Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Self-Determination as Growth Motivation in Romantic Relationships

Self-determination theory was applied to coping, emotion, and behavior in romantic relationships. Sixty heterosexual couples were videotaped in a semistructured interview designed to emphasize differences in how partners view the relationship. Multilevel analyses revealed support for several hypotheses. First, controlled orientation was associated with rating an ideal partner according to how one views oneself, whereas this was weaker with autonomy. Second, autonomy orientation was associated with more relationship-maintaining coping strategies, whereas controlled orientation was associated with more denial. Finally, during the discussion, autonomy orientation was associated with less negative emotion and more positive behaviors, whereas controlled orientation was associated with fewer positive behaviors. The findings are discussed in terms of the benefits of a general motivation toward growth in relationships.
ETHNIC DIVERSITY, PROPERTY RIGHTS, AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Countries rich in natural resources constitute both development failures and successes depending on their underlying socioeconomic fundamentals. Recent empirical evidence and theoretical work provide support for a resource-curse hypothesis based on ethnic fractionalization. There is also increasing empirical evidence suggesting that ethnic heterogeneity based on polarization is a strong deterrent of economic growth. In this paper, we explore the interlinkages between natural resource abundance and both measures of ethnic heterogeneity. In a two–simultaneous equation system, we assess the effects of fractionalization and polarization on property-rights protection, and thereby on growth, both directly as well as in interaction with our resource-abundance proxy. We find that ethnic polarization is more likely to have a direct negative impact on the effectiveness of property rights in a resource-rich context, which as we explain may suggest that different ethnic groups treat the contestable resource base as a semi-public good.
Usefulness of the psychomotor tests for distinguishing the skill levels among older and younger judo athletes

Background Cognitive functions of combat sports contestants, such as visual perception, information processing, divisibility of attention and eye-limb coordination play an important role in solving the problems related to tactic and strategy during a fight. The purpose of this study was to answer the question: whether performance level of the two various psycho-motor tests is linked to the sport levels among male judo athletes. Material & methods: The psychomotor studies involved four groups of male judo athletes. Two groups were composed of high ly skilled senior members of the Judo National Team (HSS, n = 18, age 22.7±3.0) and junior members of the Judo National Team (HSJ, n = 24, age 17.8±0.9), who were more successful than the others and therefore were called up to the Polish National Team. Two other groups were less successful and possessed lower skills, i.e. seniors (LSS, n = 24, age 23.2±3.3) and juniors (LSJ, n = 26, age 18.8±0.6), who were not selected into the national teams. All groups were examined at rest state in the forenoon at the same period of the training season. Results: The older groups (HSS+LSS) showed better performance of the psychomotor tests than the younger ones (HSJ+LSJ). Likewise, the highly skilled groups (HSS+HSJ) obtained better scores than the lower skilled ones (LSS+LSJ). Only highly skilled groups and the entire group showed significant correlations between age or training experience and psychomotor skills. Conclusions: The psychomotor abilities were better among older athletes allowing to formulate two competing hypothe ses suggesting that: (1) long-term judo training (assuming the similarity of the characteristics of all subjects before the start of the training) has a positive effect on the development of cognitive functions of a human, which translates both into high athletic performance and improvement of motor safety during daily physical activity; (2) high athletic performance in judo is conditioned by an optimal level of psychomotor abilities.
PKC-θ knockout mice are protected from fat-induced insulin resistance

Insulin resistance plays a primary role in the development of type 2 diabetes and may be related to alterations in fat metabolism. Recent studies have suggested that local accumulation of fat metabolites inside skeletal muscle may activate a serine kinase cascade involving protein kinase C–θ (PKC-θ), leading to defects in insulin signaling and glucose transport in skeletal muscle. To test this hypothesis, we examined whether mice with inactivation of PKC-θ are protected from fat-induced insulin resistance in skeletal muscle. Skeletal muscle and hepatic insulin action as assessed during hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps did not differ between WT and PKC-θ KO mice following saline infusion. A 5-hour lipid infusion decreased insulin-stimulated skeletal muscle glucose uptake in the WT mice that was associated with 40–50% decreases in insulin-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate–1 (IRS-1) and IRS-1–associated PI3K activity. In contrast, PKC-θ inactivation prevented fat-induced defects in insulin signaling and glucose transport in skeletal muscle. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that PKC-θ is a crucial component mediating fat-induced insulin resistance in skeletal muscle and suggest that PKC-θ is a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Studies on marine flagellates II. Three new species of Chrysochromulina

