Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Meta-Analytic Review of International Tourism Demand

The purpose of this article is to review a large number of published empirical studies on modeling international tourism demand and to integrate their findings according to the important explanatory variables used (income, transportation costs, and tourism prices), the proportion of significant findings, and the effect sizes of these major explanatory variables. A meta-analysis of 70 articles is provided, the articles being selected on the basis of their t-statistics, standard errors, F-statistics, and sample sizes. The primary purpose of the meta-analysis is to enable general conclusions to be drawn from the major published empirical studies regarding the relationships between international tourism demand and income, transportation costs, and tourism prices.
The Long March of History: Farm Wages, Population, and Economic Growth, England 1209-1869

The paper forms three series for English farm workers 1209-1869: nominal day wages, the implied marginal product of a day of farm labour, and the purchasing power of a days? wage in terms of farm workers? consumption. These series suggest that labour productivity in English agriculture was already high in the middle ages. Further they fit well with one method of estimating medieval population which suggests a peak English population circa 1300 of nearly 6 million. Finally they imply that both agricultural technology and the general efficiency of the economy was static from 1250 till 1600. Economic changes were in these years entirely a product of demographic shifts. Finally in 1600 to 1800 technological advance in agriculture provided an alternative source of dynamism in the English economy.
Corporate Lobbying in Private Accounting Standard Setting: Does the IASB have to Reckon with National Differences?

This paper explores whether the attitude of preparers towards lobbying to a private accounting standard setter is different depending on the regulatory background of the preparers' home country. Prior literature examined the preparers' incentives and characteristics as drivers to participate in the due process of international accounting standard setting, but it did not investigate the impact of the preparers' national regulatory background on participation. As a result of the acceptance of the International Financial Reporting Standards promulgated by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) in different countries, preparers who are traditionally accustomed with an accounting standard setting process initiated by governments with few opportunities for formal participation, are now able to participate in a private accounting standard setting process characterised by several possibilities for participation. Comparing survey evidence of Belgian preparers with existing survey evidence of UK preparers, we notice that the participation methods used, the perception on the effectiveness of the participation methods and the reasons for non-participation differ across both groups of preparers. This finding suggests that the national regulatory background of the preparers may affect the behaviour of preparers in their decision to participate in private accounting standard setting.
Using Geographic Information System to Visualize Travel Patterns and Market Research Data

Travel pattern data collected from a rural county in western North Carolina, United States, was analyzed using a geographic information system. Travel pattern data are valuable to destination marketers as it highlights potential regional promotions and development partners. Geographic information systems (GIS) can easily display in map form spatially oriented concepts such as travel patterns and provides easy viewing of the data. The generated maps provided a clear indication of regions, counties, and towns that tourism promoters in the rural county may consider as potential marketing and development collaborators. Additionally, by modeling trip distances per travel pattern, potential new markets were identified.
Intermittent hypoxia reverses the diurnal glucose rhythm and causes pancreatic β‐cell replication in mice

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and type 2 diabetes frequently co‐exist and potentially interact haemodynamically and metabolically. However, the confounding effects of obesity have obscured the examination of any independent or interactive effects of the hypoxic stress of OSA and the hyperglycaemia of type 2 diabetes on haemodynamic and metabolic outcomes. We have developed a chronically catheterized, unhandled, lean murine model to examine the effects of intermittent hypoxic (IH) exposure and exogenous glucose infusion on the diurnal pattern of arterial blood pressure and blood glucose, as well as pancreatic β‐cell growth and function. Four experimental groups of adult male C57BL/J mice were exposed to 80 h of (1) either IH (nadir of inspired oxygen 5–6% at 60 cycles h−1 for 12 h during light period) or intermittent air (IA; control) and (2) continuous infusion of either 50% dextrose or saline (control). IH exposure during saline infusion caused a sustained increase in arterial blood pressure of 10 mmHg (P < 0.0001), reversed the normal diurnal rhythm of blood glucose (P < 0.03), doubled corticosterone levels (P < 0.0001), and increased replication of pancreatic β‐cells from 1.5 ± 0.3 to 4.0 ± 0.8% bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)‐positive) β‐cells. The combined stimulus of IH exposure and glucose infusion attenuated the hypertension, exacerbated the reversed diurnal glucose rhythm, and produced the highest rates of apoptosis in β‐cells, without any additive effects on β‐cell replication. We conclude that, in contrast to the development of sustained hypertension, IH impaired glucose homeostasis only during periods of hypoxic exposure. IH acted as a stimulus to pancreatic β‐cell replication, but the presence of hyperglycaemia may increase the hypoxic susceptibility of β‐cells. This model will provide a basis for future mechanistic studies as well as assessing the metabolic impact of common comorbities in OSA, including obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
The Mirage of Fixed Exchange Rates

