Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An operations management view of the services and goods offering mix

Purpose – To develop and propose a framework, termed here as the value package prism, for assessing the kinds of management processes and flexibility available in providing a range of value packages (services and goods offering mix). Design/methodology/approach – The literature is examined and a set of highly‐visible Latin‐American examples are presented to support the development of the proposed framework.Findings – Provides an additional perspective to the traditional set of characteristics (intangibility, inseparability, heterogeneity, and perishability) for differentiating services and goods. The proposed framework (stockability, intensity of interaction, simultaneousness of consumption, and ease of performance assessment) and the value prism may be useful to operations managers in developing, planning, organizing, or controlling the production and delivery of services or goods.Originality/value – Offers a new framework and an applied way to improve operations management by moving away from the extreme.
Reforms and Re-Elections in OECD Countries

"Economic reform is sometimes seen as damaging to a government's re-election chances, but anecdotal evidence from OECD countries would not seem to strongly support this perception. This paper tests this hypothesis on a sample of 21 OECD countries over the period 1985-2003, controlling for other economic and political factors that may affect re-election. It is found that the chances of re-election for incumbent governments are not significantly affected by their record of pro-market reforms. However, the electoral impact of reform is found to differ strongly depending on which types of policies are considered. In particular, reform measures that are more likely to hurt large groups of 'insiders' seem electorally more damaging. A series of framework conditions appears to affect the impact of reforms on re-elections. Reformist governments in countries with rigid product and labour markets tend to be voted out of office, suggesting the existence of a 'rigidity trap'. While fiscal stimulus is not an effective instrument to 'sweeten the pill' and raise the odds of re-election, the presence of liberal financial markets appears to soften electoral resistance to structural reform. The latter finding is of particular relevance in the current financial crisis: forward-looking governments should not rush to over-regulate financial markets in order not to compromise the feasibility of product and labour market reforms". Copyright (c) CEPR, CES, MSH, 2010.
Biocompatibility and potential of decellularized porcine small intestine to support cellular attachment and growth

The aim of this study was to decellularize a 30 cm long segment of porcine small intestine, determine its in vivo behaviour and assess the type of immunological reaction it induces in a quantitative manner. A segment of porcine ileum up to 30 cm long, together with its attached vasculature, was decellularized via its mesenteric arcade as a single entity. The quality of the acellular scaffold was assessed histologically and using molecular tools. The host response to the scaffold was evaluated in a rodent model. Stereological techniques were incorporated into quantitative analysis of the phenotype of the macrophages infiltrating the scaffold in vivo. Lengths of ileal scaffold, together with its attached vasculature, were successfully decellularized, with no evidence of intact cells and DNA or collagen and GAGs overdegradation. Analysis of explants harvested over 2 months postimplantation revealed full‐thickness recellularization and no signs of foreign body or immune reactions. Macrophage profiling proved that between weeks 4 and 8 in vivo there was a switch from an M1 (pro‐inflammatory) to an M2 (pro‐remodelling) type of response. We show here that the decellularization process results in a biocompatible and non‐toxic matrix that upon implantation triggers cellular infiltration and angiogenesis, primarily characterized by a pro‐remodelling type of mononuclear response, without inducing foreign body reaction or fibrosis. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Zebrafish Period2 Protein Positively Regulates the Circadian Clock through Mediation of Retinoic Acid Receptor (RAR)-related Orphan Receptor α (Rorα)*

Background: Null mutants for zebrafish period2 were generated to elucidate its functions. Results: Both locomotor activity and expression of key circadian clock genes are disrupted in the period2 mutant zebrafish. Conclusion: Period2 is essential for zebrafish circadian regulation. Significance: Period2 plays a positive role in the zebrafish circadian clock by enhancing bmal1b expression through binding to nuclear receptor Rorα. We report the characterization of a null mutant for zebrafish circadian clock gene period2 (per2) generated by transcription activator-like effector nuclease and a positive role of PER2 in vertebrate circadian regulation. Locomotor experiments showed that per2 mutant zebrafish display reduced activities under light-dark and 2-h phase delay under constant darkness, and quantitative real time PCR analyses showed up-regulation of cry1aa, cry1ba, cry1bb, and aanat2 but down-regulation of per1b, per3, and bmal1b in per2 mutant zebrafish, suggesting that Per2 is essential for the zebrafish circadian clock. Luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that Per2 represses aanat2 expression through E-box and enhances bmal1b expression through the Ror/Rev-erb response element, implicating that Per2 plays dual roles in the zebrafish circadian clock. Cell transfection and co-immunoprecipitation assays revealed that Per2 enhances bmal1b expression through binding to orphan nuclear receptor Rorα. The enhancing effect of mouse PER2 on Bmal1 transcription is also mediated by RORα even though it binds to REV-ERBα. Moreover, zebrafish Per2 also appears to have tissue-specific regulatory roles in numerous peripheral organs. These findings help define the essential functions of Per2 in the zebrafish circadian clock and in particular provide strong evidence for a positive role of PER2 in the vertebrate circadian system.
Dynamics of Fungal Communities in Bulk and Maize Rhizosphere Soil in the Tropics

