Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tourism and Growth in European Countries: Model Specification and Panel Data Analysis

This paper applies likelihood-based panel cointegration techniques to examine the existence of a long run relationship between GDP, tourism earnings per tourist and total trade volume for a panel of European countries over the period 1988–2010. Removing the cross dependency, our panel tourism-led growth model indicates that tourism development has a higher impact on GDP in the North than in South European countries. Furthermore, the volume of trade shows a significant and much stronger effect on the long run economic growth in our sample economies than tourism does. The policy implication of these results is that the impact of tourism development on growth when compared to the impact of international trade while facing a budget constraint leads us to conclude that the best strategy is for countries to invest in trade rather than in tourism.
Immunolocalization of receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in Meckel's cartilage compared with developing endochondral bones in mice

We examined the immunolocalization of receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in areas of resorption caused by osteoclasts/chondroclasts on embryonic days 14–16 (E14–16) in Meckel's cartilage, and compared the results with those in endochondral bones in mice. Intense RANKL and OPG immunoreactivity was detected in the chondrocytes in Meckel's cartilage. On E15, when the incisor teeth were closest to the middle portion of Meckel's cartilage, tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)‐positive cells appeared on the lateral side of the cartilage. Furthermore, the dental follicle showed moderate immunoreactivity for RANKL and OPG, whereas osteoblasts derived from perichondral cells were immunonegative for RANKL and OPG in that area. On E16, cartilage resorption by TRAP‐positive cells had progressed at the differential position, and intensely immunoreactive products of RANKL were overlapped on and found to exist next to TRAP‐positive cells in the resorption area. In developing metatarsal tissue, OPG immunoreactivity was intense in periosteal osteoblasts, whereas RANKL was only faintly seen in some of the periosteal cells. In epiphyseal chondrocytes of the developing femur, RANKL immunoreactivity was moderate, and OPG scarcely detected. These results indicate a peculiarity of RANKL and OPG immunolocalization in resorption of Meckel's cartilage. Growth of the incisor teeth may be involved in the time‐ and position‐specific resorption of Meckel's cartilage through local regulation of the RANKL/OPG system in dental follicular cells and periosteal osteoblasts, whereas RANKL and OPG in chondrocytes seem to contribute to resorption through regulation of the chondroclast function.
Measuring patient motion in HR-pQCT

Patient motion affects image quality in high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed-tomography (HR-pQCT) and the quantitative analysis of bone quality using morphological parameters. We propose a method to automatically quantify the amount of patient motion contained in an acquired sinogram based on the Helgason-Ludwig consistency conditions (HLCC). The relation between the motion measure and the observed percent error in morphological parameters is studied, in datasets with computer simulated in-plane patient motion. Results indicate that the proposed motion measure is independent of bone type, and relates to the magnitude of percent errors in morphological parameters, as well as the presence of visible motion artifacts.
ESTIMATING THE FORM OF NATURAL SELECTION ON A QUANTITATIVE TRAIT

The fitness function f relates fitness of individuals to the quantitative trait under natural selection. The function is useful in predicting fitness differences among individuals and in revealing whether an optimum is present within the range of phenotypes in the population. It may also be thought of as describing the ecological environment in terms of the trait. Quadratic regression will approximate the fitness function from data (e.g., Lande and Arnold, 1983), but the method does not reliably indicate features of f such as the presence of modes (stabilizing selection) or dips (disruptive selection). I employ an alternative procedure requiring no a priori model for the function. The method is useful in two ways: it provides a nonparametric estimate of f, of interest by itself, and it can be used to suggest an appropriate parametric model. I also discuss measures of selection intensity based on the fitness function. Analysis of six data sets yields a variety of forms of f and provides new insights for some familiar cases. Low amounts of variation and a low density of data points near the tails of many phenotype distributions emerge as limitations to gaining information on fitness functions. An experimental approach in which the distribution of a quantitative trait is broadened through manipulation would minimize these problems.
Simultaneous detection of FV Q506 and prothrombin 20210 A variation by allele-specific PCR.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Factor V Leiden is the most important risk factor for hereditary thromboembolism, whereas the mutation in the 3'-untranslated region of the prothrombin gene seems to be only a mild risk factor for thrombotic events. On the other hand the factor V mutation (Arg 506) is frequently coinherited with the prothrombin 3'-untranslated region G20210A variant and there is increasing evidence that the co-segregated prothrombin variant is an additional risk factor for venous thromboembolism, contributing to thrombotic manifestations. A rapid, simple and cost-effective screening method is, therefore, required for the detection of both factor V Leiden and the prothrombin variant A20210G. DESIGN AND METHODS Eighty-eight patients were enrolled in this study. Forty-four had a previously identified factor V and/or prothrombin mutation, the remaining 44 patients served as negative controls. A multiplex allele specific oligonucleotide PCR was established for the simultaneous detection of the two genetic risk factors for thrombophilia. To test the specificity of the simultaneous ASO PCR approach, the mutated and physiological factor V and prothrombin amplification products were sequenced. RESULTS The factor V Leiden mutation and the prothrombin variant were correctly identified in all of 44 patients with known mutations. Furthermore the test was able to detect the mutated factor V and the II variant alone, as well as in the cosegregated pattern. Five patients with a homozygous pattern of factor V Leiden or prothrombin variant were also correctly identified. The sensitivity of the test is therefore 100%. In none of the 44 control cases were false positive results seen. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS The ASO PCR test is a rapid, simple and cost-effective screening test for thrombophilia.
A Novel Approach for Password Authentication Using Bidirectional Associative Memory

