Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ekaluka Farmers' Association and the Land Reform Programme: Expectations and success factors

The Land Reform Programme in South Africa aims to transfer 30% of white-owned commercial land to African owners before 2015. The Department of Land Affairs needs to ensure that land redistribution projects are viable and sustainable before approval. This article reports on a case study conducted in the Ermelo district of Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, investigating the situation with regard to the Ekaluka Farmers' Association. The expectations, structure and composition, level of education and employment status of all 163 members of the Association were ascertained through structured interviews. The results indicate various factors that could prove valuable in the process of determining the potential success of this proposed land redistribution project.
Strengthening the Quality–Loyalty Linkage: The Role of Customer Orientation and Interpersonal Relationship

Customer loyalty has been suggested as the most important indicator of a firm's advantageous position relative to competitors. The effect of service quality on customer loyalty has been empirically proven in a variety of industries. For industries such as grocery wholesalers whose offerings seem to be almost homogeneous in the eyes of retail customers, by implication, service quality in itself may be insufficient. Therefore, this study aims to explore how to strengthen the effect of service quality on customer loyalty. In this study, we propose that customer orientation and interpersonal relationship may reinforce the quality–loyalty linkage. The empirical results showed that all three variables independently had significant power in discriminating among three levels of loyalty (high, medium, and low). Customer orientation and interpersonal relationships also functioned as moderators that strengthen the effect of service quality on customer loyalty. Moreover, customer orientation had a greater moderating effect than interpersonal relationship. The research findings could, we believe, assist wholesale managers to allocate their resources more effectively to establish customer loyalty in an era of fierce competition.
ESTIMATES OF INDIVIDUAL DAIRY FARM SUPPLY ELASTICITIES

Milk supply elasticities were estimated for 70 farms who participated in the New York Dairy Farm Business Summary Program from 1985 through 1993. Technology was modeled as a single output, single composite input Cobb-Douglas function. The resultant supply function is the natural log of milk quantity as a function of the log of milk price to prices paid for all inputs, with a time trend added. Since random output shocks to each farm may have occurred in any of the nine data years, a dummy year variable was modeled sequentially for each year for each farm. Ignoring 12 negative estimates, elasticities averaged . 65. Pooling the data with a fixed effects model produced an elasticity estimate of . 47. A geometric lag pooled model produced a short-run elasticity of . 2 and a long-run supply elasticity of 1.00 using instrumental variables, but an OLS short-run elasticity of . 25 and long-run elasticity of . 64.
Neurochemical Profile of Lu 19‐005, a Potent Inhibitor of Uptake of Dopamine, Noradrenaline, and Serotonin

Abstract: The neurochemical profile of a new compound, Lu 19–005 [(±)trans‐3‐(3,4‐dichlorophenyl)‐N‐methyl‐1‐indanamine hydrochloride], has been investigated. Lu 19–005 is a potent inhibitor of the synaptosomal uptake of 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylethylamine (dopamine, DA), noradrenaline (NA), and 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT, serotonin). In this respect it resembles diclofensine, whereas compounds such as GBR 13.069 and bupropion are more selective DA‐uptake inhibitors. Although Lu 19–005 releases DA in in higher concentrations it must be considered as an uptake inhibitor, as the accumulation of DA is inhibited in much lower concentrations. Lu 19–005 attenuates the DA and NA depletion caused by 6‐hydroxydopamine in mouse brain. These properties confirm the DA‐ and NA‐uptake‐inhibitory properties of the compound. In receptor‐binding models and functional in vitro tests Lu 19–005 is devoid of dopaminergic‐, serotonergic‐, noradrenergic‐, histaminergic‐, and cholinergic‐inhibiting properties. Since DA, NA, and 5‐HT seem to be involved in depression, the profile of Lu 19‐005–with equally potent activity on the three neuronal systems–makes it an interesting experimental tool and a potential new antidepressant agent.
Optimal filtering of digital binary images corrupted by union/intersection noise

