examine in depth the macroeconomic and other policy dilemmas confronting public authorities in the emerging economies as they deal with short-term capital movements, especially in the period before the outbreak of these crises. The studies are based on comparative case studies of key emerging economies. Valuable insights are also derived from contrasts between the East Asian, Latin American, African, and European experiences, between the financial and real effects of financial flows, and between private and public responsibilities in managing financial markets. The great value of the chapters in this volume is that they analytically identify the weaknesses in both domestic and international capital market regimes. The recommendations derived from this analysis apply to the development of financial markets in developing countries, the monitoring and regulation of mutual funds in source countries, and the future development of international capital markets. They will make an important contribution both to the discussion of national policies and of a new international financial architechture.
Gender Imbalance in Accounting Profession: Evidence from Botswana

The present paper examines the gender balance in accounting education and profession. The existence or non-existence of gender balance has been analyzed based on the primary data collected from the employees and employers of different accounting firms and organizations around Gaborone as well as from secondary data obtained from tertiary institutions in Gaborone, Botswana. The results indicate that women dominate the profession of accounting education more than men. However, the present study proves that women are behind men in terms of progression and development.
Homogenisation of periodic Cosserat media

The present work deals with the development of homogenisation procedures for Cosserat materials with periodic micro-structure. The procedure developed by Forest et al. (2001) for continuum heterogeneous linear elastic Cosserat media is recalled and extended to discrete Cosserat media. The nature of the homogeneous equivalent medium depends on the hierarchy of three characteristic lengths: the size l of the heterogeneities, the Cosserat intrinsic length lc and the typical size L of the considered structure. When l and lc are comparable and much smaller than L, the effective medium is a Cauchy one, whereas the case lc ~ L leads to a Cosserat effective medium. Applications to square, hexagonal, cubic and tetrakaidecahedral cell micro-structures are provided. We critically address the other existing homogenisation procedures.
Capital Structure Research for REITs and REOCs

This paper presents a dynamic multi-equation model based on a balance sheet identity, where technical aspects of capital structure are highlighted through separately observing debt and equity and their relationship to investment. Additionally, leverage dynamics are interpreted in their role for liquidity management. Interactions of leverage with lines of credit (LOC) and cash are considered in the light of financial flexibility. The major findings obtained by observing US REITs and REOCs from 1995 to 2010 are as follows. In accordance with the existing literature, cash and LOC reveal a substitute relationship. However, the calculus of financial flexibility and our findings suggest that leverage positively drives cash, which is consistent with Gamba and Triantis (2008), and also with the accepted perspective of debt minus cash being net debt (Spotlight A). Consequently, the very robust results indicate that leverage eliminates a significant amount of information. Further mechanical relationships, especially for market leverage, are suggested (Spotlight B).
The estimation of pork carcass primal cuts value based on backfat thickness

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of pork carcass backfat thickness on the dissection efficiency of four primal cuts (ham, loin, shoulder, belly), including correlation coefficients. The research material consisted of 80 pork carcasses. Backfat thickness (mm) was measured on cold half-carcasses using a vernier caliper at 6 points: at the first cervical vertebra (atlas), over shoulder at the thickest point, on the back, at the beginning, center, end of the gluteus medius muscle (CI, CII, CIII). On the basis of the average backfat thickness, measurements from 6 points were separated into two experimental groups: I (<25 mm); II (≥25 mm). Detailed dissection of the elements was performed to define mass (g): total, intermuscular fat, bones and lean meat. The significant effect of fat thickness on intermuscular fat content regardless of the cut was noted. Correlations between the average backfat thickness of 6 points and the total weight of the four main elements were calculated. In addition, the correlation coefficients were compared between the dissection elements and the average backfat thickness of 6 and 5 points. Higher backfat thickness determined the increase in the total mass of loin, shoulder and belly. A statistically proven correlation was shown between the average backfat thickness and the total mass of the analysed elements (r=0.293). When comparing the correlation coefficients of a different number of measurements a specific tendency was observed. Positive correlation coefficients were slightly higher for an average of 5 points of backfat thickness and negative correlation coefficients were slightly higher for an average of 6 points. Statistical differences between groups were recorded at the same level for the same parameters (P≤0.001 and 0.01
Suppression of Avian Influenza Transmission in Genetically Modified Chickens