Password authentication is a very important system security procedure to gain access to user resources. In the Traditional password authentication methods a server has check the authenticity of the users. In our proposed method users can freely select their passwords from a predefined character set. They can also use a graphical image as password. The password may be a character or an image it will be converted into binary form and the binary values will be normalized. Associative memories have been used recently for password authentication in order to overcome drawbacks of the traditional password authentication methods. In this paper we proposed a method using Bidirectional Associative Memory algorithm for both alphanumeric (Text) and graphical password. By doing so the amount of security what we provide for the user can be enhanced. This paper along with test results show that converting user password in to Probabilistic values and giving them as input for BAM improves the security of the system
Asymmetric Control of DC-Link Voltages for Separate MPPTs in Three-Level Inverters

It is important to improve the overall efficiency of a photovoltaic (PV) inverter when it is connected to the grid. Fundamentally, the conversion efficiency from dc to ac power of an inverter is important. However, in the presence of partial shading, maximum power point tracking (MPPT) on PV modules is more important than the conversion efficiency. In this paper, a new control method for a three-level inverter is proposed. With the proposed method, each dc-link voltage of the three-level inverter can be asymmetrically regulated. When PV modules are split into two and each split module is connected to the respective dc-link capacitors of the inverter, the asymmetric control can be helpful because separate MPPTs are possible. The effectiveness of the proposed method was examined through experiments with a T-type three-level inverter, where each dc-link capacitor was supplied by a PV simulator emulating two separate PV modules under different shading conditions.
Capital structure and financing of SMEs: Australian evidence

This paper investigates the determinants of capital structure and use of financing for small and medium sized enterprises. Hypotheses utilising static trade-off and pecking order arguments are empirically examined using a series of firm characteristics including: size, asset structure, profitability, growth and risk. The hypotheses developed are tested using a large Australian nationwide panel survey. The results suggest that asset structure, profitability and growth are important determinants of capital structure and financing. For asset structure the direction of the influence is reliant upon the capital structure or financing measure employed. The results generally support static trade-off and pecking order arguments proposed by theoretical models. Copyright (c) AFAANZ, 2003.
The Effects of legal reforms on the ownership structure of listed companies

A general view in the corporate governance literature is that corporate ownership structures are rather stable in time and change slowly. However, even if changes in ownership structures are difficult due to path dependence, anecdotal evidence indicates that some sort of transition towards the US style corporate ownership could be occurring in civil-law countries. The aim of this article is to test the so-called "law and finance" view, which predicts that this convergence will only happen if the appropriate regulatory framework is in place. We test this prediction using longitudinal data from Italian listed companies, assessing the effects of recent legal reforms. Our results show that an increase in the protection of investors' rights is associated with a lower use of control enhancing mechanisms and a lower separation of control and cash flow rights, while it is less evident if it is associated with a more dispersed ownership. These findings carry important implications for theory and practice. Copyright 2013 The Author 2012. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Associazione ICC. All rights reserved. , Oxford University Press.
Credit Fluctuations and Lodging Firms: An Investigation of the Differing Capital Structures in the U.S. Lodging Industry