The three new species to be described below are the first of a considerable series of related forms, recently isolated from marine plankton off the British coasts and possessing in common a number of rather unusual characters which make their classification difficult. They are all very small and extremely fragile unicellular flagellates, with the characteristic golden brown plastid colour and metabolic products found in the Chrysophyceae to which they undoubtedly belong. Within this group their placing is more difficult and it cannot even be adequately discussed until the whole range of new forms is available for comparison. The most that we can do on this occasion is to make some provisional generic comparisons in order to establish a system of nomenclature. Unfortunately, existing descriptions of relevant genera are both scanty and incomplete, a defect which is easily explained by the nature of the organisms and the need for special facilities for their adequate study.
A Choice-Based Dynamic Programming Approach for Setting Opaque Prices

Opaque pricing is a form of pricing where certain characteristics of the product or service are hidden from the consumer until after purchase. In essence, opaque selling transforms a differentiated good into a commodity. Opaque pricing has become popular in service pricing as it allows firms to sell their differentiated product at higher prices to regular brand loyal customers while simultaneously selling to non-brand loyal customers at discounted prices. We use a nested logit model in combination with logistic regression and dynamic programming to illustrate how a service firm can optimally set prices on an opaque sales channel. The choice model allows the characterization of consumer trade-offs when purchasing opaque products while the dynamic programming approach allows the characterization of the optimal pricing policy as a function of inventory and time remaining. We compare optimal prices and expected revenues when dynamic pricing is restricted to daily price changes. We provide an illustrative example using data from an opaque selling mechanism (Hotwire.com) and a Washington DC-based hotel.
HIGH GROWTH INNOVATIVE ENTERPRISES

In recent years, research has widely substantiated the importance of high-growth new enterprises (HGIEs) for job creation. The conventional wisdom is that the number and share of HGIEs in all enterprises is small, but the number and share of jobs they create is disproportionally large. As part of a larger project examining HGIEs in the United States and the European Union, we surveyed 450 potential Japanese HGIE, of which only 35 met the criteria of 10 percent employment growth over three consecutive years since 2008. It turns out the HGIEs not meeting these criteria, however, provide an interesting twist to the Japan case. These quasi-HGIEs were growing through networkingthat is, tapping human resources in other companies. One approach is to network the product development process across firms rather than within a firm: alliances in R&D, outsourcing design and engineering, contracting for manufacturing, and collaboration in marketing and sales. Another approach is to position a HGIE in one segment of this product development process but work with different networks. When the product development network is the unit of analysis, then, there is inter-firm but not intra-firm employment growth. Early indications suggest Japan’s new locus of innovation and job creation may revolve around network ecosystems consisting of smaller firms.
Does Learning by Exporting Happen? Evidence from the Automobile Industry in China

The concept that exporters learn from their exporting experience is a theoretical result that needs to be tested empirically. However, the literature provides mixed evidence. In this paper, to estimate productivity, an approach suggested by De Loecker is applied, which corrects for econometric and consistency problems. Using a dataset for the Chinese automobile between 1998 and 2007, no evidence of learning by exporting was found. The data also suggests explanations for why it does not support this hypothesis.
Improved flotation of heat treated lignite with saline solutions containing mono and multivalent ions

Flotation of lignites is inherently difficult. However, pre-heat treatment of coal is also known to make coal surfaces more hydrophobic possibly through removal of water entrapped in the structure of coal. In this context, the objective of this study was, therefore, to determine changes in the hydrophobicity of some lignites under moderately controlled heat treatment, and correlate the flotation response of lignites in different salt solutions of NaCl, KCl, CaCl2, and MgCl2 without using any reagent. The results of flotation tests suggested that, under the present test conditions, it was possible to float thermally pre-treated lignite samples of partially hydrophobic character in salt solutions in the absence of collector and frother. In addition, the effect of heat treatment on hydrophobicity, and in turn flotation was explained by a theoretical model based on extended DLVO interactions to quantify the effects of both heat treatment and salt concentration on bubble-particle interactions. The results of theoretical modeling suggested that the removal of hydrogen containing groups from coal surfaces significantly contributed to the electrical double layer and hydrophobic forces that governed the magnitude of energetic barrier and also the extent of bubble-particle attachment.
Towards Reviving Electroweak Baryogenesis with a Fourth Generation

