Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Crime on the Mexican Economy: A Vector Error Correction Model

The aim of this study was to examine the extent to which crime affects the components of aggregate demand and vice versa for the case of Mexico, using quarterly data for the number of homicides and the components of aggregate demand for the period from 1990 to 2010. We estimated a Vector Error Correction Model in order to be able to distinguish the short run and long run dynamics present between crime and aggregate demand and its components. In the short run, it was found that none of the components of aggregate demand affect crime and that the only component of aggregate demand affected by crime is private consumption, which is affected negatively by an increase in the crime rate. It was also found that crime has a positive effect on GDP, government consumption and imports in the long run. On the other hand, private consumption, investment and exports have a negative effect on crime in the long run. Thus, the results obtained in this study indicate the existence of a bidirectional relationship between crime and economic activity in Mexico.
The wave-guide characteristic of a novel optical fibre doped with the nano-material as InP

Combined with the nano-technology, the optical fibre doped with nano-material as InP is manufactured by using the MCVD (modified chemical vapor deposition) technology. Proved experiments, this novel optical fibre has an excellent wave-guide characteristic. The graphs of presentation of the core and the propagation constant beta have been simulated by using the FEM (finite element method). Then the effective refractive index neff ap 1.400 of this fibre is calculated, and these are the foundations for our future research on this fibre.
Substitution of moxifloxacin for isoniazid during intensive phase treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis.

RATIONALE Moxifloxacin has potent activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis in vitro and in a mouse model of antituberculosis (TB) chemotherapy, but data regarding its activity in humans are limited. OBJECTIVES Our objective was to compare the antimicrobial activity and safety of moxifloxacin versus isoniazid during the first 8 weeks of combination therapy for pulmonary TB. METHODS Adults with sputum smear-positive pulmonary TB were randomly assigned to receive either moxifloxacin 400 mg plus isoniazid placebo, or isoniazid 300 mg plus moxifloxacin placebo, administered 5 days/week for 8 weeks, in addition to rifampin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. All doses were directly observed. Sputum was collected for culture every 2 weeks. The primary outcome was negative sputum culture at completion of 8 weeks of treatment. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Of 433 participants enrolled, 328 were eligible for the primary efficacy analysis. Of these, 35 (11%) were HIV positive, 248 (76%) had cavitation on baseline chest radiograph, and 213 (65%) were enrolled at African sites. Negative cultures at Week 8 were observed in 90/164 (54.9%) participants in the isoniazid arm, and 99/164 (60.4%) in the moxifloxacin arm (P = 0.37). In multivariate analysis, cavitation and enrollment at an African site were associated with lower likelihood of Week-8 culture negativity. The proportion of participants who discontinued assigned treatment was 31/214 (14.5%) for the moxifloxacin group versus 22/205 (10.7%) for the isoniazid group (RR, 1.35; 95% CI, 0.81, 2.25). CONCLUSIONS Substitution of moxifloxacin for isoniazid resulted in a small but statistically nonsignificant increase in Week-8 culture negativity.
Prediction of NBTI stress and recovery time kinetics in Si capped SiGe p-MOSFETs

NBTI stress and recovery temporal kinetics at different experimental conditions are predicted in Si and SiGe (having Si cap) p-MOSFETs. Mutually uncorrelated contributions from interface (ΔV<inf>IT</inf>) and bulk (ΔV<inf>OT</inf>) trap generation and hole trapping ΔV<inf>HT</inf>) in pre-existing bulk traps are used to calculate overall threshold voltage shift (ΔV<inf>T</inf>). Impact of process variations such as Si cap and quantum well (QW) thickness and Ge% in QW on stress-recovery kinetics and voltage acceleration factor (VAF) is modeled using a consistent set of model parameters.
Phylogenetic distribution of branched RNA-linked multicopy single-stranded DNA among natural isolates of Escherichia coli

Multicopy single-stranded DNA (msDNA), a branched DNA-RNA molecule, has been shown in Escherichia coli B and clinical strain Cl-1 to be synthesized by reverse transcriptase. We report that 13% of the strains of the ECOR collection, a sample of 72 E. coli isolates representing the breadth of genetic variation of the species, produce msDNA. Three of the four major subspecific groups include msDNA-producing strains. Screening of 25 isolates that are genetically related to msDNA-producing clinical strains uncovered 22 additional msDNA-producing strains. A phylogenetic tree based on allelic variation detected electrophoretically at 20 enzyme-encoding loci revealed two major clusters and several deep branches composed of strains that synthesize msDNA. Although E. coli K-12 does not harbor msDNA, other closely related strains of the K-12 family do. The results support the hypothesis that msDNA-synthesizing systems, including reverse transcriptase genes, were acquired recently and independently in different lineages of E. coli.
Pupil plane multiplexing for multi-domain imaging sensors

