Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interfuel substitution in US electricity generation

Ongoing changes in the US electricity market include restructuring and increased competition. With this unfettering of the market, the fuel choice in generation is expected to become more flexible and responsive. To investigate this hypothesis, studies of US electricity fuel choices over the last three decades are summarized and the most recent analysis is provided on a market very different from the one on which earlier studies were done. Modern data handling techniques allow the consideration of the most comprehensive database including 185 utilities on monthly data for 1993. This paper finds fuel choice to show a considerable amount of price responsiveness, the amount of responsiveness is sensitive to the fuel substitution possibilities within the utility, and the amount of responsiveness seems to have increased recently for oil and natural gas.
Distributive justice, procedural justice, exemplarity, and employees’ willingness to cooperate in M&A integration processes : An analysis of the Air France-KLM merger

Although employees' willingness to cooperate is acknowledged as a critical success factor for post-M&A (merger-and-acquisition) integration, we still know little about the psychological mechanisms that lie beneath employees' cooperative attitudes and behaviors in this context. Building on the premises of fairness heuristic theory, this longitudinal study explores how the relative importance of distributive and procedural justice judgments for employees' willingness to cooperate shifts over time. We suggest that when employees lack justice-relevant information on both distributive and procedural aspects of decisions, they will use another temporary heuristic to reduce uncertainty by scrutinizing the M&A-related cooperative behaviors of authority figures. We test our hypotheses on data from a four-time repeated cross-sectional survey of employee responses in a post-M&A integration process. The findings provide important insights into how merging firms can enhance employees' willingness to cooperate through the subtle exercise of justice and exemplarity. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessment of Similarity Between Well Logs Using Synchronization Measures

In oil exploration, studying the similarity between patterns of the same geophysical properties in different wells is essential for making early decisions on future planning as well as for assessing the lithology of the area under survey. Geoscientists either rely on visual tools or resort to correlation studies between the different wells to match portions of the well logs. This is a tedious process involving several trial and error runs, which includes shifting, stretching, and sometimes preprocessing of the well logs by experienced geoscientists. However, this can be simplified by automating the process of matching. The well logs, a measure of the lithology, fall under the class of nonlinear signals. Therefore, linear methods are inadequate for matching these sequences. In this letter, we introduce similarity measures based on the concept of synchronization as used in matching nonlinear signals such as chaotic time series data. Two recently proposed methods, i.e., synchronization likelihood (SL) and visibility graph similarity (VGS), have been applied on the gamma-ray and porosity logs along different wells. These are considered as depth sequences, which can also be converted to suitable time series with the availability of the velocity profile. The data for this study originate from 12 existing wells in the western coast of India. The values of SL and VGS as well as the correlation are computed between these wells. Higher values indicate the existence of similarities. This has also been verified from the overlapped plots of well-log data.
PENGARUH TIME BUDGET PRESSURE TERHADAP KUALITAS AUDIT DENGAN INDEPENDENSI SEBAGAI VARIABEL INTERVENING (STUDI KASUS PADA BPK RI PERWAKILAN PROVINSI DAERAH ISTIMEWA YOGYAKARTA)

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis pengaruh time budget pressure terhadap kualitas audit dengan independensi sebagai variabel intervening. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah seluruh auditor yang bekerja pada lingkungan Badan Pemeriksa Keuangan (BPK) RI Perwakilan Provinsi Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta yang terdiri dari 118 auditor. Teknik pengambilan sampel adalah purposive sampling yang menghasilkan sampel sebanyak 74 auditor. Sampel yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah auditor yang telah bekerja selama 2 tahun.Metode analisis data menggunakan analisis deskriptif dan analisis jalur (Path Analysis) dengan α 0,05. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa variabel time budget pressure dan independensi secara parsial berpengaruh terhadap kualitas audit. Independensi dapat menjadi variabel intervening untuk pengaruh tidak langsung time budget pressure terhadap kualitas audit.This research aims to analyze the effect of time budget pressure on audit quality with independency as an interening variable. The population of this research were 118 auditors who work in Audit Agency (BPK) RI Representative Yogyakarta Special Region. The sampling technique was purposive sampling which resulted in a sample of 74 auditors. The sampel of this research were auditors who have worked for 2 years. Methods of data analysis using descriptive analysis and path analysis (path analysis) with α of 0.05. Based on the results of this study indicate that the variable time budget pressure and partially give effect of independency of the effect on audit quality. The independence may be an intervening variable for the indirect effect of time budget pressure on audit quality.
Constructing a bivariate distribution for freeway speed and headway data