Electroweak baryogenesis is an attractive scenario for explaining the baryon asymmetry of the universe. However, it does not work within the standard model due to two reasons: (1) the strength of CP violation from the Kobayashi-Maskawa mechanism with three generations is too small; (2) the electroweak phase transition is not first order for the experimentally allowed Higgs boson mass. We discuss possibilities to solve these problems by introducing a fourth generation of fermions and how electroweak baryogenesis might be revived. We also discuss briefly the recent observation of a Higgs-like boson with mass around 125 GeV, which puts the fourth generation in a difficult situation, and the possible way out.
The role of nitric oxide in skeletal muscle regeneration

Essential processes in the regeneration of an injured muscle include proliferation of satellite cells and vascularization. Myogenesis and angiogenesis are prerequisites for the subsequent morphological and functional healing of the injured muscle, leading to the reconstruction of the damaged myocytes and vessels, restoration of the blood fl ow and restoration of the oxygen supply to the tissue. Nitric oxide (NO) plays a key role in satellite cells activation. It acts as a signal molecule and vasodilator, promotes expression genes for many growth factors being extracellular signals regulating the functions of the muscular, vascular and nervous systems. NO is produced by three isoenzymes, called nitric oxide synthases (NOS), present in skeletal muscle. The disturbance equilibrium between eNOS and iNOS activities results in pro-apoptotic NO activity and muscle atrophy. A recent study has shown a relationship between NO generation and delayed onset muscle soreness in response to intense resistance exercise. NO generation can be modulated by physical activity, systemic hypoxia (altitude training) or NO precursors such as L-arginine. The present review provides a current overview of NO effects on skeletal muscles and nutritional strategies based on L-arginine intake to aid muscle regeneration.
RESHAPING THE FRAMEWORK FOR ANALYSING SUCCESS OF MOBILE PAYMENT SOLUTIONS

Despite the potential and expectations, mobile payments have not reached expected adoption levels. Establishing success factors in m-payments has become an important research goal. Traditional acceptance models focus on characteristics of new technologies (innovations) that the user perceives. According to Damsgaard and Gao (2004), what is missing in the traditional models is the discussion of infrastructure traits of an innovation. A qualitative study has been used to measure the validity of these assumptions in the mobile payments field. Experts that represented key stakeholders were asked to draw from their experience and explain reasons for the lack of success of m-payments. Based on the study, this paper proposes a holistic framework for analysing m-payment success factors.
Functional roles of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune and neurodegenerative disease, which affects around three million people worldwide and is the main cause of disability in young adults in the US and western Europe. It is characterised by lymphocytic infiltration into the central nervous system (CNS) and destruction of oligodendrocytes, followed by neuronal cell death. The definite cause of the disease is unknown, but most likely consists of an interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that the incidence and severity of MS is inversely correlated with exposure to UV light. Recent evidence has raised doubt for the UV-mediated production of vitamin D as the sole responsible factor for the protective effect of UV light. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a key regulator of immune responses in neuroinflammation and can be activated by UV photoproducts of tryptophan. We therefore investigated the role of UVB-mediated AhR activation in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, the mouse model of MS. Animals lacking the AhR did not get any benefit from UVB irradiation, while the irradiation of specific AhR reporter mice showed an increased bioluminescence signal in the skin, which reflected an AhR activation upon UV treatment. Furthermore, we identified inosine as a potent activator of the AhR accumulating in skin of irradiated mice. Antigen presenting cells homed from the skin to the draining lymph nodes due to UVB irradiation and AhR activation, where they were able to induce regulatory T-cells, the so-called UV-Tregs. In addition to its effects on the immune system, the AhR is widely studied as an important mediator of toxicity for xenobiotics. While we could not prove that the immunosuppressive effect of Teriflunomide, a newly approved drug for MS treatment, could be in part mediated by AhR activation, we identified the AhR as the main mediator of its gastrointestinal toxicity. AhR deficient animals treated with Teriflunomide died due to gastroenteritis, intestinal bleeding and liver toxicity. Our data showed that, in the mouse model of MS, the AhR is a key molecule in mediating the immunosuppressive effect of UVB light and the metabolisation of the MS drug Teriflunomide. Pharmacological targeting of the AhR could enhance the beneficial effects of UVB light. Genetic polymorphisms of the AhR in MS patients could explain the increased side effects of Teriflunomide.
EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF NANO ZERO-VALENT IRON MOBILITY IN POROUS MEDIA

