Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reforming Moldovan social assistance: Poor Laws for the European fringe?

The small south-eastern European Republic of Moldova is often referred to as ‘the poorhouse of the continent’. During its transition from a communist to a market economy, inequality and poverty rose exponentially – with the latter reaching a peak of 70% in 1999. Thus, a new social contract between state and society had to be fabricated. The Soviet social protection system, designed around the needs of the workforce and specific groups, was unable to meet the challenges posed by transition. A reform seemed inevitable, re-targeting resources at the most needy. However, Western means-tested models could not be simply transferred; path-dependencies along with donor interventions shaped and altered the policy process.
Going SOLO to assess novice programmers

This paper explores the programming knowledge of novices using Biggs' SOLO taxonomy. It builds on previous work of Lister et al. (2006) and addresses some of the criticisms of that work. The research was conducted by studying the exam scripts for 120 introductory programming students, in which three specific questions were analyzed using the SOLO taxonomy. The study reports the following four findings: when the instruction to students used by Lister et al. - "In plain English, explain what the following segment of Java code does" - is replaced with a less ambiguous instruction, many students still provide multistructural responses; students are relatively consistent in the SOLO level of their answers; student responses on SOLO reading tasks correlate positively with performance on writing tasks; postgraduates students manifest a higher level of thinking than undergraduates.
Welfare Implications Of Introducing Biotech Traits In A Market With Segments And Segregation Costs: The Case Of Roundup Ready® Wheat

Roundup Ready® Wheat (RRW) was one of the first genetically modified (GM) traits for the wheat sector and was under review by regulatory agencies in the United States and Canada when Monsanto withdrew it from further consideration. There are a multitude of issues associated with the ex ante evaluation of this decision. These include market acceptance and segregation, as well as the varying sources of cost savings and productivity gains. In this article, we develop a spatial partial equilibrium model of the higher-protein hard wheat market and assess the changes in the distribution of welfare associated with release and adoption of RRW. It incorporates segments for GM aversion in each market and segregation costs for each segment. Major conclusions indicate that in the most likely scenario, producer welfare increases by $301 million and consumer welfare increases by $252 million. Producers of hard red spring (HRS) wheat in the United States and Canada win, while hard red winter (HRW) wheat growers lose.
Galaxy and Mass Assembly (GAMA): the GAMA galaxy group catalogue (G3Cv1)

Using the complete Galaxy and Mass Assembly I (GAMA-I) survey covering ∼142 deg2 to rAB= 19.4, of which ∼47 deg2 is to rAB= 19.8, we create the GAMA-I galaxy group catalogue (G3Cv1), generated using a friends-of-friends (FoF) based grouping algorithm. Our algorithm has been tested extensively on one family of mock GAMA lightcones, constructed from Λ cold dark matter N-body simulations populated with semi-analytic galaxies. Recovered group properties are robust to the effects of interlopers and are median unbiased in the most important respects. G3Cv1 contains 14 388 galaxy groups (with multiplicity ≥2), including 44 186 galaxies out of a possible 110 192 galaxies, implying ∼40 per cent of all galaxies are assigned to a group. The similarities of the mock group catalogues and G3Cv1 are multiple: global characteristics are in general well recovered. However, we do find a noticeable deficit in the number of high multiplicity groups in GAMA compared to the mocks. Additionally, despite exceptionally good local spatial completeness, G3Cv1 contains significantly fewer compact groups with five or more members, this effect becoming most evident for high multiplicity systems. These two differences are most likely due to limitations in the physics included of the current GAMA lightcone mock. Further studies using a variety of galaxy formation models are required to confirm their exact origin. The G3Cv1 catalogue will be made publicly available as and when the relevant GAMA redshifts are made available at http://www.gama-survey.org.
Unobserved Heterogeneity and International Benchmarking in Public Transport

We analyze the technical efficiency of German and Swiss urban public transport companies by means of SFA. In transport networks we might face different network structures or complexities, not observed, but influencing the production process. The unobserved factors are typically modeled as separable factors. However, we argue that the entire production process is organized around different network structures. Therefore, they are inevitably non-separable from the observed inputs and outputs. The adopted econometric model is a random coefficient stochastic frontier model. We estimate an input distance function for the years 1991 to 2006. The results underline the presence of unobserved non-separable factors.
I will help you because we are similar: Quality of contact mediates the effect of perceived similarity on facilitative behaviour towards immigrants

