Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Use of Contingent Valuation in Benefit–Cost Analysis

where Bt are the social benefits of the policy in time t, Ct are the social costs of the policy in time t, r is the discount rate and T is the number of time periods that define the life of the policy. If the present value of net benefits is positive, then the program yields more gains than losses and the program is more efficient than the status quo. The contingent valuation method (CVM) is a stated preference approach for measuring the benefits, or, in the case of benefits lost, the costs of the policy. The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of the role the contingent valuation method plays in benefit–cost analysis. We begin with a brief discussion about the role of benefit–cost analysis in policy making, the steps of a benefit–cost analysis, and how contingent valuation fits into this framework (see Boardman et al., 2001 and Johansson, 1993 for introductory and advanced treatments). Next, we discuss a range of issues for which the contingent valuation method is an appropriate tool for benefits measurement within the context of benefit–cost analysis. For the rest of this chapter we will consider contingent valuation as an approach to estimate the benefits of the policy, keeping in mind that it can also be used to estimate costs avoided. Then, we discuss some challenging methodological issues in the context of benefit–cost analysis. Aggregation issues are explored. Finally, we offer some conclusions, guidelines, and suggestions for future research that may lead to improvements in the application of contingent valuation in benefit–cost analysis.
Keeping the Lights On: Citizen Service Centers in Municipal Amalgamations

How do you make major reforms go down? This was the central question many local politicians faced when implementing amalgamations in the 2007 local government reform in Denmark. An African proverb says that the best way to eat the elephant standing in your path is to cut it up into little pieces. This strategy was also popular in amalgamated municipalities, where the potential loss of closeness was a major challenge to the citizens. This is demonstrated by a study of the diffusion of a new organizational form to organize social service delivery by citizen service centers (CSCs) in a reform context. Empirical evidence from a Poisson regression highlights the importance of the former municipal structure as a determining factor for the prevalence of CSCs in the new municipal structure. Using process tracing, it is argued that the importance of the former structure in the diffusion process reflects that CSCs are employed “to keep to lights on” in the old town halls.
Interação de idosos com celulares: flexibilidade para atender a diversidade

The elderly population grows in Brazil and it is necessary to develop appropriate technologies to them. With the low prices of cell phones, many families would like their elderly to use this technology in order to have contact with them when they are not at home. However, the current design of cell phone applications favor young audience, instead of also considering the elderly different needs. Elderly population has its differences, like educational levels, experience with technology, cognitive skills and physical dexterity. This paper presents the design of interfaces that are flexible to meet the diverse requirements of elderly when interacting with cell phones. A framework for the design of flexible user interfaces was applied in a case study. Considering the results of this study with elderly users, interaction requirements were formalized considering syntactic, semantic and pragmatic aspects. Finally, a set of rules defining the design of the system flexible behavior was specified.
Convolutional double accumulate codes (or double turbo DPSK)

We consider the serial concatenation of a convolutional code with two differential encoders (or accumulate codes). Simulations of such a concatenated scheme using a rate 1/2 outer convolutional code (sometimes punctured to increase the overall rate) show that, at high rates, the bit error rate (BER) and frame error rate (FER) performance of these codes is significantly better than a concatenation with only one accumulate code and a parallel concatenated convolutional code (PCCC) of similar complexity. An intuitive explanation for the performance of these codes is also given.
A single-nucleotide polymorphism of the DAZL gene promoter confers susceptibility to spermatogenic failure in the Taiwanese Han.