Accurate description of speed and headway distributions is critical for developing microscopic traffic simulation models. A number of microscopic simulation models generate vehicle speeds and vehicle arrival times as independent inputs to the simulation process. However, this traditional approach ignores the possible correlation between speed and headway. This article proposes a Farlie–Gumbel–Morgenstern (FGM) approach to construct a bivariate distribution to simultaneously describe the characteristics of speed and headway. For the FGM approach, the distributions of speed and headway need to be specified separately before the construction of the bivariate distribution. While using conventional distributions for headway, this study uses normal, skew-normal and skew-t mixture distributions for speed. To examine the applicability of the FGM, the proposed approach is applied to a 24-hour speed and headway dataset collected on IH-35 in Austin, Texas. The results show the FGM approach has successfully constructed the bivariate distribution for speed and headway. Moreover, data analyses indicate that there is a weak correlation coefficient between speed and headway. The methodology in this research can be used in analysing the characteristics of speed and headway data. The findings can also be used in the development and validation of microscopic simulation models for freeway traffic.
How to Deal with Inequality Welfare System Challenges and European Responses

[Introduction . ] In this paper, we seek to identify innovative ways to limit inequality in households’ disposable incomes and living standards while keeping welfare systems fiscally sustainable. We focus on the welfare systems of EU countries in comparison, to better understand their key features. To set the scene, we review trends in income inequality in Europe in relation to other major world regions. We compare inequality before and after taxes and transfers across European countries to gain insights into the extent of redistribution and, hence, the impact of the national welfare systems (Section 2). Next we review the experience of five European countries that have been identified as examples of distinct welfare system models. We characterize national welfare systems in terms of the extent to which they decommodify labour, emphasize or relax stratification, and engage in social investment rather than income replacement during spells of unemployment (Section 3). We go on to assess the performance of our selected countries in terms of income redistribution, economic growth, polarization between rich and poor, and labour market developments (Section 4). We complement the picture by looking closely at evidence from surveys and economic experiments to assess inequality aversion in our selected countries and relate our findings to the extent of redistribution and other features of the national welfare systems (Section 5). We look for recent challenges for and responses by the welfare systems and reflect on adjustment requirements that lie ahead (Section 6). The final section concludes (Section 7). [. ]
Expo-Power Utility: A ‘Flexible’ Form for Absolute and Relative Risk Aversion

A new utility function, which I call expo-power, is proposed that exhibits decreasing, constant, or increasing absolute risk aversion and decreasing or increasing relative risk aversion, depending on parameter values. Numerical analysis suggests that the expo-power function performs well in incorporating these risk preference structures, and that arbitrary risk preference specifications may lead to biased risk response estimates.
A decision management tool: modelling the order fulfilment process by multi-agent systems

This paper describes an agent-based framework for modelling and simulating different processes taking place in supply networks, resulting in a supply network simulator. The framework is composed of reusable elements (agents and objects) allowing to model real-scale supply chains, which often involves a high number of different enterprises and products, and many different structures are possible. Each enterprise in the model can be customised with different policies and parameters for the different business functions. The framework is implemented using Java Swarm. The simulation platform, called Sistemas COoperativos para la Programacion y Ejecucion de pedidos (SCOPE), has been validated contrasting our results with three different methodologies described in the literature by three relevant authors in the supply network management topic. SCOPE is a very useful tool for supply network managers, allowing them to understand how their current system works, to calculate global performances, and to fine-tune the current system by simulation (changing parameters, management policies, adding or deleting new enterprises, etc.).
The choice of growth method: strategies and resources

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of a firm's growth strategy (specialization and diversification) and its specific resources, such as intangible assets and previous experience in the choice of growth method (organic or external). Design-methodology-approach The paper analyses 859 external growth arrangements and 1,057 cases of organic growth. A binomial logistic regression is used to test the hypotheses. Findings Results show that firms prefer to grow internally when their growth strategy is specialization, but prefer external growth methods – such as mergers, acquisitions and alliances – when their growth strategy is diversification and they have previous experience in these methods. Research limitations-implications This study applies only to the European case and could be extended to Latin American companies for a comparative analysis. Practical implications This paper may help managers to identify important factors and issues to be considered when deciding upon a growth m.
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in patients with retroviral infection is highly responsive to plasma infusion therapy