This paper discusses the profound difficulties of maintaining fixed exchange rates in a world of expanding global capital markets. Contrary to popular wisdom, industrialized-country monetary authorities easily have the resources to defend exchange parities against virtually any private speculative attack. But if their commitment to use those resources lacks credibility with markets, the costs to the broader economy of defending an exchange-rate peg can be very high. The dynamic interplay between credibility and commitment is illustrated by the 1992 Swedish and British crises and the 1994-95 Mexican collapse. We also discuss the small number of successful fixers.
Modelling non-stationary gene regulatory process with hidden Markov Dynamic Bayesian Network

Dynamic Bayesian Network (DBN) has been widely used to infer gene regulatory network from time series gene expression dataset. The standard assumption underlying DBN is based on stationarity, however, in many cases, the gene regulatory network topology might evolve over time. In this paper, we propose a novel non-stationary DBN based network inference approach. In this model, for each variable, a specific HMM implicitly well handles the transition of the stationary DBNs along timesteps. Furthermore, we present a criterion, named as BWBIC score. This criterion is an approximation to the EM objective term, which can reasonably and easily evaluate hmDBN Towards BWBIC score, a greedy hill climbing based structural EM algorithm is proposed to efficiently infer the hmDBN model. We respectively apply our method on synthetic and real biological data. Compared to the recent proposed methods, we obtained better prediction accuracy on both datasets.
Volatility, Depth, and Order Composition: Evidence from a Pure Limit Order Futures Market

This paper investigates market behaviors (such as volatility, depth, and volume) and order-flow decomposition in a pure limit order futures market, the Taiwan Futures Exchange. The results are different from those in equity markets due to relatively high adverse selection costs in futures markets. We show that a volatility (depth) increase is followed by a depth (volatility) decrease; a market order increase (decrease) subsequently induces higher (lower) volatility; and a limit order increase (decrease) results in more (less) market orders and limit orders. When the upside (downside) volatility rises, buyers decrease (increase) subsequent limit bid orders, and sellers increase (decrease) limit ask orders.
Content and context: an exploration of the basic characteristics of information needs

In this article we describe research that overcomes some of the flaws of Uses and Gratifications research by combining information need concepts with concepts from Media Choice models, and by making use of the Policy Capturing method. Using this method, we obtained in-depth knowledge about the basic characteristics of information needs that can be used to explain a choice for specific media, i.e. traditional mass media and Information and Communications Technology (ICT)-based media. In two studies regarding users’ information needs in an academic context, and employees within an organizational setting, we found that the same characteristics of information need, such as topicality and context, are important predictors of media choice. The results show that more refined analyses with regard to dimensions underlying information need can contribute to insight into when and how media, including new technologies, can be successful in the emerging information society, for example, by taking context issues into account.
IPO Underpricing Firm Quality, and Subsequent Reissuance Activity

A signaling argument has recently been developed whereby IPO underpricing is a signal of future firm value. Only higher quality firms can be expected to recover the cost of this signal through subsequent offerings of seasoned equities. This study uses three proxies for firm quality and finds evidence of a positive relationship between these measures of firm quality and reissuance activity. Greater IPO underpricing is also found to be associated with greater levels of future equity selling and higher levels of earnings per share.
Railway reforms: do they influence operating efficiency?

This paper considers railway operations in 23 European countries during 1995–2001, where a series of reform initiatives were launched by the European Commission, and analyses whether these reform initiatives improved the efficiency of the railway systems. Efficiency is measured using Multi-directional Efficiency Analysis, which enables investigation of how railway reforms affect the inefficiencies of specific cost drivers. The main findings are that the reform initiatives generally improve technical efficiency but potentially differently for different cost drivers. Specifically, the paper provides empirical evidence that accounting separation is important for improving the efficiency in the use of both material and staff costs, whereas other reforms only influenced one of these factors.
The Succession Transition Process: A Longitudinal Perspective

Based on longitudinal case study analysis, this paper provides a metaview of the succession process as it unfolds during the generational transition periods in family enterprise systems. The results indicate that the transition period contains a sequence of phases, here called the transition cycle, during which time the system has an opportunity to do the work or tasks required when changing from one archetypal form of ownership and leadership to another. Each phase in the transition period has a distinct task that the system needs to address, and the whole process requires between three to eight years to complete. Three distinct types of transition “journeys” are identified, based on the extent to which the system was able to make progress with and achieve the tasks required within the transition cycle. One of these journey types was most likely to lead to continuity of the family enterprise, whereas the other two journey types were more likely to lead to disintegration of the system.
Blockage of neddylation modification stimulates tumor sphere formation in vitro and stem cell differentiation and wound healing in vivo