ABSTRACT The fungal population dynamics in soil and in the rhizospheres of two maize cultivars grown in tropical soils were studied by a cultivation-independent analysis of directly extracted DNA to provide baseline data. Soil and rhizosphere samples were taken from six plots 20, 40, and 90 days after planting in two consecutive years. A 1.65-kb fragment of the 18S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) amplified from the total community DNA was analyzed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and by cloning and sequencing. A rhizosphere effect was observed for fungal populations at all stages of plant development. In addition, pronounced changes in the composition of fungal communities during plant growth development were found by DGGE. Similar types of fingerprints were observed in two consecutive growth periods. No major differences were detected in the fungal patterns of the two cultivars. Direct cloning of 18S rDNA fragments amplified from soil or rhizosphere DNA resulted in 75 clones matching 12 dominant DGGE bands. The clones were characterized by their HinfI restriction patterns, and 39 different clones representing each group of restriction patterns were sequenced. The cloning and sequencing approach provided information on the phylogeny of dominant amplifiable fungal populations and allowed us to determine a number of fungal phylotypes that contribute to each of the dominant DGGE bands. Based on the sequence similarity of the 18S rDNA fragment with existing fungal isolates in the database, it was shown that the rhizospheres of young maize plants seemed to select the Ascomycetes order Pleosporales, while different members of the Ascomycetes and basidiomycetic yeast were detected in the rhizospheres of senescent maize plants.
Association of serotonin transporter promoter regulatory region polymorphism and cerebral activity to visual presentation of food

Recent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have revealed links between genetic polymorphisms and cognitive and behavioural processes. Serotonin is a classical neurotransmitter of central nervous system, and it is connected to the control of appetite and satiety. In this study, the relationship between the functional variation in the serotonin transporter gene and the activity in the left posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), a brain area activated by visual food stimuli was explored. Thirty subjects underwent serial fMRI studies and provided DNA for genetic analyses. Subjects homozygous for the long allele exhibited greater left PCC activity in the comparison food > non‐food compared with individuals heterozygous or homozygous for the short allele. The association between genotype and activation was linear, the subjects with two copies of the long allele variant having the strongest activation. These results demonstrate the possible genetically driven variation in the response of the left PCC to visual presentation of food in humans.
Postbinding events mediated by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 are sensitive to modifications in the D4-transmembrane linker region of CD4

Evidence from both structural and functional studies of the CD4 molecule suggests that several domains, including the transmembrane (TM) domain and the adjoining extracellular region (D4-TM linker), contribute to the post-gp12O-binding events leading to human immunodeficiency virus-mediated membrane fusion. To investigate such a role in syncytium formation and cell-free infectivity, we generated several deletion and substitution mutations in the TM and D4-TM linker regions of the CD4 molecule. We found that while the TM domain of CD4 was dispensable for cell-cell and virus-cell interactions, modifications in the D4-TM linker led to perturbations in both processes. Deletion of the five amino acid residues linking D4 to the TM domain resulted in a delayed and reduced capacity to form syncytia, whereas replacement of the residues with the heterologous sequence from the CD8 molecule restored the kinetic profile to wild-type CD4 levels. On the other hand, both mutants of the CD4 D4-TM linker demonstrated delayed cell-free human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infectivity profiles. The defective fusion capacity may be linked to structural perturbations identified with anti-CD4 monoclonal antibodies in the D1-D2 interface and D3 domain of the deletion mutant yet absent in D1 and D4. While all cells were found to bind comparable levels of gp120, both D4-TM linker mutants appeared to induce a decrease in the V3 loop exposure of bound gp120. This underexposure may explain the delays in cell-free infectivities observed for both of these mutants. Together, these findings confirm a role for regions of the CD4 molecule located outside D1 in post-gp120-binding events and suggest that the D4-TM interface contributes to the conformational changes that direct the fusion process.
Assimetria informacional e eficiência semiforte do mercado