We describe an approach to polarimetric imaging based on a unique folded imaging system with an annular aperture. The novelty of this approach lies in the system's collection architecture, which segments the pupil plane to measure the individual polarimetric components contributing to the Stokes vectors. Conventional approaches rely on time sequential measurements (time-multiplexed) using a conventional imaging architecture with a reconfigurable polarization filter, or measurements that segment the focal plane array (spatial multiplexing) by super-imposing an array of polarizers. Our approach achieves spatial multiplexing within the aperture in a compact, lightweight design. The aperture can be configured for sequential collection of the four polarization components required for Stokes vector calculation or in any linear combination of those components on a common focal plane array. Errors in calculating the degree of polarization caused by the manner in which the aperture is partitioned are analyzed, and approaches for reducing that error are investigated. It is shown that reconstructing individual polarization filtered images prior to calculating the Stokes parameters can reduce the error significantly.
Real Asset Valuation: A Back-to-Basics Approach

Different valuation methods can lead to different corporate investment decisions, and the conventional “static, single discount rate” DCF approach in particular is biased against many of the kinds of decisions that corporate managers tend to view as “strategic. ” Reducing the bias from valuations involves two main tasks: treating risk in a way that is consistent with observed market pricing, and accounting for the ability of companies to make decisions “dynamically” over time. The authors propose two separate tools, market‐based valuation and complete decision tree analysis, for accomplishing these two improvements in valuation. The authors also suggest working with the full distribution of future cash flows, one possible realization at a time, rather than working with the aggregate measure of expected cash flow. From a technical perspective, it is necessary to work with the full distribution to value real options properly. Valuing the cash flows one realization at a time also leads to a much better understanding of the interaction between economy‐level, systematic risks and local asset‐level, technical risks. Just as important, the proposed approaches support an effective division of labor between local asset managers, who are better positioned to model technical considerations and other asset specifics, and the central finance staff, who can ensure the consistent treatment of economy‐wide risk and to create the rules of engagement for evaluating opportunities. After presenting an overview of both the valuation and the organizational issues, the authors present a case involving a corporate investment in carbon capture and storage that illustrates both the application of the proposed methods and the various sources of bias in the typical DCF analysis.
Modifying BSC for national nanotechnology development: an implication for “social capital” role in NIS theory

Abstract In this research, we have designed and implemented the Strategy Map and Balanced Scorecard technique in evaluating the progress of National Iranian Nanotechnology Initiative (NINI). In conducting this research, we have learned that the layers of Strategy Map are congruent with the National Innovation System (NIS) levels. The use of Strategy Map and Balanced Scorecard in conjunction with an opinion survey of the nanotechnology experts showed “social capital” at the bottom layer and economic development at the top layer of the Strategy Map of the NIS infrastructure in Iran. These findings have broad implications not only for Iranian nanotechnology development, but also are important for the theory of NIS.
Time-dependent dielectric breakdown statistics in SiO2 and HfO2 dielectrics: Insights from a multi-scale modeling approach

We use a multi-scale modeling framework to investigate time dependent dielectric breakdown (TDDB) distributions in SiO2- and HfO2-based stacks. We show that the low and thickness independent Weibull slope (β) observed in HfO2 is due to the high intrinsic defect density and to the spatial correlation of the defect generation process. We investigate the origin of the double slope observed on TDDB distributions in IL-HfO2 stacks: we have found that it is related to the stochastic nature of the bond-breakage process. This is important for a correct evaluation of the lifetime of logic devices.
Graduate transition into work: the bridging role of graduate placement programmes in the small- and medium-sized enterprise workplace

This research looks at the role of graduate placement programmes in bridging the gap between higher education and the small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector. The research design and methodology used in this study was exploratory, in-depth and qualitative in nature. The research took the form of a multiple case study and focused on seven graduates with an engineering, science or technology background who have worked with SMEs. The graduates were employed by companies participating in the Fusion programme, a graduate placement and knowledge transfer programme currently running in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland (the UK). The study shows that graduate placement programmes such as Fusion can help graduates in their transition to the SME workplace, but the impact can vary according to the individual placement context. Implications for policy and future research are considered.
Empirical Testing of Balassa-Samuelson Hypothesis with German and UK Data