We prospectively studied presentation biological differences and the response to therapy in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) associated with, or unrelated to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. TTP patients underwent standard evaluations and were treated with prednisone 1 mg/kg in addition to infusions of fresh frozen plasma (FFP; 30 ml/kg/d) until normalization of the platelet count. Unresponsive patients were referred for plasma exchange. Compared with HIV− TTP patients (n = 23), in HIV+ subjects (n = 21) microangiopathy was dominant among Black females, who had lower presentation Hb (median 5·8 g/dl; P = 0·03), platelet count (13 × 109/l; P = 0·05) and a CD4 count of 0·096 × 109/l. HIV+ individuals responded to FFP faster than HIV− patients and none of them required apheresis. Ten HIV− TTP patients required apheresis (P = 0·03) and four died. Responses in the HIV+ and HIV− groups occurred after treatment with a median of 33 and 55 units (one unit = 320 ml) of FFP (P = 0·004) respectively. Response to this protocol was seen in 84% (95% response in HIV+ patients). Regression analysis showed that survival was associated with younger age (P = 0·001), rapid platelet (P = 0·001) and Hb (P = 0·0009) recovery, and fewer FFP units to normal lactate dehydrogenase levels (P = 0·006). We conclude that in HIV+ individuals, microangiopathy is highly responsive to plasma infusions. This observation is important particularly when apheresis is not available.
Reversible Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential Abnormalities in Jaundiced Gunn Rats Given Sulfonamide

ABSTRACT: Neurologic and audiologic sequelae produced by bilirubin toxicity are preventable by appropriately timed therapeutic intervention. To understand the timing and reversibility of the neural dysfunction that follows exposure to bilirubin, we recorded brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP) in the Gunn rat model of bilirubin encephalopathy. Abnormal BAEP occur in jaundiced Gunn rats after injection of sulfadimethoxine (sulfa) 100 mg/kg intraperitoneally, which displaces bilirubin from blood albumin binding sites and promotes the net transfer of bilirubin into brain tissue. Reversal of BAEP abnormalities with injection of human serum albumin (USA) 2 g/kg intraperitoneally was studied in 17− to 20-d-old jaundiced Gunn rats. One animal from each of 14 litters was randomly assigned to one of the following treatment groups: 1) sulfa alone, 2) sulfa + HSA at 2 h, 3) sulfa + HSA at 8 h, or 4) saline alone. BAEP were recorded in each rat before and 0.1, 4, 8, 24, and 48 h after injection of sulfa or saline. BAEP III interwave intervals increased in all sulfa groups (p < 10−9) to 0.27 ms (21%) above baseline at 8 h for the two sulfa groups not receiving treatment before that time (p = 0.0002), but increased less for the sulfa group given HSA at 2 h compared with untreated animals (p = 0.02). Partial recovery of function occurred at 24 and 48 h for both HSA-treated groups compared with their 8-h values (p = 0.0001), and there was increased mortality at 24 h for the sulfa group not treated with HSA (p < 0.001). Amplitudes of BAEP waves I, II, and III decreased to 59 ± 17%, 25 ± 9%, and 9 ± 9%, after sulfa; there was a protective effect of early treatment on waves I and II but not III. Amplitude of wave II but not waves I and III recovered with USA. Thus, therapeutic intervention with HSA as late as 8 h after acute bilirubin encephalopathy in this animal model promotes the recovery of neurophysiologic function as effectively as intervention at 2 h. This indicates that a hypothesized “critical period” for recovery of auditory brainstem function after acute bilirubin encephalopathy may extend beyond 8 h.
Effects of α‐Melanocyte‐Stimulating Hormone on Magnocellular Oxytocin Neurones and their Activation at Intromission in Male Rats

The peptides α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH) and oxytocin have very similar effects on several behaviours, including male sexual behaviour. Both induce penile erection and enhance copulatory behaviour when given centrally, suggesting that their central actions are not independent. Here, we used intromission as a physiological stimulus to investigate whether some central effects of α‐MSH during male sexual behaviour are mediated by oxytocin neurones. We used the expression of the immediate‐early gene product Fos to investigate oxytocin neurone activation at intromission and after intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of α‐MSH (1 µg/5 µl) and studied the effects of i.c. v. administration of a MC4 receptor antagonist on Fos expression and on the latency of male rats to exhibit sexual behaviour in the presence of a receptive female. In rats that showed intromission, Fos was expressed in magnocellular oxytocin neurones in both the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and the supraoptic nucleus (SON), but there was no significant activation of parvocellular oxytocin neurones of the PVN. Similarly, α‐MSH increased Fos expression in magnocellular oxytocin neurones but had little or no effect in parvocellular oxytocin neurones. In male rats that achieved intromission, central injection of a MC4 receptor antagonist significantly attenuated the increase in Fos expression in magnocellular oxytocin neurones in both the PVN and the SON and increased mount and intromission latencies compared to vehicle‐injected controls. Together, the results indicate that magnocellular oxytocin neurones are involved in the central regulation of male sexual behaviour, and that some of the central effects of α‐MSH are likely to be mediated by magnocellular oxytocin neurones.
Small firm internationalisation: an investigative survey and future research directions