Transgenic birds expressing a short hairpin RNA that blocks viral polymerase hinder influenza transmission. Infection of chickens with avian influenza virus poses a global threat to both poultry production and human health that is not adequately controlled by vaccination or by biosecurity measures. A novel alternative strategy is to develop chickens that are genetically resistant to infection. We generated transgenic chickens expressing a short-hairpin RNA designed to function as a decoy that inhibits and blocks influenza virus polymerase and hence interferes with virus propagation. Susceptibility to primary challenge with highly pathogenic avian influenza virus and onward transmission dynamics were determined. Although the transgenic birds succumbed to the initial experimental challenge, onward transmission to both transgenic and nontransgenic birds was prevented.
Optimizing antiplatelet therapy in acute coronary syndrome and percutaneous coronary intervention

Dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel is the standard of care for patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and those undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). It is well established that inhibition of platelet aggregation reduces the risk of recurrent thrombotic events and stent thrombosis. However, some patients show a reduced antiplatelet response to standard clopidogrel loading (300 mg) and maintenance (75 mg day−1) doses, which has been associated with poorer patient outcomes. Pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic studies show that higher‐than‐standard clopidogrel dosing strategies facilitate more rapid platelet inhibition of a greater intensity as a result of greater plasma concentrations of the clopidogrel active metabolite. Recently completed studies suggest that in patients with ACS undergoing PCI, higher‐than‐standard clopidogrel dosing regimens provide greater inhibition of platelet function and improved clinical outcomes with a small but significant increase in major bleeding. Newer, more potent antiplatelet agents such as prasugrel and ticagrelor are other alternative strategies that result in more rapid, greater inhibition of platelet function and better outcomes than standard‐dose clopidogrel. Whether platelet reactivity‐guided therapy or genotyping for cytochrome P450 polymorphisms is useful in managing patients needs to be further defined. Most importantly, early and effective antiplatelet therapy results in the best short‐ and long‐term outcomes for patients with ACS or those undergoing PCI. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Maternal child health through water , sanitation and hygiene

Each year 290,000 women die from complications during pregnancy, birth and the neonatal period and, an estimated 10 to 20 million women suffer from related health complications ((WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, WB, 2012). Almost 90% of the maternal deaths occur in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Much of this is preventable through practices that have long been established. Hygiene and cleanliness are basic concepts in health care. They are included in most health promotion and health worker training programs. Evidence available shows their invaluable contribution to quality health service provision. Maternal mortality has decreased by one-third over the past 20 years (WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, WB, 2012) in part related to increase in safe deliveries by skilled personnel, reduced fertility and antenatal care. However, these substantial improvements have not benefited the rich and the poor alike. The burden of mortality and morbidity falls disproportionately on the poor and remains a great challenge in our world. Provision of clean water, sanitation and hygiene has played a major role in achieving this reduction.
Neural Bases and Development of Face Recognition in Autism

Abstract This paper critically examines the literature on face recognition in autism, including a discussion of the neural correlates of this ability. The authors begin by selectively reviewing the behavioral and cognitive neuroscience research on whether faces are represented by a “special” behavioral and neural system—one distinct from object processing. The authors then offer a neuroconstructivist model that attempts to account for the robust finding that certain regions in the inferior temporal cortex are recruited in the service of face recognition. This is followed by a review of the evidence supporting the view that face recognition is atypical in individuals with autism. This face-recognition deficit may indicate a continued risk for the further development of social impairments. The authors conclude by speculating on the role of experience in contributing to this atypical developmental pattern and its implications for normal development of face processing.
Multi-Site Calibration of the SWAT Model for Hydrologic Modeling