There are a lot of studies that test Ballasa –Samuelson hypothesis also known as Harrod-BalassaSamuelson effect directly via the effect of productivity, one possible explanation is that PER Capita GDP is not good explanation for productivity (.i.e. Labor productivity) differences; an increase (decrease) in relative efficiency of the distribution sector with respect to foreign countries induces depreciation (appreciation) of the exchange rate. After we obtained the number of co-integrated vectors we continue further to see whether the CV tells us something about the long run relationship into the model, likelihood ratio test of exactly identified restrictions test confirms that constant is insignificant variable therefore we can confirm that there is long-run relationship in which the changes in Exchange rate are positively correlated with the changes of ratio of German Consumer Price Index (CPI) to the UK Retail Price Index (RPI). In order to test for relative PPP to support the theoretical relationship between the variables, restrictions are put on the PPP knowing that PPP and that downward movement in the series indicates increase of UK price level relative to German price level. In each EC model there is an EC mechanism and coefficient on the co integrating vector measures the rate per period at which one of the endogenous variables adjusts. In the first equation the error correction mechanism is highly significant and negative. If the system is out of equilibrium, alteration in the change of the exchange rates will be downward (everything else ceteris paribus) compensating around 68% of the disequilibrium per year. In the second equation error correction mechanism is also highly significant but positive meaning that if the system is in disequilibrium changes of change in the ratio of German CPI relative to UK Retail Price index will rise offsetting 15% of the disequilibrium per year until the equilibrium rate of exchange rate will be achieved. Model implies German Labor productivity to UK Labor productivity ratio doesn’t have significant influence on explaining on relative change on prices not even on theexchange rate contrary to Pugh, Beachil study
Incentive Incompatibility and Starting-Point Bias in Iterative Valuation Questions

We test for incentive incompatibility and starting-point bias to describe the effects of iterative valuation questions on willingness to pay. We compare double-, triple-, and multiple-bounded models with data from two surveys with similar designs of the valuation questions. We find that incentive incompatibility is present in both sets of data and starting-point bias is present in one. The efficiency of the willingness-to-pay estimate is improved in only one set of data. The potential loss from using iterative questions without controlling for both incentive incompatibility and starting-point bias is biased willingness-to-pay estimates. (JEL Q26)
Ownership and uses of human tissue: what are the opinions of surgical in-patients?

Aims: To investigate whether patient opinion about the uses of tissue removed at therapeutic operations has changed since the adverse publicity surrounding the Alder Hey and Bristol Royal Infirmary Inquiries, and to see whether it aligns with the Human Tissue Act 2004. Methods: A questionnaire was given to 220 postoperative patients in a teaching hospital during an 11 week period. Aggregated responses to each question were ranked in frequency order. Unweighted centroid linkage hierarchical clustering analysis was performed with dendrogram display for the main data on tissue usage. Results: 203 completed questionnaires were collected (compliance rate 92.3%). 96.3% of patients indicated that they would not object to their tissue being used in research, significantly higher than in the 1996 study (89.1%) with no overlap of the 95% CIs. 29.1% of patients believed that the hospital had ownership of tissue once it has been removed during surgery, 23.2% believed they had ownership, 19.7% believed that the pathology laboratory had ownership, and 15.3% believed that nobody had ownership rights in the case of tissue samples. Conclusions: This new survey indicates that despite a turbulent decade for those involved in human tissue retention in the UK, public support for a wide range of human tissue based activities, especially biomedical research, has not diminished and that patient opinion aligns well with the Human Tissue Act 2004.
Measurement of the Reaction Time in the 30-S Chair Stand Test using the Accelerometer Sensor Available in off-the-Shelf Mobile Devices

The 30-s Chair Stand Test (CST) is commonly used with elderly people for assessing the lower limbs strength, which can provide sufficient information regarding the general mobility and fall risk. The mobile devices are widely used for the acquisition of the different physical and physiological data from the sensors available, including the accelerometer. In this way, the aim of the present study consisted on the development of an automatic method for the measurement of the reaction time (RT) based on the 30-s CST using a mobile device. Besides that, the data acquisition through an accelerometer allows the assessment of different variables, such as the maximum values of the acceleration, the instant velocity, the maximum force and the peak power, that may contribute to a better understanding of the physical demands during the 30-s CST performance. The results presented in this study demonstrated that the calculation of the RT and the different variables during the 30-s CST performance is possible, opening new possibilities for the development of scientific projects, namely those that encompasses the motor and cognitive training of
Corporate Real Estate Asset Management – Strategy and Implementation