Digital binary image data are modeled as realizations of a uniformly bounded discrete random set, a mathematical object which can be directly defined on a finite lattice. The problem of estimating realizations of discrete random sets distorted by a degradation process that can be described by a union/interaction noise model is considered. Some theoretical justification of the popularity of certain morphological filters, namely morphological openings, closings, unions of openings, and intersections of closings is provided. The authors prove that if the signal is 'smooth', then these filters are optimal under reasonable worst-case statistical scenarios. A class of filters that arises quite naturally from the set-theoretic analysis of optimal filters is considered. It is called the class of mask filters. Both fixed and adaptive mask filters are considered, and explicit formulas for the optimal mask filter under quite general assumptions on the signal and the degradation process are derived. <<ETX>>
PD‐L1 and PD‐L2 have distinct roles in regulating host immunity to cutaneous leishmaniasis

To compare the roles of programmed death 1 ligand 1 (PD‐L1) and PD‐L2 in regulating immunity to infection, we investigated responses of mice lacking PD‐L1 or PD‐L2 to infection with Leishmania mexicana. PD‐L1–/– and PD‐L2–/– mice exhibited distinct disease outcomes following infection with L. mexicana. In comparison to susceptible WT mice, PD‐L1–/– mice showed resistance to L. mexicana, as demonstrated by reduced growth of cutaneous lesions and parasite burden. In contrast, PD‐L2–/– mice developed exacerbated disease with increased parasite burden. Host resistance to L. mexicana is partly associated with the development of a Th1 response and down‐regulation of the Th2 response. Both PD‐L1–/– and PD‐L2–/– mice produced levels of IFN‐γ similar to WT mice. However, the development of IL‐4‐producing cells was reduced in PD‐L1–/– mice, demonstrating a role for PD‐L1 in regulating Th cell differentiation. This inadequate Th2 response may explain the increased resistance of PD‐L1–/– mice. Although no alterations in Th1/Th2 skewing were observed in PD‐L2–/– mice, PD‐L2–/– mice exhibited a marked increase in L. mexicana‐specific antibody production. Increased Leishmania‐specific IgG production may suppress the healing response through FcγR ligation on macrophages. Taken together, our results demonstrate that PD‐L1 and PD‐L2 have distinct roles in regulating the immune response to L. mexicana.
Randomized Trial to Determine Safety and Immunogenicity of Two Strategies for Hepatitis B Vaccination in Healthy Urban Adolescents in the United States

Background: Multiple studies have shown excellent response rates after hepatitis B immunization in youth; however, one previous study conducted in urban youth demonstrated poor responses. Methods: Urban youth, ages 12 to 17 years, at participating Adolescent Medicine Trials Network for HIV/AIDS Interventions Clinical/Research sites were randomized to receive either 2 doses of Recombivax HB (10 &mgr;g hepatitis B surface antigen) or Twinrix (20 &mgr;g hepatitis B surface antigen and 720 EL.U hepatitis A antigen) at 0 and 24 weeks. Safety data were collected and antibody measures performed at 0, 28, and 76 weeks. Results: A total of 123 subjects were enrolled and 102 had week 28 serum samples available for antibody measure. A positive response (serum antibody ≥10 mIU/mL) to hepatitis B antigen was documented in 41 of 47 (87.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 74.3%–95.2%) Recombivax HB recipients and in 52 of 55 (94.6%; 95% CI, 84.9%–98.9%) Twinrix recipients (P = 0.295). In an adjusted analysis, those identified as Hispanic ethnicity (N = 86) were more likely to have a positive response (odds ratio 7.38, 95% CI, 1.56–34.95; P = 0.0018); whereas those who identified as not heterosexual (N = 9) were less likely to respond (odds ratio = 0.12, 95% CI, 0.02–0.74). The majority of youth in the Twinrix arm were hepatitis A antibody positive at baseline (26/51; 51%); however, 24 of 25 hepatitis A antibody negative youth responded to the hepatitis A component. Both vaccines were safe. Conclusions: Response rate to 2 doses of Recombivax HB in urban youth is lower than previous studies suggest. The factors associated with diminished response are not known.
The Choice Between Equity and Debt: An Empirical Study