BACKGROUND Deleted in AZoospermia-like (DAZL) is an autosomal homologue of Y chromosome-linked DAZ gene located on chromosome 3p24. DAZL is only expressed in the gonads and is critical to germ cell development in different species. However, the regulation of DAZL has not been explored. METHODS Reporter assays, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, supershift assays and bisulfate sequencing were used to identify the core promoter region of DAZL. Sequence analysis was used to identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the promoter region. A total of 337 infertile men with abnormal semen parameters and 203 fertile men with normal semen parameters were subjected to sequence analysis of the DAZL promoter region. RESULTS The DAZL gene core promoter is located 1 kb upstream of the transcription start site. Three SNPs (-792G>A, -669A>C and -309T>C) were identified in our population. Of these three SNPs, -792G>A was more prevalent in the infertile men (P= 0.0005). Quantitative analysis revealed that genotypes of -792G>A had effects on sperm concentration (P= 0.0025) and motility (P= 1.5 × 10(-7)). The G to A substitution was associated with decreased binding of the nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF-1) to the promoter region and decreased reporter gene activity. CONCLUSION We have identified the core promoter of the human DAZL gene. We also provide preliminary evidence for the role of a novel SNP of the DAZL gene promoter in human spermatogenic failure.
Does Spatial Clustering of Foreign Direct Investment Foster Global Production Networks? The Case of Qingdao, China

This article examines how spatial clustering of foreign direct investment (FDI) can foster a global production network (GPN). The cluster concept, in general, stressed inter-firm relations between local and regional firms while neglecting global–local linkages in the spatial context. In contrast, GPN focuses on the advantages of international production organization and governance structure but underestimates regional or localized channels of production arrangement. By integrating the conceptual framework of spatial clustering of FDI and GPN, this paper provides empirical evidence of various channels to knowledge and innovation transfer between domestic firms and foreign-invested enterprises. This paper demonstrates that the different types of linkages formation are key determinant factors for establishing cluster through contributing to local economic development.
The influence of hemodynamic and anatomic factors on hemorrhage from cerebral arteriovenous malformations.

The physiological and anatomical aberrations that result in hemorrhage from cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) remain unclear. In an attempt to clarify which conditions may predispose to hemorrhage, we examined clinical and physiological indices on presentation groups of either hemorrhage or nonhemorrhage in a large cohort of patients (n = 449). Variables examined included AVM size, type of venous drainage, transcranial Doppler (TCD) velocities, feeding mean arterial pressure (FMAP), and draining vein pressure. TCD and pressure data were obtained before any treatment. Age (mean +/- standard deviation) at the time of presentation was 33 +/- 13 years and did not differ between groups. Patients with small (< or = 2.5 cm) AVMs presented more frequently with hemorrhage (90%) than did patients with medium (> 2.5 and < or = 5.0 cm; 52%) or large (> 5.0 cm; 50%) AVMs (P = 0.0001). The 48 of 94 AVMs (51%) with deep venous drainage were more likely to have hemorrhage (P = 0.0219) than were those with superficial drainage (24 of 73 [33%]). Deep drainage was a predictor of hemorrhage even in the subgroup of medium and large supratentorial AVMs (P = 0.005). There was no difference in draining vein pressure (n = 18) between groups (21 +/- 10 and 19 +/- 11 mm Hg, respectively; P = 0.7812). FMAP (n = 52) was higher in the hemorrhage than in the nonhemorrhage group (44 +/- 13 versus 34 +/- 10 mm Hg; P = 0.0007) but was only weakly related to the size of the lesion (largest dimension) (y = -0.74x + 40; r = 0.09). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Local Land Finance in China's Urban Expansion: Challenges and Solutions

This paper considers the issue of local "land finance" in the context of China's fast urban expansion. In an analysis of China s land requisition and public leasing system we argue that low-cost land acquisition is the fundamental cause of land-related distortions that have occurred during China s urbanization. Granting farmers the power to negotiate directly with land users during urban expansion, combined with coordinated land tax reforms to consolidate local tax bases is the key to China achieving both equity and land use efficiency in urban expansion. Copyright (c) 2008 The Authors.
Distance learning strategies for weight management utilizing online social networks versus group phone conference call

The increase in technology and online social networks (OSNs) may present healthcare providers with an innovative modality for delivering weight management programmes that could have an impact on health care at the population level. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of using an OSN to deliver a weight loss programme to inform future, large‐scale trials.
Is Reduction of Pocket Probing Depth Correlated with the Baseline Value or is it “Mathematical Coupling”?