In the area of corporate finance, decisions regarding the constituents of overall capital structure are the most critical. These financing decisions are even more critical to lodging firms because of the unique nature of the industry. This study empirically investigates the effect of credit availability on the leverage of the lodging industry in the U.S. using multivariate analysis of variance. Three time points of differing credit availability (low, high, and average) were identified using the Case-Shiller home price index. Leverage, net leverage, and short-to-long-term debt ratios of large and small U.S. lodging firms were analyzed at these differing credit availability time points to assess any significant differences. Significant effects of credit availability were found on the leverage and net leverage of lodging firms, but no significant effect was found on the short- to long-term debt ratio of U.S. lodging firms. Interestingly, the leverage levels were found to be highest at the average availability of credit than when compared to the high and low availability of credit.
Mid-term results for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical and functional results for a series of patients undergoing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) at mid-term follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS This study included 32 patients with isolated medial compartment arthritis who underwent unilateral UKA. Outcomes were assessed using pre- and postoperative Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores and Knee Society Score (KSS) metrics. RESULTS On physical examination at a follow-up of at least 5 years, mean knee flexion was 121° , mean knee extension was 2°, and mean varus angulation was 2°. At post-operative evaluation, the mean WOMAC score was 96.12 and the mean KSS score was 93. Pre- and postoperative WOMAC and KSS scores were evaluated by paired Student's t-tests; p < 0.001 determined a highly significant difference. DISCUSSION Early UKA designs had poor outcomes. Newer implant designs and specific patient selection criteria have been reported to be associated with improved outcomes. This study examined mid-term outcomes (mean duration of follow-up, 5 years). CONCLUSION The clinical and functional results of UKA at 5-year follow-up were shown to be satisfactory. Longer follow-up is needed to determine whether UKA provides satisfactory long-term outcomes.
Flowers and spiders in spatial stimulus-response compatibility: does affective valence influence selection of task-sets or selection of responses?

ABSTRACT The present study examined the effect of stimulus valence on two levels of selection in the cognitive system, selection of a task-set and selection of a response. In the first experiment, participants performed a spatial compatibility task (pressing left and right keys according to the locations of stimuli) in which stimulus-response mappings were determined by stimulus valence. There was a standard spatial stimulus-response compatibility (SRC) effect for positive stimuli (flowers) and a reversed SRC effect for negative stimuli (spiders), but the same data could be interpreted as showing faster responses when positive and negative stimuli were assigned to compatible and incompatible mappings, respectively, than when the assignment was opposite. Experiment 2 disentangled these interpretations, showing that valence did not influence a spatial SRC effect (Simon effect) when task-set retrieval was unnecessary. Experiments 3 and 4 replaced keypress responses with joystick deflections that afforded approach/avoidance action coding. Stimulus valence modulated the Simon effect (but did not reverse it) when the valence was task-relevant (Experiment 3) as well as when it was task-irrelevant (Experiment 4). Therefore, stimulus valence influences task-set selection and response selection, but the influence on the latter is limited to conditions where responses afford approach/avoidance action coding.
Design and implementation of high-efficiency and low-power DC-DC converter with PWM/PFM modes

A high-efficiency low-power multimode DC-DC converter with pulse-width modulation (PWM) and pulse-frequency modulation (PFM) is proposed. This converter works in PWM mode on heavy load condition. In order to improve efficiency, it switches to PFM mode on light load condition. With suitable control and mode switch method, both simulation and chip test results indicate that the converter performs seamless switching between PWM and PFM modes. The total output voltage error, including line and load regulation, is less than plusmn2%, the maximum quiescent current is less than 15 muA, the maximum of efficiency reaches 92.6%. Simulated and implemented in CSMC 0.5 mum CMOS process.
Empirical assessment of present value relations

This paper summarizes the literature on estimation and testing of present value relations. Twenty-four test statistics are illustrated and compared in a simulation experiment utilizing six different data generation models. The test statistics are calculated for actual Standard and Poor's 500 annual stock price and dividend data, and the results are interpreted in light of the Monte Carlo experiments.
Knowledge of African countries: production and value of doctoral dissertations

The notion that lack of knowledge undermines the economic performance of African countries is deeply and widely held to be true. Yet quantitative evidence for the basis of that truth is few and far in-between. This article first describes a conventional production function approach to the creation of knowledge of African countries in terms of a relative and indirect measure of the quantity of dissertations (D). Second, it assesses the imputed values of knowledge. In the first instance it finds that relative income (Y), population (N), openness (Z), and technical factors (A) are central to the production of knowledge of African countries. In the second instance, the imputed values of knowledge are positive, but of modest magnitude. The results recommend more investment in the production of knowledge of African countries, improved openness, and especially reduced opportunity cost of knowledge creation which now differs widely across countries, and averages 10.7%. For further research the results suggest that dissertations may be useful proxies for human capital in economic growth regressions.
Spatial Interference Cancellation for Mobile Ad Hoc Networks: Perfect CSI