Significance MLN4924, a potent small-molecule inhibitor of NEDD8-activating enzyme, blocks cullin-RING ligase activity through inhibiting cullin neddylation. MLN4924 is widely used in both preclinical and clinical settings for an anticancer application. We report here an unexpected finding: MLN4924 at nanomolar concentration stimulates stem cell proliferation, self-renewal, and differentiation in both tumor and normal stem cell models and promotes skin wound healing in a mouse model and cell migration in vitro. Mechanistic studies revealed that MLN4924 causes c-MYC accumulation and promotes EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) dimerization to activate the EGFR signaling pathway. Our study raises a concern in anticancer application of MLN4924, but at the same time provides an opportunity for future development of MLN4924 as an agent for stem cell therapy and tissue regeneration. MLN4924, also known as pevonedistat, is the first-in-class inhibitor of NEDD8-activating enzyme, which blocks the entire neddylation modification of proteins. Previous preclinical studies and current clinical trials have been exclusively focused on its anticancer property. Unexpectedly, we show here, to our knowledge for the first time, that MLN4924, when applied at nanomolar concentrations, significantly stimulates in vitro tumor sphere formation and in vivo tumorigenesis and differentiation of human cancer cells and mouse embryonic stem cells. These stimulatory effects are attributable to (i) c-MYC accumulation via blocking its degradation and (ii) continued activation of EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) and its downstream pathways, including PI3K/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin and RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK, via inducing EGFR dimerization. Finally, MLN4924 accelerates EGF-mediated skin wound healing in mouse and stimulates cell migration in an in vitro culture setting. Taking these data together, our study reveals that neddylation modification could regulate stem cell proliferation and differentiation and that a low dose of MLN4924 might have a therapeutic value for stem cell therapy and tissue regeneration.
Evaluation of Political and Regulatory Risks in the Oil Industry

The objective of this study was to determine the best way to quantify the political and regulatory risks in the oil industry. To analyze if these risks should be included in the cash flow or quantified in the WACC (weighted average cost of capital), we used real case studies of exploration and production (E&P) and refining in Latin America. The oil industry is a good case study for this type of analysis because it is more susceptible to government interventions. Our findings indicate that, in general, changes in oil rules cause only small increases in the country risk and beta (therefore in the WACC) but generate great volatility in the cash flow. Although the political and regulatory risks are considered market risk (i.e. have the potential to affect the whole economy) and should be quantified in the WACC equation, our results indicate that the option to insert these risks directly in the cash flow produce better results when compared to adding a spread in the WACC.
Complementarity and cumulative learning effects in early diffusion of multiple technologies

This paper concentrates on the contextual diffusion of flexible automation production and design/engineering technologies in the Italian metalworking industry. The authors use duration data analysis with explanatory covariates to point out the role of complementarities between the technologies examined and learning by using effects matured with experience of previously available technologies in shaping diffusion paths. The impact of industry- and plant-specific control variables, as well as that of the stock of previous adopters, on adoption probabilities is also taken into account. In addition, the authors analyze duration versus calendar time dependence of adoption probabilities. Copyright 1995 by Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Radiographic Analysis of Cervical and Spinal Alignment in Multilevel ACDF with Lordotic Interbody Device

Background Restoration and maintenance of cervical lordosis is an important clinical parameter in spine surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which a multilevel anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF: greater than 3 levels) procedure restores cervical lordosis and the affect of increasing lordosis on sagittal vertical axis. Methods We performed a retrospective radiographic analysis of 69 patients who underwent multilevel ACDF by 2 surgeons between 2013 and 2014. We measured the global and segmental sagittal alignment of the cervical spine using the cobb method at 4 time intervals (preop, post op 4wks, 10wks and 6 months) as well as the sagittal vertical axis (SVA) using both a C1-S1 and C7-S1 plumb line methods at 2 time intervals (preop and post op 4wks). Radiographs were measured by three reviewers. Results Interrater reliability was good to excellent for all measurements. Cervical lordosis significantly increased from preop 10.26° to 4 weeks postop 19.44° and was maintained up to 6 months 19.34 (p<0.0005). Segmental cervical lordosis was also significantly increased from preop 8.22° to post op at 4 weeks (20.26°) and was maintained at post op 10weeks 20.30° and post op 6 months 19.56° (p<0.0005). C7-S1 SVA and C1-S1 SVA also significantly increased from 12.04mm preop to 27.49mm post op 4 wks (p<0.0005) and -1.93mm preop to 8.67mm post op (p<0.0005) respectively. A change in C2-C7 lordosis positively correlated with a change in C7-SVA and C1-SVA (r=0.37, P<0.005, and r=0.312, p<0.05 respectively). Conclusions Multilevel ACDF significantly increases and maintains both segmental and global cervical lordosis up to 6 months after surgery. Increasing C2-C7 global lordosis is correlated with increasing positive sagittal vertical axis. Level of evidence: IV.
Technological experience and the technology adoption decisions in small manufacturing firms