This study aimed to investigate the informational asymmetry in the Brazilian Stock Market, either upon calls for Ordinary General Assemblies or Board Meetings intended to increase capital through underwritings, or upon announcements communicating the decision of capital increase. Therefore, the semi-strong efficiency and the informational asymmetry of the market were verified. The data were obtained through the Stock Exchange and the database of the consulting firm, Lafis. Based on theoretical and empirical research, it investigated the existence of abnormal returns upon the announcement of new underwritings, and also the existence of abnormal returns accumulated for a previous period (–20 days) and a later period (+20 days), in relation to the date of the announcement. The results of the research suggest not only the existence of informational asymmetry in the Brazilian Stock Market but also the absence of semi-strong efficiency in the market.
Measurement Error in Access to Markets

Microeconometric studies increasingly utilize travel times to markets as a determinant of economic behaviour. These studies typically use self-reported measures from surveys, often characterized by measurement error. This paper is the first validation study of access to markets data. Unique data from Peru allow comparison of self-reported variables with scientifically calculated variables. We investigate the determinants of the deviation between imputed and self-reported data and show that it is non-classical and dependent on observable socio-economic variables. Our results suggest that studies using self-reported measures of access may be estimating biased effects. Copyright (c) Blackwell Publishing Ltd and the Department of Economics, University of Oxford, 2008.
Discerning white space and leveraging its potential using USRP and GNU radio

In this paper, we have intended and delineated about discerning the white space in the spectrum which is precious. The Cognitive Radio is transpiring because of its idiosyncratic nature of exploiting the unused spectrum for various praxis. Initially, we have discerned the unused frequencies in the TV band which comprises from 585 to 698 MHz and in the FM band which comprises from 87.5 MHz to 108.0 MHz in the spectrum. Subsequently, we have demonstrated the usage of this unused spectrum by transmitting an audio and a file in these bands. We have also checked the spectrum while transmitting and received the data and audio file. For implementing this we have utilized the USRP (Universal Software Radio Peripheral) and GNU Radio, a hardware and software platform respectively. The sensed spectrum and transmitted audio's screen shots are discussed in the following sections.
The development and application of a knowledge sharing behavior model for Taiwanese junior high school English teachers

The purpose of this study aimed to develop a knowledge sharing behavior model and to investigate junior high school English teachers’ knowledge sharing behavior in the southern Taiwan. The research method was questionnaire survey approach. Content validity and internal reliability were established through panelist review, item analysis, and factor analysis in the pilot study. The formal survey questionnaires were sent to 600 junior high school English teachers’ in Kaohsiung city and County in Taiwan. A total of 210 responses to the survey questionnaires were analyzed through a series of statistical techniques, including descriptive analysis, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and partial least squares (PLS) analysis. The major findings of the study led to the following conclusion: (1) 11 factors of the knowledge sharing behavior model for junior high school English teachers; were confirmed; (2) professional knowledge, teaching techniques, materials, class management, and evaluation knowledge were the major topics of knowledge sharing; (3) in-service training meetings, school meetings, phone calls, leisure time and the Internet were the mechanisms for knowledge sharing among junior high school English teachers; (4) junior high school English teachers of different backgrounds possessed the similar attitudes toward factors of the knowledge sharing behavior model; and (5) the knowledge sharing behavior was mainly influenced by attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavior control, and intention of knowledge sharing. Keywords: Junior high school English teacher, knowledge sharing, partial least square (PLS).
An instrument for the self-appraisal of scientific research performance

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to present findings related to an instrument for the self-appraisal of scientists' research performance, and highlight the suitability of self-appraisal instruments for members of the scientific community. Design/methodology/approach - An examination of the literature on self-appraisal and the measurement of scientific research is presented. The initial development of the instrument employed qualitative methods through interview and discussions with PhD-qualified scientific researchers ( Findings - Results suggest that the instrument may be a reliable measure of research performance when used in a non-critical context. Research limitations/implications - While the instrument shows promise, further research is needed to examine aspects of inter-rater reliability. Additional research is also needed to further examine relationships between it and other measures of research performance at the same level of analysis. While the usefulness and validity of this instrument at the “international level” has been examined, further research is needed to examine the relative validity and reliability of the instrument at the “institutional” and “national” levels. Practical implications - The instrument provides a useful and cost-effective tool for use in the performance appraisal process of research scientists, and for use in focusing discussion on performance for developmental purposes. It is also useful as a research tool for the timely and cost-effective measurement of research performance at an institutional, national and international level. Originality/value - The paper presents an original paper and pencil instrument for the appraisal of scientific research performance at an institutional, national, and international level.
Interference Coordination via Power Domain Channel Estimation