Previous studies using correlation or regression analysis have showed that treatment effects measured by the change in clinical parameters are often associated with baseline values of the same parameters. These studies, however, have a methodological weakness. Correlation/regression between baseline measures and the derived change variable invalidates the statistical procedures of testing the null hypothesis: that the coefficient of correlation/regression is zero. This is due to the phenomenon of mathematical coupling. To investigate the impact that this has on the observed correlation/regression coefficient when in reality this is zero, we used random simulations of hypothetical data to model the treatment of periodontal pockets. Results showed a strong probability of obtaining statistically significant correlation/regression coefficients. To separate this artificial effect of mathematical coupling from the true underlying biological relationship, one must apply appropriate analytical strategies to re-evaluate previous evidence within the periodontal literature.
A Note on Correlation in Stochastic Volatility Term Structure Models

We present a simple methodology to guarantee that the total correlation structure in a Term Structure Model with one stochastic volatility factor remains positive semidefinite. We design the parameterization with the purpose of keeping as much freedom as possible for the correlation of interest rates and stochastic volatility, while letting the correlation among forward rates reproduce approximately the tendencies usually considered desirable in the market.
Cross‐cultural training: A critical step in ensuring the success of international assignments

In an effort to attain and sustain global competitiveness, organizations are increasingly focused on developing the requisite skills for success in the international marketplace. In many cases, this goal is sought through the cross-border deployment of personnel. This article is concerned with cross-cultural training programs for increasing the success and effectiveness of these assign-ees. In doing so, this article examines the rationale for cross-cultural training, the objectives behind it, the various program components, and the limitations to such training efforts. It offers a brief discussion of ancillary workforce development programs for all corporate personnel and consultant selection considerations, and concludes with an overview of future trends in the field. The theories and insights contained in this article are based on both the research literature and our own consulting experiences. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Game theoretic analysis of the substitutable product inventory problem with random demands

This article uses game theoretic concepts to analyze the inventory problem with two substitutable products having random demands. It is assumed that the two decision makers (players) who make ordering decisions know the substitution rates and the demand densities for both products. Since each player's decision affects the other's single‐period expected profit, game theory is used to find the order quantities when the players use a Nash strategy (i.e., they act rationally). We prove the existence and uniqueness of the Nash solution. It is also shown that when one of the players acts irrationally for the sole purpose of inflicting maximum damage on the other, the maximin strategy for the latter reduces to using the solution for the classical single‐period inventory problem. We also discuss the cooperative game and prove that the players always gain if they cooperate and maximize a joint objective function.
Expanding Entrepreneurial Cognition's Toolbox: Potential Contributions from the Field of Cognitive Science

Several measures and methods developed by the field of cognitive science may prove useful to researchers investigating various aspects of entrepreneurial cognition. These techniques include ones that have not, as yet, been applied to entrepreneurial cognition, such as reaction time, priming, measures of working memory, and measures of creative cognition. Because the questions addressed by any field are shaped, to an important degree, by the tools at its disposal, incorporating these measures into the study of entrepreneurial cognition may help to broaden the scope of this ongoing work. Specifically, these techniques may provide researchers with tools useful in exploring issues that have not previously been investigated in detail (e.g., the nature of entrepreneurs’ knowledge structures; their characteristic modes of thought). This, in turn, may enhance our understanding of the cognitive factors that influence key aspects of the entrepreneurial process.
Richness, structure and functioning in metazoan parasite communities