This paper investigates changes in factors bearing on technology adoption decisions in small manufacturing firms. It is hypothesized that, as a firm's experience with technology increases and its technological capabilities grow, the decision process is gradually modified and puts more weight on those factors which are more closely related to the true potential of the technology. An empirical study shows the more innovative firms to have an outward orientation dominated by clients and suppliers, and to pay more attention to the added flexibility brought about by new technology. It is also shown that functional groups within the company play a more important role in the decision-making process.
Understanding Grip Shifts: How Form Factors Impact Hand Movements on Mobile Phones

In this paper we present an investigation into how hand usage is affected by different mobile phone form factors. Our initial (qualitative) study explored how users interact with various mobile phone types (touchscreen, physical keyboard and stylus). The analysis of the videos revealed that each type of mobile phone affords specific handgrips and that the user shifts these grips and consequently the tilt and rotation of the phone depending on the context of interaction. In order to further investigate the tilt and rotation effects we conducted a controlled quantitative study in which we varied the size of the phone and the type of grips (Symmetric bimanual, Asymmetric bimanual with finger, Asymmetric bimanual with thumb and Single handed) to better understand how they affect the tilt and rotation during a dual pointing task. The results showed that the size of the phone does have a consequence and that the distance needed to reach action items affects the phones' tilt and rotation. Additionally, we found that the amount of tilt, rotation and reach required corresponded with the participant's grip preference. We finish the paper by discussing the design lessons for mobile UI and proposing design guidelines and applications for these insights.
Strength of the relationship between tobacco smoking, nicotine dependence and the severity of alcohol dependence syndrome criteria in a population-based sample.

AIMS Little is known about the relationship between current and past smoking behaviour and the severity of alcohol dependence. The purpose was to explore the strength of this relationship. METHODS A random population sample of 18 to 64 year-olds from northern Germany was used (n = 4075; participation rate: 70%). It included 761 cigarette smokers fulfilling at least one alcohol-dependence criterion. The severity of alcohol dependence according to the alcohol-dependence syndrome criteria frequency (ASF) was estimated by a standardized questionnaire based on diagnostic instruments of the alcohol dependence syndrome and which included five response categories, from 'never' to 'daily'. Nicotine dependence was diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorders (DSM-IV) with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). As a second measure, the Fagerström Test of Nicotine Dependence (FTND) was used. RESULTS The number of cigarettes and years of daily smoking, nicotine dependence, and the number of nicotine dependence symptoms each showed a relationship with the ASF. Effect size (w) were 0.17-0.21 for chi-squared (chi(2)) tests. In a general linear regression model with the ASF as the dependent variable (R(2) = 0.17), number of years of daily smoking, age at onset of smoking, number of attempts to reduce or quit, the number of nicotine-dependence symptoms according to DSM-IV and the FTND sum score were retained as independent variables. CONCLUSIONS Long-term smoking, a large number of nicotine-dependence symptoms according to DSM and a strong urge to smoke according to the FTND are related with a high ASF.
Triggering transformative change: a development path approach to climate change response in communities

While climate change action plans are becoming more common, it is still unclear whether communities have the capacity, tools, and targets in place to trigger the transformative levels of change required to build fundamentally low-carbon, resilient, healthy communities. Evidence increasingly supports the finding that this transformation is not triggered by climate policy alone, but rather is shaped by a broad array of decisions and practices that are rooted in underlying patterns of development. Even so, these findings have rarely penetrated the domain of practice, which often remains squarely focused on a relatively narrow set of climate-specific policies. This article builds a conceptual framework for understanding the dynamics of community-level development path transformations that may both dramatically reduce GHG emissions and significantly enhance community resilience. This framework illuminates eight critical enablers of innovation on climate change, each of which is illustrated by compelling examples of community-level experimentation on climate change across the province of British Columbia, Canada. It is concluded that community-based climate (or sustainability) policy might be more likely to trigger development path shifts if it employs a longer time horizon, recognition of adaptability and feedbacks, integrated decision making, and systems thinking.