Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Palestinian refugees and the right to work in Lebanon

By denying the majority of the Palestinian refugees in Lebanon access to the labour market, Lebanon is violating its obligations under international human rights law. Since the Palestinians are foreigners staying in Lebanon on a non-temporary basis, they are guaranteed the right to work under article 6 in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights from 1966. Lebanon is also violating the discrimination prohibition in article 26 in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, by denying the Palestinians access to the labour market without presenting “reasonable and objective” arguments. There are however, no effective remedies available to the Palestinians, since Lebanon has not signed the Optional Protocol to the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and because economic, social and cultural rights lack adequate protection in international law.
Dyspnea, pulmonary function and exercise capacity in adult Saudi patients with sickle cell disease.

OBJECTIVE To examine pulmonary function, dyspnea and exercise capacity in adult Saudi sickle cell disease (SCD) patients. METHODS The patients were recruited from the hematology clinic at King Khalid University Hospital in Riyadh from January to December 2005. The study involved 39 patients with stable SCD (20 women and 19 men), with a mean age of 22.7+/-7.1 years, hemoglobin level of 95.5+/-14.6 g/L and hemoglobin F level of 13.7+/-8.6%. Patients underwent pulmonary function tests (PFT) (forced expiratory volume in first second [FEV1], forced vital capacity [FVC], and diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide [DLco] data are presented as a percentage of the normal prediction), a 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and echocardiography. Dyspnea was assessed using the Borg score. The 6MWT data were compared to body mass index-matched healthy controls. RESULTS Forty-one percent of SCD patients had mild dyspnea at rest, and this increased to 61% at the end of the 6MWT. Pulmonary function tests were abnormal in 51% (36% of patients had a restrictive pattern, 10% had isolated decrease in DLco, and 5% had a mixed restrictive-obstructive pattern). The 6MWD was shorter in SCD patients compared to the controls (368+/-67 versus 407+/-47m, p=0.005). No hematological variables correlated with outcome variables. CONCLUSION Chronic pulmonary complications in adult Saudi SCD patients are relatively mild but common. Pulmonary function in these patients differs from that published for African-origin SCD patients. This difference may reflect a different natural history of SCD in the 2 populations.
Randomized Rumor Spreading Revisited

We develop a simple and generic method to analyze randomized rumor spreading processes in fully connected networks. In contrast to all previous works, which heavily exploit the precise definition of the process under investigation, we only need to understand the probability and the covariance of the events that uninformed nodes become informed. This universality allows us to easily analyze the classic push, pull, and push-pull protocols both in their pure version and in several variations such as messages failing with constant probability or nodes calling a random number of others each round. Some dynamic models can be analyzed as well, e.g., when the network is a G(n, p) random graph sampled independently each round [Clementi et al. (ESA 2013)]. Despite this generality, our method determines the expected rumor spreading time precisely apart from additive constants, which is more precise than almost all previous works. We also prove tail bounds showing that a deviation from the expectation by more than an additive number of r rounds occurs with probability at most exp(−Ω(r)). We further use our method to discuss the common assumption that nodes can answer any number of incoming calls. We observe that the restriction that only one call can be answered leads to a significant increase of the runtime of the push-pull protocol. In particular, the double logarithmic end phase of the process now takes logarithmic time. This also increases the message complexity from the asymptotically optimal Θ(n log logn) [Karp, Shenker, Schindelhauer, Vöcking (FOCS 2000)] to Θ(n logn). We propose a simple variation of the push-pull protocol that reverts back to the double logarithmic end phase and thus to the Θ(n log logn) message complexity. 1998 ACM Subject Classification F.2. 2 Nonnumerical Algorithms and Problems
THE SOCIAL OUTCOMES OF WHOLE CLASS INQUIRY ON STUDENTS IN A HIGH SCHOOL BIOLOGY CLASSROOM