Interference between nodes directly limits the capacity of mobile ad hoc networks. This paper focuses on spatial interference cancellation with perfect channel state information (CSI), and analyzes the corresponding network capacity. Specifically, by using multiple antennas, zero-forcing beamforming is applied at each receiver for canceling the strongest interferers. Given spatial interference cancellation, the network transmission capacity is analyzed in this paper, which is defined as the maximum transmitting node density under constraints on outage and the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio. Assuming that the locations of network nodes are Poisson distributed and spatially i.i. d. Rayleigh fading channels, mathematical tools from stochastic geometry are applied for deriving scaling laws for transmission capacity. Specifically, for a large number of antennas per node, the transmission capacity scales with the number of antennas raised to a fractional power, which depends only on the path-loss exponent. Moreover, for small target outage probability, transmission capacity is proved to increase following a power law, where the exponent is the inverse of the size of antenna array or larger depending on the pass-loss exponent. As shown by simulations, spatial interference cancellation increases transmission capacity by an order of magnitude or more even if only one extra antenna is added to each node.
Invalid Cues Impair Auditory Motion Sensitivity

Compelling lateral motion can be experienced when intensity differences between the two ears change over time. Whether our sensitivity to this dynamic interaural stimulation could be influenced by directional cues was the focus of the present study. On each trial, amplitude-modulated pure tones were presented either diotically (no-motion condition) or dichotically (motion condition), and participants indicated whether lateral motion was present or absent. Randomly across trials, the stimuli were preceded by a valid directional cue, an invalid directional cue, or no cue, while the motion to be detected was identical across these cue conditions. The data indicate that motion sensitivity was comparable in the valid-cue and no-cue conditions. Relative to each of those conditions, however, motion sensitivity was significantly lower in the invalid-cue condition, and motion was reported significantly less often. The results provide evidence that our sensitivity to dynamic interaural intensity differences can be significantly affected by a non-sensory factor, namely cue validity.
How Moral Perceptions Influence Intergroup Tolerance

Intergroup boundaries are often associated with differences in moral codes. How does the perception of similarity and dissimilarity in moral worldviews influence tolerant relationships between members of different groups? We theorized that the relationship between perceived moral similarity and intergroup tolerance is domain specific. Specifically, because people treat autonomy values (e.g., caring for others, being fair) as denoting universal rights and obligations, but binding values (e.g., purity) as denoting rights and obligations that apply preferentially for their own group, perceived similarity on autonomy values should be more relevant than perceived similarity on binding values to intergroup tolerance. Here, we describe correlational and experimental evidence to support these predictions from studies carried out in Lebanon (with sectarian groups), in Morocco (with ethnic groups), and in the United States (with ideological groups). Implications for understanding intergroup relations and theories of morality are discussed.
Role of p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase in Rhinovirus-Induced Cytokine Production by Bronchial Epithelial Cells1

The stress-activated protein kinase p38 plays a central role in the regulation of cytokine biosynthesis by various cell types in response to a wide range of stimuli. Because the local inflammatory response and the infiltration of neutrophils is thought to contribute to the symptoms and sequelae of rhinovirus infection, we investigated the role of p38 kinase in cytokine and chemokine elaboration in airway epithelial cells infected with human rhinovirus. Rhinovirus-39 infection of BEAS-2B cells resulted in synthesis of cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, G-CSF, and GM-CSF) and CXC chemokines (IL-8, epithelial neutrophil-activating protein-78, and growth-related oncogene-α), evident 24–72 h postinfection. Rhinovirus infection induced a time- and dose-dependent increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of p38 kinase, which peaked 30 min postinfection and remained elevated for 1 h. Treatment of infected cells with SB 239063, a potent pyridinyl imidazole inhibitor of p38 kinase, resulted in up to 100% inhibition of mediator production and partially reduced levels of IL-8 mRNA as determined by quantitative RT-PCR. Treatment with SB 239063 had no effect on virus replication and was not cytotoxic at concentrations ≤ 70 μM. These studies provide the first evidence that early activation of p38 kinase by rhinovirus infection is a key event in regulation of virus-induced cytokine transcription, and may provide a new target for inhibition of symptoms and airway inflammation associated with rhinovirus infection.
Productivity and Prestige in Business Ethics Research

This article provides a report and commentary on productivity and prestige in business ethics research. Based on a survey that was administered to 320 business ethics scholars worldwide, the authors report a ranking of 15 business schools that are perceived to be leaders in the field of business ethics. Based on these same survey results, the authors investigate which factors may have the strongest relationship to individual publication productivity and perceptions of institutional prestige within business ethics research. The results provide several surprising findings that suggest the business ethics field may be anomalous in academe in terms of the emergence of productivity and prestige.