A novel technique is proposed, which enables each transmitter to acquire global channel state information (CSI) from the sole knowledge of individual received signal power measurements, which makes dedicated feedback or inter-transmitter signaling channels unnecessary. To make this possible, we resort to a completely new technique whose key idea is to exploit the transmit power levels as symbols to embed information and the observed interference as a communication channel the transmitters can use to exchange coordination information. Although the used technique allows any kind of low-rate information to be exchanged among the transmitters, the focus here is to exchange local CSI. The proposed procedure also comprises a phase which allows local CSI to be estimated. Once an estimate of global CSI is acquired by the transmitters, it can be used to optimize any utility function which depends on it. While algorithms, which use the same type of measurements, such as the iterative water-filling algorithm, implement the sequential best-response dynamics (BRD) applied to individual utilities, here, thanks to the availability of global CSI, the BRD can be applied to the sum-utility. Extensive numerical results show that significant gains can be obtained and, this, by requiring no additional online signaling.
Estimating Labor Supply with Uncertain Non-Labor Income

In this paper, we introduce measurement error in non-labor income in the Hausman (1981) structural model of estimating labor supply. Such measurement errors are conceptually well founded. Theynaturallyleadtotheuncertainkinkpoints,andhenceuncertainbudgetsegments, which seem to be in-line with Heckman (1983)’s critiques on the Hausman’s approach. We suggest a model that nests the Hausman’s original model and our measurement error model, and carry out the tests to which model ts the data better. The test results show that our model performs well and yields very dierent estimates of labor supply elasticities.
User Costs versus Waiting Services and Depreciation in a Model of Production

Summary The paper develops an extension of a one period model of production involving beginning and end of the period capital stocks along with output and input flows that is due to Hicks and Edwards and Bell. This generalized Austrian model of production takes into account that end of the period capital stocks result from: (i) purchases of new investment goods; (ii) internal construction of firm capital stock components and (iii) holdings of (depreciated) capital goods that were held by the firm at the beginning of the period. These different methods of creating end of period holdings of capital stocks generally have different resource requirements and hence the one period production possibilities set is more complex than the usual one. This general model of production is used to justify the decomposition of the Jorgensonian user cost of capital into separate waiting services and depreciation components.
Webis at TREC 2018: Common Core Track

This paper gives a brief overview of the Webis network’s participation in the TREC 2018 Common Core track. The basic idea applied in our approach is to axiomatically re-rank the top-50 results of BM25F for those topics that seem to be argumentative. To this end, we use three axioms with the goal of covering some aspects of argumentativeness in text documents. If all three argumentative axioms favor a re-ordering of two documents, they “overrule” the initial ranking and the documents change their ranks.
Sleeping Giant: Fact or Fairytale?

Do attitudes towards European integration influence vote choice in national elections — a phenomenon I refer to as European Union (EU) issue voting? Evidence concerning EU issue voting is thus far mixed. Some scholars conclude that an electoral connection exists between European and national politics, whereas others claim that European integration has had very few observable effects on national elections. A resolution emerges when the conditional nature of EU issue voting is acknowledged. Specifically, EU issue voting is more likely to occur in elections in which both the extent of partisan conflict over European integration and the degree of EU issue salience among voters are high. Using a conditional logit model, I illustrate the conditional nature of EU issue voting by comparing UK, Danish, Dutch and German elections between 1992 and 2002.
Building Philippine Local Government Capacity for Coastal Resource Management

The responsibility for managing coral reefs and other coastal resources was largely devolved to coastal municipalities and cities in the Philippines in 1991 with the passage of the Local Government Code. Devolution of powers and responsibilities to local government has paved the way for mainstreaming coastal resource management at the local level. However, the capacity to carry out this mandate has only recently begun to mature as municipalities and cities gain an increased awareness of the importance of coastal resources to communities and economic development. Approaches and strategies to increase local government capacity for coastal resource management are described based on the experiences of the Coastal Resource Management Project of the United States Agency for International Development. Qualitative and quantitative data are used to illustrate the possible impact of these capacity building efforts and to describe the current capacity of local government to undertake coastal resource management. After five years of project implementation, coastal municipalities have increased technical capacity, have allotted financial resources, and have achieved key performance benchmarks in the delivery of coastal resource management as a basic service.