The purpose of this study was to better understand the impact that an inquirybased instructional model, called whole class inquiry (WCI), had on students in the general education classroom at Clinton High School. The students were divided into three ability groups: high, medium, and low. The students participated in at least three full WCI assessments and smaller WCI activities over the course of three months. The researcher used surveys, questionnaires, interviews, and observations to collect data and draw conclusions. Results showed that all students developed social and emotional life skills. Not all classes showed similar results however, with certain conditions contributing to greater overall achievement. Factors that may negatively impact success of WCI implementation include students’ previous experience with WCI, attitude, and number of students with learning and behavioral disabilities. The study also suggests that students with learning disabilities may need greater teacher direction and support during WCI assessments than other students. In conclusion, the study suggests that WCI is an effective tool for not only teaching science through inquiry, but also teaching students valuable life skills, particularly collaboration and teamwork.
Marketability of Common Stocks in Canada and the U.S.A.: A Comparison of Agent versus Dealer Dominated Markets

THIS PAPER presents the results of an analysis of the price of marketability services on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSE) and compares them with previously published findings concerning the price of marketability on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the U.S. over-the-counter market (OTC). More specifically, the paper examines the determinants of bid-ask spreads on the TSE and their behavior relative to spreads in the NYSE and OTC markets. In the next section, we present some background concerning the methods of market making employed in the TSE, NYSE and OTC and discuss several tentative, working hypotheses concerning the determinants of bid-ask spreads. In Section III, the discussion turns to the empirical analysis of spreads on the TSE. This is followed in Section IV by a comparison of previously published results from the NYSE and OTC markets. Finally, in Section V some implications of the analysis are discussed. In brief, we will argue that the comparative results support the conclusion that the price of marketability services is higher in the TSE than in either the NYSE or OTC market. In this context, the word "higher" does not simply imply that spreads on the TSE are absolutely wider, but rather that they are wider holding factors that influence spreads constant from market to market. The question of the relative merits of various methods of organizing trading in common stocks is receiving considerable attention in the U.S. at the present time and promises to be a topic of debate for some time to come. ' Unfortu
Thrombopoietin and platelet aggregation in patients with stable coronary artery disease

Abstract Thrombopoietin (TPO) may facilitate platelet activation and aggregation. However, data on the impact of TPO on platelet aggregation in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) are scarce. We aimed to investigate associations between TPO and platelet aggregation and activation in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). We studied 900 stable CAD patients. Serum TPO was assessed by ELISA. Platelet aggregation was evaluated using the Multiplate Analyzer (agonists: arachidonic acid [AA] and collagen) and the VerifyNow Aspirin Assay. Platelet activation was evaluated by soluble (s)P-selectin. Cyclooxygenase-1 inhibition was evaluated by serum thromboxane B2 (TXB2). We found that TPO correlated weakly with platelet aggregation evaluated by Multiplate using AA (r = −0.09, p = 0.01) and collagen as agonists (r = −0.03, p = 0.43) and by VerifyNow (r = 0.07, p = 0.03). We found no correlation between TPO and sP-selectin (r = −0.01, p = 0.70). Independent predictors of AA-induced platelet aggregation by Multiplate included high levels of sP-selectin and serum TXB2, high platelet count, increasing age and body mass index, female sex, and active smoking. Independent predictors of TPO included low AA-induced platelet aggregation by Multiplate, high levels of hs-CRP, active smoking, and high platelet aggregation evaluated by VerifyNow. In conclusion, TPO levels did not correlate with platelet activation and only weak associations were found between TPO and platelet aggregation, suggesting that TPO did not substantially facilitate platelet aggregation in stable CAD patients.
The Distributional Impact of Pension System Reforms: An Application to the Italian Case

Between 1992 and 1995, the Italian pension system was deeply reformed, and it is now moving from an earnings-related to a contribution-based scheme. The pre-1992 system was generous and redistributive; however, often redistribution operated from the poor to the rich, notably because the benefit formula was based on the last years of earnings, thus benefiting workers with steep earnings profiles. The new contribution-based scheme may enhance equity by removing (some of) the inequities implicit in the previous system. Simulations calibrated on Italian male employees show that the contribution-based scheme reduces inequality among all groups considered, with the exception of college graduates employed in the private sector. When taking into account the average level of the benefit as well as its distribution, the analysis shows mixed results depending on the worker’s number of years of contribution and on their retirement age, as well as on the steepness of their earnings profile.
Does the “Dow-10 Investment Strategy” Beat the Dow Statistically and Economically?