ASSET MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK FOR REAL ESTATE PORTFOLIOSThe Handbook of Commercial Real Estate InvestingCorporate Real Estate Asset ManagementCorporate Property ManagementThe Outsourcing of Corporate Real Estate Asset Management FunctionsCorporate Real Estate Asset ManagementEmerging Trends in Real Estate 2019Corporate Real Estate ManagementThe Outsourcing of Corporate Real Estate Asset Management in New ZealandCorporate Real Estate Asset ManagementFacilities Management and Corporate Real Estate Management as Value DriversReal Estate Asset ManagementModern Real Estate Portfolio ManagementProperty Asset ManagementCorporate Real Estate Asset Management in the United StatesPain in the Asset ManagerCorporate Real Estate Asset Management of the Retail Industry in SingaporeProperty Asset ManagementCorporate Real Estate Asset ManagementThe Essential Guide to Corporate Real EstateINVESTMENT REAL ESTATEThe Public Wealth of NationsHistory of the EightiesProperty Asset ManagementCorporate Real Estate Asset ManagementReal Estate Asset ManagementThe Performance of Corporate Real Estate Asset Management in New ZealandA Handbook of Theories on Designing Alignment Between People and the Office EnvironmentStapleton's Real Estate Management PracticeCorporate Real Estate Asset ManagementReal Estate Fund Management: Non-Listed Funds and the Risk-Reward SpaceInternational Real EstateManaging Corporate Real Assets for Their Stores of ValueThe Commercial Real Estate TsunamiCorporate Real Estate Asset ManagementCorporate Real Estate Asset Management StrategiesCorporate Real Estate Asset ManagementManagerial Real EstateA Handbook of Management Theories and Models for Office Environments and ServicesCases in Commercial Real Estate Investing
After The First Trial: A Population-Based Survey on Knowledge and Perception of Justice and the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia

On July 26, 2010, Kaing Guek Eav, alias Duch, was convicted of crimes against humanity and grave breaches of the 1949 Geneva Conventions for events that took place three decades earlier under the Khmer Rouge regime. Following this important milestone for the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC), the present study was implemented to (1) monitor public awareness and knowledge of the ECCC’s work, as well as of outreach and victim participation initiatives organized by the tribunal and local non-governmental organizations; (2) assess attitudes about justice and the desire for reparations for past crimes; and 3) recommend ways in which the ECCC, civil society, and the international community can continue to engage Cambodians in the work of the ECCC. This report presents the results of a survey of 1,000 Cambodians, aged 18 or above, randomly selected throughout the country to be representative of the adult population. The interviews were conducted anonymously and confidentially in December 2010 by a team of trained interviewers using a structured questionnaire. This is the second population-based survey conducted in Cambodia by the Initiative for Vulnerable Populations at UC Berkeley’s School of Law Human Rights Center. It is hoped that the findings will contribute to establishing a dialogue between the ECCC, the government, the Cambodian population, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the international actors on the role and impact of the ECCC, expectations of the population, and beyond the Court, what must be done to deal with the violent past.
Volatility and Trading Activity Following Changes in the Size of Futures Contracts

This paper has two purposes. First, we examine the relationship between daily price volatility and trading activity one year before and after a change in contract size by examining the results of contract splits in the Australian share price index futures and the U.K. FTSE-100 futures contracts and a reverse contract split in the Australian Bank Bill Acceptance futures contract. Second, we evaluate the effect of the change in contract size on the use of the particular futures market. We find that after a contract size change, the change in total trading frequency has the power to explain the change in daily price volatility. Specifically, after a contract split, trading frequency increased, resulting in increased daily price volatility, and vice versa after a reverse contract split. Most of the average trade size variable has an immaterial impact on price volatility. However, decomposing the total trading frequency into four trade size classes, we find that the trading frequency for small and large trade size categories are highly significant in explaining changes in daily price volatility after the contract splits. Finally, we find the change in contract size for each futures market was successful because within three years following the change, the adjusted trading volume and open interest surpassed the levels prior to the change and have continued to increase thereafter.
The influence of national culture on third party logistics outsourcing: An Asia-Pacific focus

This work aims to contribute to the theory with regards to the effects of national cultural influence on the decision-making and implementation process of logistics outsourcing within multi-national corporations in the Asia-Pacific region. By attempting to investigate one of the areas where relationships fail, this paper aims to identify where organisations utilising 3PL services can gain insight into the effect of culture on success in company relationships, and be able to use this to gain a competitive advantage through outsourcing relationships.
Differentiating the effects of the institutional environment on corporate entrepreneurship

Purpose – The main purpose of this paper is to contribute to a better understanding of how different dimensions of the institutional environment of a region may influence the level of corporate entrepreneurship of firms.Design/methodology/approach – The paper develops the relationship between the institutional environment, differentiated in regulatory, cognitive and normative dimensions, and entrepreneurship in existing firms, corporate entrepreneurship, via a questionnaire study covering 150 firms in Spain.Findings – The relation between institutional environment and corporate entrepreneurship can be distinct. The results show that both the normative and cognitive dimension of the institutional environment influence an organisation's entrepreneurial orientation. They also show that regulatory dimension influences what type of corporate entrepreneurial activity is carried out.Originality/value – Literature about institutional theory and entrepreneurship has been both descriptive and fragmented. This paper.