This research aimed to analyse interpersonal behaviour towards immigrants by exploring related psychosocial variables such as intergroup similarity and quality of intergroup contact. A new interpersonal behavioural tendencies scale was developed. In Study 1, Spanish participants reported their willingness to take different actions towards a Moroccan (i.e. a devalued target, n = 132) or an Ecuadorian (i.e. a valued target, n = 138), perceived intergroup similarity and quality of intergroup contact. Multigroup confirmatory factor analysis identified the expected dimensions: active facilitation (AF), passive facilitation (PF), passive harm (PH) and active harm (AH). Participants reported less similarity, less pleasant contact, less AF and less PF, and more PH with respect to Moroccans relative to Ecuadorians. Quality of contact mediated the effect of perceived similarity on interpersonal behaviour (especially facilitative behaviour) towards immigrants. Study 2 (N = 134) confirmed that this mediation effect also applied to Romanian immigrants, and tested a serial mediation pathway, in which perceived similarity affected symbolic threat, which in turn affected quality of contact, which finally affected behaviour. Changing perceived intergroup similarity might be a way of improving the quality of contact with minority groups, and this would be expected to increase pro-social behaviour towards such groups.
Capability Development and Decision Incongruence in Strategic Opportunity Pursuit

In strategic opportunity pursuit, decision incongruence (the gap between the decision-making rationale that an individual conveys to others and the rationale that informs his/her actual decisions) can lead to difficulties achieving the commitment necessary to grow a venture. To understand why some individuals have greater decision incongruence in strategic opportunity pursuit than others, we conducted a field experiment to test how a configuration of theoretically-based capability-building mechanisms—codification, general human capital, and specific human capital—affected 127 CEOs’ decision incongruence. The results indicate that codification decreases decision incongruence the most for CEOs with low general but high specific human capital. Copyright © 2012 Strategic Management Society.
A Common Jump Factor Stochastic Volatility Model

We introduce a new multivariate stochastic volatility model, based on the presence of a latent common factor with random jumps. The common factor is parameterized as a permanent component using a compound binomial process. This model can capture common jumps in the latent volatilities between markets, with particular relevance in the presence of crises and contagion in emerging markets.
Update on the Use and Treatment of Targeted Molecular Inhibitors for Locally Advanced and Metastatic Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers

BACKGROUND Targeting specific molecular pathway inhibitors has provided a successful approach to the management of selected patients with advanced non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). Clinical trials and case studies have provided a rationale for their use in clinical settings. OBJECTIVE To review the current approaches to the use of targeted molecular inhibitors for locally advanced and metastatic squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. METHODS Literature review of the current use of molecular inhibitors in the treatment of NMSCs, including case studies, reports, and clinical trials. CONCLUSION The development of molecular pathway inhibitors for the treatment of advanced and metastatic NMSC has increased survival rates and improved clinical outcomes in selected patients with advanced disease.
Academic Accountability, Quality and Assessment of Higher Education in Nigeria

This study examined quality assurance and academic accountability in ten higher education institutions in Nigeria, using UNESCO’s input-processoutput framework for assessing the quality of education. Data were collected from staff and students of the universities as well as opinion leaders drawn from the communities hosting the institutions. The findings were that academic accountability, in terms of the quality of inputs and outputs, was low; the quality of the process was high; and that research activities and community service in the institutions enhance development of the communities in which the universities are located. Conversely, lack of political willingness to develop higher education, low students’ learning readiness and non-utilisation of research findings were found to be affecting the academic accountability of the institutions. Therefore, interventions targeted at improving the quality of inputs into higher education; exposing students to practical training; and encouraging utilisation of research findings and university-community alignment are recommended. Keywords: Academic accountability; Quality assurance; Community service
Dominant CEO, Deviant Strategy, and Extreme Performance: The Moderating Role of a Powerful Board

This study examines the effect of dominant CEOs – defined as CEOs who are very powerful relative to other executives in their top management teams – on firm strategy and performance. Based on a sample of 51 publicly traded, single‐business firms from the US computer industry for the period 1997–2003, our results suggest that firms with dominant CEOs tend to have a strategy deviant from the industry central tendency and thus extreme performance – either big wins or big losses. Further, powerful boards weaken the tendency of dominant CEOs towards extremeness and, more important, improve the likelihood of dominant CEOs having big wins versus big losses. This study reconciles the pessimistic and heroic views regarding dominant CEOs, and suggests that the notion of power balance should be considered in a broader context.
Protective benefits of a stabilised stannous-containing fluoride dentifrice against erosive acid damage.