A comparison of returns from 1946 to 1995 on a portfolio of the 10 Dow Jones Industrial Average stocks with the highest dividend yields (the Dow-10) with those from a portfolio of all 30 stocks in the DJIA (the Dow-30) shows that the Dow-10 portfolio beats the Dow-30 statistically; that is, the Dow-10 has significantly higher average annual returns. After adjusting for the Dow-10 portfolio's higher risk, extra transaction costs, and unfavorable tax treatment, however, the Dow-10 does not beat the Dow-30 economically. In some subperiods, Dow-10 performance is economically superior, but the question is how to interpret this information in light of the potential for data mining and investor learning.
A Note on Return on Foreign Assets and Foreign Presence for UK Multinationals

Within the context of the international business literature on multinationality and performance we develop new data on the foreign presence and performance of large UK multinational enterprises (MNEs). There are 32 UK MNEs for which we can obtain data on both their degree of multinationality (measured by the ratio of foreign to total (F/T) sales) and their performance. Here, in addition to the traditional overall performance of the firm, shown as return on total assets, we use new data on the return on foreign assets (ROFA). We conduct analytical work to show the positioning of the UK MNEs in the ROFA and F/T sales space and provide regression results showing a linear relationship between multinationality and performance, using the new ROFA metric.
Ovarian Carcinosarcoma Associated With Bilateral Tubal Intraepithelial Carcinoma: A Case Report

Carcinosarcomas (malignant mixed müllerian tumors) of the ovary are rare tumors. This report describes a case of a 64 years old patient presenting with a large tumor in the true pelvis, intraoperatively originating from the right ovary, with peritoneal metastatic deposits. Histologically, a dominant sarcomatoid component consisted of short spindle and epithelioid round cells. The nuclei were round to oval, with pleomorphism, hyperchromasia and frequently conspicuous nucleoli. Mitotic activity was brisk. The cells were aligned in hypercellular to myxoid hypocellular arrangements. Large epithelioid cells displayed abundant deeply eosinophilic cytoplasm and mono- to multinucleation. Immunohistochemically, these cells displayed strong reactivities for desmin, WT1 in a cytoplasmic staining pattern, p16ink4, and vimentin. A second and minor tumor component revealed epithelial differentiation with mixed serous- endometrioid and squamous features, and immunohistochemical staining for AE1/AE3 cytokeratin, focally for p16ink4 and p53, for nuclear WT1 in varying quantities, and weakly for vimentin. The fallopian tubes were remarkable for circumscribed areas of serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC), found at the fimbria of the right and in the tubal mucosa close to the fimbria of the left tube. The final diagnosis was carcinosarcoma of the right ovary (malignant müllerian mixed tumor, heterologous type), with rhabdomyosarcomatous differentiations, FIGO stage IIIC. The patient died of recurrent tumor seven month after primary presentation.
The failure of competence-based qualifications: An analysis of work-based vocational education policy in Scotland