In this study, the colloidal stability and mobility of Fe/Ni nano particles, concurrently synthesized and stabilized in the presence of starch (S-nZVI/Ni), were investigated. In particular, the in uence of pore velocity (ranging from 7 to 85 m/d) and injected particle concentrations (0.3 and 3 g/l) was evaluated in a one-dimensional column. Experimental results exposed the ne mobility of the S-nZVI/Ni particles in porous materials. According to the breakthrough curves and mass recovery, the S-nZVI travel distance was limited to the range of 0.2 to 0.4 m for low pore velocities (5 to 7 m/d), and in the order of 10 m at higher velocities (> 50 m/d). Moreover, increasing pore velocity enhanced the mobility of S-nZVI. Results also proposed that the mobility of SnZVI suspension in sand media should be lower than in glass beads media. The clogging phenomenon of the column and the pore pressure variations during the injection period were strongly a ected by media type and injected particle concentration. Clogging, due to the deposition of particles, was observed, in particular, for 3 g/l nZVI suspension, low velocities and sand media. Finally, the results indicated that starch stabilized iron nano particles have the potential to become an e ective reactive material for in-situ groundwater remediation.
Cutting energy of rice stem as influenced by internode position and dimensional characteristics of different varieties.

The exact knowledge of stem cutting energy is one of the main parameters for optimizing design of cutting elements in harvesting machines. In this study, cutting energy of rice stem at different internode positions was examined. Four common Iranian rice varieties, namely Khazar, Hybrid and Dorfak (high-yielding and lodging tolerance varieties) and Tarom (local and lodging susceptible variety) were used in the experiment. A pendulum impact type testing apparatus was fabricated and used for the tests. The results indicated that cutting energy significantly (p<0.01) affected by internode position and dimensional characteristics of rice stem. Among the varieties, the highest cutting energy (324 mJ) was registered for Khazar, while the lowest value (79 mJ) was measured for Tarom. There was a highly significant and positive correlation between the cutting energy and stem wall thickness, Major and minor diameters and cross-sectional area of rice stem. The results also revealed that the cutting energy of rice stem in the second internode was decreased by the average of 32.5% compared to third internode position. It was concluded that with increasing cutting height toward the second internode, more energy saving can be achieved by harvesting machines.
Examining the Effect of Earnings Management on Bid-Ask Spread and Market Liquidity

The earnings management is used by companies to smooth out fluctuations in earnings. But it take advantage of how accounting rules are applied and creates financial statements that inflate earnings. Thus, studying the earnings management proves to be essential for better governance. The main purpose of this paper is to argue the extent that earnings management lowers liquidity. It should increase information asymmetry and impair trading liquidity. Using a sample of French firms from 2008 to 2011, we find that firms that manage earnings have wider bid-ask spreads. Our results are robust for both of two well-established measures of market liquidity. Therefore, the empirical results indicate that firms that exhibit greater earnings management are associated with lower market liquidity. These findings are in line with adverse selection and shed light on the role corporate governance devices can play in the consideration of shareholder interest’s protection, which leads to improved stock market liquidity levels. Keywords : Earnings management, Bid-ask spreads, stock liquidity, discretionary accruals
Trends in Exporting and Productivity : A Descriptive Analysis

This paper aims to analyse the relation between exporting behaviour of the firms and productivity by testing for learning by exporting hypothesis in Turkish manufacturing industry. Moreover, this study examines whether exporting and productivity relations change with respect to the orientation of industry in which the firm operates. We use the data on the largest 1000 industrial enterprises of Turkey from 1997 to 2007. The results based on unbalanced dynamic panel data models estimated show that there is no evidence that exporting fosters productivity at the firm level in Turkish manufacturing industry. Disaggregation of industries with respect to their orientations does not change this result. Exporting, or increase in the exports of the firm, doesn’t seem to be one of the sources of productivity growth at least for the firms already exporting in Turkish manufacturing.
University Business Incubators: An Institutional Demand Side Perspective on Value Adding Features

Objective: The purpose of this article is to investigate differing demands for university business incubator’s value adding features. It introduces an institution based perspective to guide the argumentation. A framework has been developed, which is grounded in recent entrepreneurship theory and studies related to business incubator development.Research Design & Methods: An exploratory empirical study has been conducted to test the framework using participants from the United Arab Emirates and Thailand. The survey questionnaire was developed and tested before applying to the empirical study. Findings: The findings indicate variation in demands for incubator features in particular related to infrastructure and networking services. In line with the expectations, no differences have been found for the business support services. We also found that a more general strategy and goals seem to be preferred over a more narrow industry focus. Implications & Recommendations: The framework and our empirical findings suggest that university business incubators should take into consideration institutional differences between the countries in order to increase acceptance of the incubator concept, especially in developing countries. Contribution & Value Added: The study addresses a research gap, identifying crosscountry differences in the demand of potential entrepreneurs for value adding features provided in University Business Incubators (UBI).