This empirical study of security issues by UK companies between 1959 and 1974 focuses on how companies select between financing instruments at a given point in time. It throws light on a number of interesting questions. First, it demonstrates that companies are heavily influenced by market conditions and the past history of security prices in choosing between debt and equity. Second, it provides evidence that companies appear to make their choice of financing instrument as if they have target levels of debt in mind. Finally, the results are consistent with the notion that these target debt levels are themselves a function of company size, bankruptcy risk, and asset composition. AN IMPORTANT QUESTION FACING companies in need of new finance is whether to raise debt or equity. In spite of the continuing theoretical debate on capital structure, there is relatively little empirical evidence on how companies actually select between financing instruments at a given point in time. Furthermore, almost none of the existing empirical evidence is based on British data. Sametz's [31] comment that "we know very little about how the great non-routine financial decisions are made" is still no understatement. In this paper, we develop a descriptive model of the choice between equity and long term debt. The coefficients of the model are estimated using logit analysis applied to a sample of 748 issues of equity and debt made by UK companies over the period 1959-70. The predictive ability of the model is tested on a holdout sample of 110 equity and debt issues made between 1971 and 1974. The study throws some light on a number of interesting questions such as whether companies behave as though they have target debt ratios; whether they have similar targets for the composition of their debt; whether market conditions or the company's historical share price performance affects their choice of instrument; and whether debt ratios or the choice of financing instrument are influenced by other factors such as operating risk, company size, the composition of the company's assets, and the rate at which retentions are generated. The study also provides a direct answer to the following question: given that we know that a company is in need of new long term or permanent capital, how accurately can we predict whether the company will issue equity or debt.
High-pressure xenon GPSC/LAAPD for hard X-ray spectrometry

The performance of a xenon high-pressure gas proportional scintillation counter (GPSC) instrumented with a large area avalanche photodiode (LAAPD) has been investigated for hard x-ray spectrometry. The LAAPD was placed in direct contact with the filling gas. Filling-pressures in the 2- to 6-atm range have been studied. The results obtained are similar to those achieved with large-volume GPSCs at atmospheric pressure. Energy resolutions of 8.2%, 4.3%, and 2.8% were obtained for photon energies of 5.9-, 22.1-, and 59.6-keV, respectively. Additionally, the smaller scale of this GPSC allows increasing the detector count-rate capability by at least one order of magnitude.
Asymmetric Tourist Response to Price

The objective of this article is to look into heterogeneity in loss aversion in order to detect how dispersed loss aversion is in tourism and to observe whether different degrees of loss aversion can lead to the identification of loss-aversion–based segments. Loss aversion is a prominent psychological human trait that causes asymmetric price reactions. Tourism literature has shown it is a critical characteristic with a significant, but heterogeneous, effect on tourist destination choice. However, so far no attempt has been made to look into loss aversion heterogeneity, and this article contributes to the literature by exploring, for the first time, the potential existence of groups of tourists that show differentiated asymmetric responses to price. The empirical application estimates the individual degree of loss aversion for each tourist, and detects five segments with different sensitivities. Relevant managerial implications are drawn in terms of implementing pricing strategies.
Hedge Fund Activism: A Review

This monograph reviews shareholder activism by hedge funds. We first describe the nature and characteristics of hedge fund activism, including the objectives, tactics, and choices of target companies. We then analyze possible value creation brought about by activist hedge funds, both for shareholders in the target companies and for investors in the hedge funds. The evidence generally supports the view that hedge fund activism creates value for shareholders by effectively influencing the governance, capital structure decisions, and operating performance of target firms.
Uncertainty Equivalents: Testing the Limits of the Independence Axiom