PURPOSE To assess the potential of a stabilised stannous (Sn)-containing NaF dentifrice (Oral B/blend-a-Med(®) Pro-Expert), in addition to a number of other marketed European dentifrices formulated with various fluoride actives and two control dentifrices, to protect enamel against erosive acid damage. METHODS Cores of human enamel (four per group) were soaked in pooled human saliva, and then treated with a 1:3 slurry (dentifrice:saliva) using a standardised in vitro erosion model (5-day cycling) that includes 10-minute challenges with 1% citric acid applied 60 minutes after each dentifrice treatment. Enamel surface loss was measured using transverse microradiography (TMR). RESULTS Specimens treated with the Sn-containing NaF dentifrice showed 6.5 μm of surface loss ± 1.2 (SEM), which was not significantly different (P < 0.05, Fisher LSD) from that of a clinically proven, stabilised SnF2 positive control [Crest(®) Pro-Health, 1,100 ppm F as SnF2 : 3.0 μm of surface loss ± 1.1 (SEM)]. The Sn-containing NaF dentifrice and the clinically proven positive control both provided significantly greater protection (P < 0.05, Fisher LSD) compared with all of the other products tested. Enamel loss (SEM) values for other European products and the reference control (active agents) were: Meridol(®) : (1,400 ppm F as AmF + SnF2 ) 12.0 μm (1.47); Colgate(®) Cavity Protection: (1,450 ppm F as SMFP + NaF) 12.9 μm (1.66); Odol med 3(®) (1,400 ppm F as NaF) 14.2 μm (1.49); Elmex(®) (1,400 ppm F as AmF) 14.5 μm (1.76); Colgate(®) Enamel Protect: (1,450 ppm F as NaF + KNO3 ) 16.3 μm (2.02); Lacalut(®) aktiv: (1,400 ppm F as AlF3 ) 18.5 μm (1.71); Sensodyne(®) ProNamel(™) : (1,450 ppm F as NaF + KNO3 ) 20.5 μm (1.26); Crest Cavity Protection (1,100 ppm F as NaF, reference control) 22.00 μm (2.04); and Mentadent(®) : (1,450 ppm F as NaF + Zn citrate) 22.3 μm (0.63). CONCLUSION These results support the potential for the stabilised, Sn-containing NaF dentifrice to provide erosion protection benefits that are not significantly different from the positive control benchmark for erosion protection (stabilised SnF2 ), and are significantly better than a broad range of dentifrice formulations available on the European market.
Lifelong Learning: Towards a Theory of Practice for Formal and Non-formal Environmental Education and Training

The starting point of the paper is that practitioners of all kinds concerned with lifelong learning in environmental education have theories of teaching, learning, and action. These they employ under sets of constraints which are likely to be unique to their own individual contexts. An approach is proposed which recognises the significance of such theories and constraints, and uses them as a starting point for learning. Central to the argument is the proposition that environmental learning is possible only if all absolute criteria for judging educational or environmental worth are regarded as problematic.
Alternative Perspectives on Independence of Directors

This paper examines the issue of independence of boards of directors and non-executive directors of companies listed on the Irish Stock Exchange. Based on information published in annual reports, the study found that most Irish listed companies were complying with the Combined Code's recommendations for a balanced board structure, albeit with only 60 per cent having majority-independent boards. The study found a lack of consistency in interpreting the definition of "independence", a lack of disclosure of information and, by applying criteria generally regarded as prerequisite to independence of non-executive directors, certain situations which imposed upon their independence. Copyright Blackwell Publishing Ltd. 2004.
Effects of strategic human resource management on strategic vision

It is pertinent for organizations that operate in a highly competitive environment to pursue a strategic vision. This study explores the effects of strategic human resource management (SHRM) on the implementation of a strategic vision. Other constructs of importance in the model include leadership, commitment and organizational structure. A total of 400 questionnaires were sent by mail to organizations of various industries and the total number of respondents was 104. Leadership was found to be significant in eight out of ten of the hypotheses, thereby indicating that the leadership of an organization plays an extremely important role in the achievement of a vision. Also, SHRM functions such that HR planning, recruitment and selection, rewards and compensation as well as training and development have significant effects in the achievement of different visions. For the vision of regional growth, leadership and organizational structure was found to be significant. Where market growth is pursued, leadership,.
Economic Growth in the European Union

According to the empirical results expounded in the paper, the European Union’s economic growth since the 1960s has proceeded in many respects in conformity with regularities similar to those of the German economy. A combined influence was exerted by growth mechanism regularities, economic policy and international economic relations. Using models of mathematical economics, the author analyses the main relationships. The most important conclusion on the basis of empirical results is that the relatively slow economic growth of our days may be accelerated by a switch to a growth-oriented economic policy.
Does perceived behavioural control mediate the relationship between power beliefs and intention?