This article critically explores the gap between the policy and practice of competence‐based Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs). It shows how SVQs have become an ‘institutionally led’ low‐skill work‐based qualification in danger of being marginalized within a unified post‐16 education and training framework. From a labour market perspective, the free market credentialist practices championed over the last two decades have clearly failed to bring together the supply and demand side of the educational equation. The issues are illustrated through an analysis of vocational qualifications and labour market datasets for Scotland. It develops the argument for a more devolved and integrated vocational qualification structure that brings together the academic and vocational curriculum within single awards. The paper provides the first detailed analysis of SVQ policy and practice in the competence‐based literature
Who Gives? Characteristics of Community College Alumni Donors

by Lisa Ann Skari, Ed.D. Washington State University May 2011 Chair: Kelly A. Ward As higher education becomes more dependent on sources of external funding, alumni provide a large pool of potential donors. In order for colleges and universities to capitalize on their relationship with former students and generate private gifts, they must understand who gives. Using predictive models, institutions of higher education develop profiles of alumni donors so that they might target efforts to those alumni most likely to give. While many studies examine attributes of alumni donors, they do so within the four-year institution context. A profile of the community colleges alumni donor does not exist. Guided by social exchange theory, the study explores the characteristics of community college alumni donors to understand giving at two-year institutions, with a focus on student experiences and demographics. The study uses logistic regression to examine a large sample of community college alumni from 18 two-year public colleges across the United States (n = 7,330). Results are consistent with research conducted at four-year institutions, and suggest the likelihood of community college alumni giving has a positive relationship to: the student
The Superiority and Disciplining Role of Independent Analysts

We show that although forecasts of independent analysts are less accurate ex post, they yield forecast errors that are more strongly associated with abnormal stock returns. This suggests that forecasts of independent analysts are superior to those of nonindependent analysts in representing ex ante market expectations. We also show that forecasts of nonindependent analysts become more accurate and less biased, and produce forecast errors more strongly associated with abnormal stock returns when independent analysts are following the same firms than when they are not. This suggests that the presence of independent analysts disciplines the behavior of nonindependent analysts.
THE ASSESSMENT: CONSUMER EXPENDITURE

This article aims to illuminate two sets of consumption puzzles. The first concerns the behavior of aggregate saving rates in the 1980s and early 1990s: collapse and rebound in Scandinavia and the U.K., and, apparently, a more secular decline in the U.S. The second set of puzzles concerns various apparent contradictions of the rational expectations permanent income hypothesis, e.g., in time series, the excess sensitivity of consumption changes to anticipated income changes and, in cross-sections, the tendency of consumption and income age-profiles to follow each other more than standard life-cycle theory implies. The article discusses, in relatively non-technical terms, the implications both for Euler equations and solved-out consumption functions of introducing uncertainty, credit constraint, consumption-leisure interactions, habits and durability, alternative to rational expectations, the illiquidity of some assets, and financial deregulation. It also compares the merits of Euler and solved-out models of aggregate consumption. Copyright 1994 by Oxford University Press.
Sustained Induction of NF-κB Is Required for Efficient Expression of Latent Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1

ABSTRACT Cells harboring infectious, but transcriptionally latent, human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) proviruses currently pose an insurmountable barrier to viral eradication in infected patients. To better understand the molecular basis for HIV-1 latency, we used the J-Lat model of postintegration HIV-1 latency to assess the kinetic relationship between the induction of NF-κB and the activation of latent HIV-1 gene expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses revealed an oscillating pattern of RelA recruitment to the HIV-1 long terminal repeat (LTR) during continuous tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) stimulation. RNA polymerase II (Pol II) recruitment to the HIV-1 LTR closely mirrored RelA binding. Transient stimulation of cells with TNF-α for 15 min induced only a single round of RelA and RNA Pol II binding and failed to induce robust expression of latent HIV-1. Efficient formation of elongated HIV-1 transcripts required sustained induction by NF-κB, which promoted de novo synthesis of Tat. Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) and serine-2-phosphorylated RNA Pol II were rapidly recruited to the HIV-1 LTR after NF-κB induction; however, these elongating polymerase complexes were progressively dephosphorylated in the absence of Tat. Okadaic acid promoted sustained serine-2 phosphorylation of the C-terminal domain of RNA Pol II and stimulated efficient transcriptional elongation and HIV-1 expression in the absence of Tat. These findings underscore important differences between NF-κB and Tat stimulation of RNA Pol II elongation. While NF-κB binding to the HIV-1 LTR induces serial waves of efficient RNA Pol II initiation, elongation is impaired by the action of an okadaic acid-sensitive phosphatase that dephosphorylates the C-terminal domain of RNA Pol II. Conversely, the action of this phosphatase is overcome in the presence of Tat, promoting very efficient RNA Pol II elongation.
The Notch Ligand DLL4 Defines a Capability of Human Dendritic Cells in Regulating Th1 and Th17 Differentiation