There is convincing experimental evidence that Expected Utility fails, but when does it fail, how severely, and for what fraction of subjects? We explore these questions using a novel measure we call the uncertainty equivalent. We find Expected Utility performs well away from certainty, but fails near certainty for about 40% of subjects. Comparing non-Expected Utility theories, we strongly reject Prospect Theory probability weighting, we support disappointment aversion if amended to allow violations of stochastic dominance, but find the u-v model of a direct preference for certainty the most parsimonious approach.
Long-acting rilpivirine for HIV prevention

Purpose of review Long-acting injectable antiretroviral (ARV) formulations are being developed for the treatment and prevention of HIV infection. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent preclinical and clinical data on TMC278 (rilpivirine), a nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI), that is being developed for both a treatment and prevention indication. Recent findings Long-acting rilpivirine has demonstrated efficacy in preventing HIV acquisition in a humanized mouse model and has been found to be well tolerated and acceptable in several Phase I clinical trials. Pharmacokinetic data from Phase I studies suggest that 1200 mg of long-acting rilpivirine administered every 8 weeks would be associated with plasma and tissue levels of rilpivirine anticipated to be necessary for preventing HIV infection. This regimen is being evaluated in the HPTN-076 Phase II expanded safety study that will enroll women in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and the USA. The HPTN-076 study requires a 4-week run in with oral rilpivirine (25 mg capsules) before receiving 1200 mg of rilpivirine. It is not yet certain whether oral dosing will remain a prerequisite in future trials or post licensure. Summary Long-acting rilpivirine shows promise as a candidate agent for HIV prevention. Preclinical efficacy has been demonstrated in a murine model. Phase I studies have shown good safety and efficacy, but breakthrough infection and resistance have been documented with lower doses of long-acting rilpivirine. Phase II development for a prevention indication is ongoing.
The Perception of School Climate in two Secondary Schools during the Implementation of a Peer Support Program

INTRODUCTION: The problem of school violence has been studied in the last decades from different perspectives, especially focused on bullying conflicts. Whole school approaches have been recommended by many experts in the field. The aim of the present study is to assess climate changes in two secondary schools that implement a peer support program, and to understand the level of perceived satisfaction. METHOD: Pre-post study with experimental and control group. Participants were 778 pupils (3 phases) plus 65 teachers at the experimental school; 462 pupils and 29 teachers at the control school. The tools used were questionnaires, focus groups and intensive interviews. RESULTS: All participants believe that the peer support program is useful for improving the perception of safety at school, while the responses of the control school students indicate a general increase in the frequency of conflicts. DISCUSSION and Conclusion: Results show the complexity of controlling all the variables linked to changes of context. However, as proposed previously by other authors, objective measures need to used in assessing school climate, in addition to perceptions shown on self-reports, in order to accurately determine the impact of peer support programs. Language: en
Endogenous Family-Planning Rules and the Optimal Cash Penalties

Economic reform has brought tremendous changes to China’s rural economy in the past two decades, as reflected in a combination of rapid economic growth, rural industrialization, str uctural change, and sharp reductions in fertility. These changes have also affected labor supply patterns and the contribution of women to the economic welfare of the household. This paper examines the determinants of familyplanning rules. I argue that the cash penalty serves the dual role of enforcing familyplanning rules and generating revenue for both local family-planning work and cadre bonuses. Using a maximization model, I show that local cadres set the cash penalty in such a way as to balance the utility obtained from strictly enforcing the rules with the revenue gained from lax enforcement and the imposition of cash penalties. In this manner, the level of the cash penalty depends on local conditions that affect the enforceability of rules and the difficulties in collecting cash penalties. I use a panel village-level data set also collected by the China Health and Nutrition Survey in 1989, 1991 and 1993 for the empirical analysis. I use a random effect Probit model to estimate the determinants of family rules, which are modeled as dichotomous variables. Since the cash penalty is never negative, I use the Tobit random effect model to deal with censoring. There are two notable findings. First, family-planning rules are strongly correlated with geographical locations. Second, the level of cash penalties is positively correlated with local incomes. ENDOGENOUS FAMILY PLANNING RULES AND THE OPTIMAL 2 CASH PENALTIES
The economic impact of Chapter 11 reorganization versus Chapter 7 liquidation