OBJECTIVES In order to determine whether the relationship between power beliefs (Sigma(p)) and health-related behavioural intentions is mediated by perceived behavioural control (PBC) we used structural equation modelling of eight cross-sectional data sets. METHOD Eight studies that examined health-related behaviours and employed representative samples totalling N = 4663 participants were analysed. All studies involved power belief items derived from pilot testing and employed standard multi-item measures of power beliefs, PBC and intention that were highly reliable. RESULTS Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the discriminant validity of power beliefs, PBC and intention. Structural equation modelling of relevant paths indicated that PBC only partially mediated the relationship between power beliefs and intention (Z(Sobel) = 5.15, p < . 001; Z(Baron&Kenny) = 5.16, p < . 001). Power beliefs had a significant direct relationship with intention even after PBC had been taken into account. CONCLUSION The findings undermine Ajzen's contention that PBC mediates the power beliefs-intention relationship and suggests that it is important to employ measures of power beliefs in addition to measures of PBC in order to enhance the prediction of intentions to perform health-risking, or health-promoting, behaviours.
Preclinical Evaluation of 18F-JNJ64349311, a Novel PET Tracer for Tau Imaging

In this study, we have synthesized and evaluated 18F-JNJ64349311, a tracer with high affinity for aggregated tau (inhibition constant value, 8 nM) and high (≥500×) in vitro selectivity for tau over β-amyloid, in comparison with the benchmark compound 18F-AV1451 (18F-T807) in mice, rats, and a rhesus monkey. Methods: In vitro binding characteristics were determined for Alzheimer's disease, progressive supranuclear palsy, and corticobasal degeneration patient brain tissue slices using autoradiography studies. Ex vivo biodistribution studies were performed in mice. Radiometabolites were quantified in the brain and plasma of mice and in the plasma of a rhesus monkey using high-performance liquid chromatography. Dynamic small-animal PET studies were performed in rats and a rhesus monkey to evaluate tracer pharmacokinetics in the brain. Results: Mouse biodistribution studies showed moderate initial brain uptake and rapid brain washout. Radiometabolite analyses after injection of 18F-JNJ64349311 in mice showed the presence of a polar radiometabolite in plasma, but not in the brain. Semiquantitative autoradiography studies on postmortem tissue sections of human Alzheimer's disease brains showed highly displaceable binding to tau-rich regions. No specific binding was, however, found on human progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal degeneration brain slices. Small-animal PET scans of Wistar rats revealed moderate initial brain uptake (SUV, ∼1.5 at 1 min after injection) and rapid brain washout. Gradual bone uptake was, however, also observed. Blocking and displacement did not affect brain time–activity curves, suggesting no off-target specific binding of the tracer in the healthy rat brain. A small-animal PET scan of a rhesus monkey revealed moderate initial brain uptake (SUV, 1.9 at 1 min after injection) with a rapid washout. In the monkey, no bone uptake was detected during the 120-min scan. Conclusion: This biologic evaluation suggests that 18F-JNJ64349311 is a promising tau PET tracer candidate, with a favorable pharmacokinetic profile, as compared with 18F-AV1451.
ICT and older workers: no unwrinkled relationship

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to find out to what extent older workers make use of ICT and to what extent this influences their job performance.Design/methodology/approach – Workers of various age groups are surveyed in two sectors: printing industry and wholesale trade. The use of (various types of) ICT is compared for a number of age groups, controlling the influence of other explanatory variables and correcting the fact that older users are a selective group. In the next step, the use of ICT is one of the factors explaining performance.Findings – The results show that, compared with younger workers, older workers make less use of ICT in their job, use less complicated applications and have more difficulties in using ICT. This is to their disadvantage as the use of ICT and particularly the level of use appear to affect performance positively.Research limitations/implications – The research is concentrated on two specific sectors which are forerunners in the field of ICT. A generalization of .
Managers as knowledge generators: The nature of practitioner‐scholar research in the nonprofit sector

As nonprofit management education develops, it has the opportunity to consider new premises concerning managers' roles. In the design and practice of traditional management education, managers are assumed to be the ultimate users of knowledge. Less attention is given to educating managers to be knowledge generators who combine intimate understanding of issues, problems, and settings with established theory and methods. Based on a discussion of three research projects undertaken in nonprofit settings by participants in a doctoral program for advanced practitioners at the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University, we describe seven dimensions of practitioner-scholar inquiry. The pattern of practitioner-scholar research that emerges from these research projects is contrasted with two other modes of knowledge production. Implications for practitioner-scholar inquiry and for the education of practitioner-scholars in the nonprofit sector are discussed.
Citizen Science: Framing the Public, Information Exchange, and Communication in Crowdsourced Science

Citizen science, the participation of non-scientists in scientific research, has grown over the last 20 years. The current study explores the communication frames used to describe citizen science and how they are created. It also investigates the e↵ects of citizen science on the relationship between the public and science. It also situates citizen science in a larger historical context that critques normal science and intersects with a number of other scholarly discussions including science and technology studies, citizenship, expertise, professionalism, and participation. The dissertation draws on theory from the social worlds analysis of Anselm Strauss, framing in science communication, the philosophy of John Dewey on inquiry and the public, and the communicative action theory of Jurgen Habermas. It uses these theorists to build a potential analysis of the social impact of citizen science and the e↵ects on science-public interaction. The study examined 166 news articles, 13 press releases, and 10 interviews collected between July 2013 and April 2014. Situational analysis was used to analyze the material and to map the social arena of citizen science.