The growing popularity of applying complex, semi-physically based distributed hydrologic models to solve water resource problems poses important issues that must be addressed related to the use of spatial data to calibrate and validate such models. In this study, a single-objective optimization method (GA) and a multi-objective optimization algorithm (SPEA2) were applied to optimize the parameters of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) using observed streamflow data at three monitoring sites within the Reynolds Creek Experimental Watershed, Idaho. Results indicated that different optimization schemes can lead to substantially different objective function values, parameter solutions, and corresponding simulated hydrographs. Thus, the selection of an optimization scheme can potentially impact modeled streamflow. Parameters estimated by optimizing the objective function at three monitoring sites consistently produced better goodness-of-fit than those obtained by optimization at a single monitoring site. This stresses the importance of collecting detailed, spatially distributed data to conduct simultaneous multi-site calibrations. When applied with multi-site data, the single-objective (GA) method better identified parameter solutions in the calibration period, but the multi-objective (SPEA2) method performed better in the validation period. Overall, the application of different optimization schemes in the Reynolds Creek Experimental Watershed demonstrated that the single-objective (GA) and the multi-objective (SPEA2) optimization methods can provide promising results for multi-site calibration and validation of the SWAT model. These results are expected to help the users of SWAT and other distributed hydrologic models understand the sensitivity of distributed hydrologic simulation to different calibration methods and to demonstrate the advantages and disadvantages of single-objective and multi-objective parameter estimation methods.
Correlation: From Collateral to ABS Tranches

In this paper we show how variations on the correlation among the underlying collateral of an asset backed security (ABS) impacts the correlation among the tranches in a portfolio of ABS's. Additionally we also show evidence of the dependency on the time frame. This paper should be read in connection with the framework described in Garcia, Goossens and Lamoot [GGLDPM08] as a solution for the securitization business model of financial institution.
Administrator’s Role in Performance Pay System as a Determinant of Job Satisfaction

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between administrator’s role in pay performance system and job satisfaction. A survey method was employed to gather 299 self-administered questionnaires from employees who work in Malaysian private institutions of higher learning in Peninsular Malaysia. The outcomes of the stepwise regression analysis showed two important findings: first, pay participation positively and significantly correlated with job satisfaction. Second, pay allocation significantly correlated with job satisfaction. This result demonstrates that the capability of administrators to appropriately plan and implement pay for performance system has been an essential determinant of job satisfaction in the studied organizations. In addition, this study provides discussion, implications and conclusion.
Turbulent amplification of magnetic field and diffusive shock acceleration of cosmic rays

The diffusive shock acceleration of cosmic rays by supernova remnants depends upon the generation of magnetic fluctuations by cosmic rays upstream of the shock. Strongly driven, non-resonant, nearly purely growing modes grow more rapidly than the resonant Alfven waves usually considered. Non-linear simulation shows that the magnetic field can be amplified from its seed value by orders of magnitude. The consequences for the maximum attainable cosmic ray energy in supernova remnants are explored.
Feeling Hurt: Pain Sensitivity is Correlated With and Modulated by Social Distress

Objectives:Social distress, resulting from loss or threat to social relationships, shares similar psychological and neuronal processes with physical pain. Recent evidence demonstrated that social distress may have an impact on pain. The current study aimed to further assess the relationship between these 2 phenomena. Materials and Methods:Sixty healthy participants were randomly assigned to inclusion, noninclusion, or exclusion conditions of Cyberball, a virtual ball tossing game used to induce social distress. Pain and unpleasantness in response to noxious electrical stimuli were assessed before and after Cyberball manipulation. Psychological characteristics were evaluated by the Experiences in Close Relationships Questionnaire and the neuroticism scale of Big Five Inventory. Results:Significant correlations were found between social distress and pre-Cyberball unpleasantness thresholds: those who perceived the Cyberball task as more distressing demonstrated lower unpleasantness thresholds. Post-Cyberball manipulation pain intensity ratings, but not unpleasantness ratings, were lower in the inclusion condition. No associations were found between the psychological characteristic and the effects of Cyberball on pain or unpleasantness ratings. Discussion:The current study results indicate that participants’ pre-Cyberball unpleasantness threshold is related to their responsiveness to social distress and that physical pain may be modulated by social events. Further studies are needed to clarify the clinical relevance of these results.
Firm size expectations of nascent entrepreneurs

Because a firm'sstart size and subsequentgrowth are significant for creating jobs, the expectations of nascententrepreneurs regarding these factors are investigated.A decision modelwhose dependent variable is the expected size of the firm is presented andtested by the researchers. The data for this longitudinal study were collected from 405 self-identifiedSwedish nascent entrepreneurs over a two-year period. Four componentsrelated to size expectations were tested both separately and in combination,including initial human capital, personal/business goals, environmental andbusiness context, and gestation activities.Both the separate and combinedmodel results are presented. The findings indicate that most nascent entrepreneurs have low expectationsregarding size and growth.A nascent entrepreneur's level of earlycommitment, as based on incorporation, income expectations, growth goals, andnumber of gestation activities, may have some predictive capacity based on theutilized dependent variables.However, the findings further suggest thatthe ability to predict startup development is limited. (AKP)
Does Cross-Listing Mitigate Insider Trading?