Surveys the literature on internationalisation research and identifies a number of theoretical and practical inadequacies in terms of current theory’s ability in describing behaviour of the smaller firm. A range of internationalisation theories are discussed, from their historical provenance in economic trade theory to the more recent developments concerning the impact of technology and networking. It is concluded that the majority of frameworks fail to readily explain smaller firm internationalisation behaviour. A number of implications and recommendations are presented, including the promotion of the belief that the emerging marketing and entrepreneurship paradigm provides additional understanding of smaller firm internationalisation, where creativity and innovative behaviour can act as a competitive advantage over firms with larger resources at their disposal. This then acts as a catalyst for internationalisation development.
The long‐term development of non‐motor problems after STN‐DBS

Stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN‐DBS) is an established treatment with long‐term beneficial effects on motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). The long‐term development of non‐motor problems after STN‐DBS is not fully understood. In this study, we have studied how non‐motor problems develop in patients with and without STN‐DBS.
Human nasal epithelial cell culture system: evaluation of response to human interferons

This report describes the response of human nasal epithelial cells to exogenously applied human interferon (IF). To measure the response, a system developed to study human nasal epithelial cells in vitro was used. Nasal epithelial cells responded equally to both leukocyte and fibroblast IF, with development of resistance to virus replication that was time and dose dependent. Cells required contact with 1,000 U of IF (400 69/19 reference units) for 4 h to produce consistently a significant reduction in virus yield. This in vitro cell cultured system may be useful in predicting the in vivo response of human IF in respiratory viral infections.
The long-term effects of poor childhood health: An assessment and application of retrospective reports

This study assesses retrospective childhood health reports and examines childhood health as a predictor of adult health. The results suggest that such reports are of reasonable reliability as to warrant their judicious use in population research. They also demonstrate a large positive relationship between childhood and adult health. Compared with excellent, very good, or good childhood health, poor childhood health is associated with more than three times greater odds of having poor adult self-rated health and twice the risk of a work-limiting disability or a chronic health condition. These associations are independent of childhood and current socioeconomic position and healthrelated risk behaviors.
The Discovery of Perceptual Structure from Visual Co-occurrences in Space and Time

Although impressionists assure us that the world is just dabs of light, we cannot help but see surfaces and contours, objects and events. How can a visual system learn to organize pixels into these higher-level structures? In this thesis I argue that perceptual organization reflects statistical regularities in the environment. When visual primitives occur together much more often than one would expect by chance, we may learn to associate those primitives and to form a perceptual group. The first half of the thesis deals with the identification of such groups at the pixel level. I show that low-level image statistics are surprisingly effective at higher-level segmentation. I present an algorithm that groups pixels by identifying meaningful cooccurrences in an image's color statistics. Consider a zebra. Black-next-to-white occurs suspiciously often, hinting that these colors have a common cause. I model these cooccurrences using pointwise mutual information (PMI). If the PMI between two colors is high, then the colors probably belong to the same object. Grouping pixels with high PMI reveals object segments. Separating pixels with low PMI marks perceived boundaries. If simple color co-occurrences can tell us about object segments, what might more complex statistics tell us? The second half of the thesis investigates high dimensional visual data, such as image patches and video frames. In high dimensions, it is intractable to directly model co-occurrences. Instead, I show that modeling PMI can be posed as a simpler binary classification problem in which the goal is to predict if two primitives occur in the same spatial or temporal context. This allows us to model PMI associations between complex inputs. I demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach on three domains: discovering objects by associating image patches, discovering movie scenes by associating frames, and discovering place categories by associating geotagged photos. Together, these results shed light on how a visual system can learn to organize raw sensory input into meaningful percepts. Thesis Supervisor: Edward H. Adelson Title: John and Dorothy Wilson Professor of Vision Science Thesis Committee: William T. Freeman, Joshua B. Tenenbaum
The impact of export growth and scale economies on productivity in Singapore's manufacturing industries

This paper examines the impact of export performance and scale economies on total factor productivity in Singapore's manufacturing sector. A panel data of total of ten major industries within its manufacturing sector are analysed over the period 1974‐1995. It was found that export growth and scale economies contributed significantly to the productivity growth of selected industries. In addition, the results also indicate that the foreign direct investment (FDI) intensive industries are the main contributors to productivity growth in the manufacturing industries in terms of export performance and economies of scale as compared to the non‐FDI intensive industries.