Notch signaling regulates multiple helper CD4+ T cell programs. We have recently demonstrated that dendritic cells (DCs) expressing the Notch ligand DLL4 are critical for eliciting alloreactive T cell responses and induction of graft-versus-host disease in mice. However, the human counterpart of murine DLL4+ DCs has yet to be examined. We report the identification of human DLL4+ DCs and their critical role in regulating Th1 and Th17 differentiation. CD1c+ DCs and plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) from the peripheral blood (PB) of healthy donors did not express DLL4. In contrast, patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation had a 16-fold more DLL4+CD1c+ DCs than healthy donors. Upon activation of TLR signaling, healthy donor-derived CD1c+ DCs dramatically upregulated DLL4, as did pDCs to a lesser extent. Activated DLL4+ DCs were better able to promote Th1 and Th17 differentiation than unstimulated PB DCs. Blocking DLL4 using a neutralizing Ab decreased Notch signaling in T cells stimulated with DLL4+ DCs, and it reduced the generation of Th1 and Th17 cells. Both NF-κB and STAT3 were crucial for inducing DLL4 in human DCs. Interestingly, STAT3 directly activated DLL4 transcription and inhibiting STAT3 alone was sufficient to reduce DLL4 in activated PB DCs. Thus, DLL4 is a unique functional molecule of human circulating DCs critical for directing Th1 and Th17 differentiation. These findings identify a pathway for therapeutic intervention for inflammatory disorders in humans, such as graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, autoimmunity, and tumor immunity.
Revalued Financial Tangible, and Intangible Assets: Associations with Share Prices and Non Market-Based Value Estimates

This study investigates how Australian asset revaluations are associated with share prices and non market-based firm value estimates. We find that revalued financial, tangible, and intangible assets can be value-relevant. Although prior research presages the financial assets findings, the intangible assets findings are striking in strength and consistency. Findings for property, plant, and equipment are less consistent. Also, we find stronger value-relevance for plant and equipment than for property, suggesting revalued operating assets are more value-relevant. Perhaps surprisingly, the market does not distinguish director- and independent appraiser-based valuations, consistent with directors' enhancing value estimates by using their private information countervailing distorting effects associated with management discretion. Also, even several year old revalued amounts are value-relevant, suggesting timeliness is not critical for long-term asset revaluations. Finally, evidence indicates that investors value differently upward and downward revaluations, suggesting the discretionary nature of asset write-ups can affect value-relevance.
R&D employees' innovative behaviors in Taiwan: HRM and managerial coaching as moderators

Recently, scholars have acknowledged the importance of exploring factors affecting R&D employees' innovative behaviors in high-technology firms. In addition to the employee's individual differences, an organization's contextual factors serve as the moderators in facilitating the research and development (R&D) employee's innovative behaviors. This survey-based research investigates the influence of HRM (incentive pay system and training) and managerial coaching on the relationships between the R&D employee's characteristics (intrinsic motivation and prior work experience) and the innovative behaviors. A total of 127 R&D employees formed the research sample along with 23 R&D managers who evaluated their employees' innovative behaviors. The results indicate that intrinsic motivation and prior work experience correlate significantly with innovative behaviors. Both HRM (incentive pay system and training) and managerial coaching positively moderates the relationships between employee characteristics and innovative behaviors. Implications for HRM practice and suggestions for future research are discussed.