This paper examines whether the increased legal and reputational constraints associated with cross-listing in the U.S. reduces the propensity of insiders to trade on private information. We find that the directors in both domestic and cross-listed firms trade on private information, particularly when they sell their holdings, as their trades generate negative and significant abnormal returns regardless of the cross-listing level, and the post-event returns in exchange-listed and OTC-listed firms where the regulation is expected to be less binding are relatively similar. We also show that the impact of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) is limited. These results provide weak evidence for the impact of cross-listing on the propensity of insiders to trade on private information.
The outcome of physical symptoms with treatment of depression

AbstractOBJECTIVE: This study examined the prevalence, impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and outcome of physical symptoms in depressed patients during 9 months of anti-depressant therapy. DESIGN: Open-label, randomized, intention-to-treat trial with enrollment occurring April through November 1999. SETTING: Thirty-seven primary care clinics within a research network. PATIENTS: Five hundred seventy-three depressed patients started on one of three selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) by their primary care physician and who completed a baseline interview. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized to receive fluoxetine, paroxetine, or sertraline. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Outcomes assessed included physical symptoms, depression, and multiple domains of HRQoL. Prevalence of physical symptoms was determined at baseline and after 1, 3, 6, and 9 months of treatment. Stepwise linear regression models were used to determine the independent effects of physical symptoms and depression on HRQoL domains.Of the 14 physical symptoms assessed, 13 were present in at least a third to half of the patients at baseline. Each symptom showed the greatest improvement during the initial month of treatment. In contrast, depression continued to show gradual improvement over a 9-month period. Physical symptoms had a predominant effect on pain (explaining 17% to 18% of the variance), physical functioning (13%), and overall health perceptions (13% to 15%). Depression had the greatest impact on mental (26% to 45%), social (14% to 32%), and work functioning (9% to 32%). CONCLUSIONS: Physical symptoms are prevalent in depressed patients and initially improve in the first month of SSRI treatment. Unlike depression, however, improvement in physical symptoms typically plateaus with minimal resolution in subsequent months.
Phase 2 efficacy trial of an oral 8-aminoquinoline (WR6026) for treatment of visceral leishmaniasis.

The efficacy of an oral 8-aminoquinoline (8-[[6-(diethylamino)hexyl]amino]-6-methoxy-4-methylquinoline) (WR6026) in the treatment of 16 patients with kala azar was evaluated. The first 8 patients received therapy for 2 weeks at a dosage of 0.75-1.00 mg/(kg.d); 1 patient was cured, and in regard to the other 7, a 1-logarithm decrease in the number of splenic parasites and clinical improvement were noted. The next 8 patients received therapy for 4 weeks at the same daily dosage (1 mg/[kg.d]); 4 were cured, and for the other 4, 1- to 2-log decreases in the number of parasites and clinical improvement (in regard to weight, liver and spleen size, hemoglobin level, and leukocyte count) were noted. The therapy was associated with minimal toxicity; adverse effects included gastrointestinal distress, headache, and methemoglobinemia. The fact that one-half of the patients were cured indicates that future trials with longer regimens and higher dosages are warranted and should include patients for whom existing treatment methods have failed.
Attention-based image similarity measure with application to content-based information retrieval

Whilst storage and capture technologies are able to cope with huge numbers of images, image retrieval is in danger of rendering many repositories valueless because of the difficulty of access. This paper proposes a similarity measure that imposes only very weak assumptions on the nature of the features used in the recognition process. This approach does not make use of a pre-defined set of feature measurements which are extracted from a query image and used to match those from database images, but instead generates features on a trial and error basis during the calculation of the similarity measure. This has the significant advantage that features that determine similarity can match whatever image property is important in a particular region whether it be a shape, a texture, a colour or a combination of all three. It means that effort is expended searching for the best feature for the region rather than expecting that a fixed feature set will perform optimally over the whole area of an image and over every image in a database. The similarity measure is evaluated on a problem of distinguishing similar shapes in sets of black and white symbols.