This paper uses a regional economic impact model to examine the net economic impact when businesses successfully emerge from Chapter 11 of the U.S. bankruptcy code rather than Chapter 7 liquidation. The findings indicate that there is a measurable and significant impact on G.D. P and employment for the average firm that successfully emerge from Chapter 11. The findings also suggest the possibility of further impact if bankruptcy policy guided more firms toward Chapter 11 reorganization rather than liquidation.
An Anatomy of Trading Strategies: Evidence from China

Using a pooled cross-sectional time series approach, we evaluate profits of momentum strategies and identify the sources of profits in China's stock market. Momentum strategies generate significant and negative returns in the A-share market on investment horizons at one month and at and above nine months. In the B-share market, momentum strategies yield significant and negative returns at and above twelve months. Decomposition analysis finds that the negative returns are predominately attributed to the time series profitability of stock returns. Although momentum strategies generate significant and positive returns over the period after China opened its once foreign-restricted B-share market to domestic individual investors, the relative importance of the time series predictability and the cross-sectional variation does not change.
Early detection of increased tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and soluble TNF receptor protein plasma levels after trauma reveals associations with the clinical course

Background: The inflammatory response after trauma includes tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) as pro‐inflammatory cytokine. Furthermore, both soluble TNF receptor proteins (sTNF‐R1 and sTNF‐R2) were described to influence the post‐traumatic inflammatory response and organ dysfunction.
A Three-Step Procedure for Estimating and Testing Cointegrated Armax Models

To deal with a variety of inferential problems on non-stationary cointegrated time series, this paper proposes a computationally feasible method based on the Whittle likelihood and examines its performance. For the empirical application of our method, the paper investigates three sets of Japanese and US monetary and financial time-series data. To evaluate the p-value of the likelihood ratio statistic, we propose an approximation procedure based on the gamma distribution and the accompanying Laguerre expansion for reducing the computational burden. We also provide a numerical procedure for the asymptotic covariance matrix of the Whittle estimator.
Restaurant tips and service quality: a commentary of Bodvarsson, Luksetich and McDermott (2003)

Bodvarsson et al. (2003) argue that a non-recursive relationship between service and tipping has led researchers to underestimate the strength of the causal impact of service on tipping. In this paper, their arguments, analyses, and conclusions are criticized. Then, their data is re-analysed to draw more appropriate conclusions as to what the data say concerning the effects of service on tipping.
The Myths and Realities of Conservative Economic Policy-Making in the US

The post-World War II period in the US saw the emergence of what has been characterized as a Keynesian Social Democratic State or Keynesian Consensus.1 This Consensus, however, after reaching its zenith in the 1960s, proved to be fragile, and it was unable to survive the economic events of the following decade. Conservatives, of course, were not slow to lay the blame for the economic maladies of the US economy in the 1970s at the door of Keynesian interventionism, and the steady erosion of faith in the Keynesian Consensus was ultimately to be politically most significant for the Democrats as it decisively eroded their support since they were the party whose agenda was most closely associated with the Consensus.
Financial Analysis of the Greek Private Health Sector over the Last Decade (2002-2012)

The purpose of this study is to perform a comprehensive financial statement analysis for Hygeia, the largest Private Health Organization in Greece. In this regard, we employ a variety of theoretically advanced approaches. For instance, DuPont analysis based on the decomposition scheme of Nissim and Penman (2001), shows that the capital structure decisions eroded shareholder profits, and specifically their impact was pronounced after the outbreak of the global financial crisis. Considering the unique operating characteristics of the health sector and the hostile macroeconomic environment, working capital management performed generally well, but with a considerable margin for further improvements, if more responsible policies are followed. What is more, thorough analysis revealed that in the last years operating returns were consistently negative and operating cash return were unable to cover effective interest fixed costs. If the external environment does change favorably and if more importantly, the business model of Hygeia does not focus on significant operating improvements, the long term prospect of the organization may be questioned.