Ecosystem functioning, characterized by components such as productivity and stability, has been extensively linked with diversity in recent years, mainly in plant ecology. The aim of our study was thus to quantify general relationships between diversity, community structure and ecosystem functions in metazoan parasite communities. We used data on parasite communities from 15 species of marine fish hosts from coastal Chile. The volumetric abundance (volume of all parasite species per individual host, in mm 3 ) was used as a surrogate for productivity. Species diversity was measured using both species richness and evenness, while community structure was estimated using the co-occurrence indices V-ratio, C-score and a new C-score s index standardized for the number of host replicates. After correcting for fish size, 47% of host species show no relationship, 13% show a hump shaped curve and 40% show positive monotonic relationships between productivity and parasite richness across all host individuals in a sample. We obtained a logarithmically decreasing relationship between evenness and productivity for all fish species, and propose a dominance-resistance' hypothesis based on immunity to explain this pattern. The stability of the parasite community, measured as the coefficient of variation in productivity among individual hosts, was strongly and positively related to mean species richness across the 15 host species. The C-score s index, based on the number of checkerboard units in the host-parasite presence/absence matrix, increases linearly with mean productivity across the 15 host species, suggesting that parasite communities tend to be more structured when they are more productive. This is the likely reason why linear relationships between richness and productivity were not observed consistently in all fish species. Parasite communities provide some clear patterns for the diversity-ecosystem functioning debate in ecology, although other factors, such as the history of community assembly, may also influence these patterns.
An Alarm System for Death Prediction

The clinical treatment of sepsis is one of most severe issues in hospitals. Unfortunately, until now it has not been possible to significantly reduce the mortality rate of severe forms of sepsis like septic shock, which is as high as 50-60% worldwide. Often, the diagnosis and awareness for possible implications of sepsis can be facilitated by an automated online diagnosis. This contribution reports the development of a monitoring alarm system for the individual prediction of death based on the data of 382 patients with septic shock. The paper discusses the pros and cons of such a prediction system used in a medical environment, its principal usage issues and implementation.
MOTIVATION, ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND THE PERFORMANCE OF SMEs IN VIETNAM

This study presents an exploratory investigation of SME entrepreneurs in Vietnam to understand the relationship between their motivation for entrepreneurship, the Entrepreneurial Orientation and their firm's perceived performance. A survey of 306 Vietnamese entrepreneurs was conducted in face-to-face interviews. LISREL path analysis was used to test the hypotheses related to a conceptual model. The findings of this research show that SME owners in Vietnam are more motivated by challenge and achievement than the necessity for a career and economic security. The motivation of Vietnamese entrepreneurs is positively correlated to the Entrepreneurial Orientation. Vietnamese SME owners emphasize a short-term approach based on Net Profit rather than Business Growth. The findings indicate the development of an emerging entrepreneurial culture in Vietnam similar to that of other entrepreneurial countries.
The influence of taxes on corporate financing and investment decisions against the background of the German tax reforms

This paper analyses the influence of taxes and the 2000 tax reform-induced tax changes on the financing and investment decisions of a sample of German listed companies over the years from 1996 to 2005. In contrast to the perception of the German government, our results do not support the notion that companies deliberately adjust their financial structures in order to reduce their corporate tax payments. Moreover, this study finds that market opportunities and market pressures have a far larger influence on investment decisions than on tax considerations. In this context, no evidence is found for the notion that tax cuts result in a higher investment activity that might stimulate economic growth and reduce the high unemployment rate in Germany. Against the background of these findings, it seems thus doubtful whether the recent tax reform will be able to reach its objectives.
Was the 1937 U.S. Housing Act a Pyrrhic Victory?

Historians have wrongly portrayed the 1937 Housing Act, which established a permanent public housing program in the United States, as hopelessly compromised by amendments originating from real estate and conservative interests. With a close analysis of the legislative record and archival material, this article argues that most of these amendments originated from divisions among Progressives or from Senator David I. Walsh (D-MA), who wanted to serve the poor and clear slums. The 1937 Housing Act should be viewed as a Progressive bill that weathered the legislative process surprisingly well. Furthermore, public housing’s later struggles cannot be blamed on a law emasculated at its origination. Instead, historians should more carefully examine the implementation of the law as well as its Progressive assumptions.
Changes in Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease ABCD Groups and the Impact of Regrouping on Treatment: A Comparison of 2017 and 2014

To the Editor: In 2017, the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) released a total revised document (GOLD 2017),[1] in which one important change is the “ABCD” classification for the management of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The assessment tool of the GOLD 2011 combined the symptomatic assessment with the patient’s spirometric classification and/or risk of exacerbations, and the revised GOLD 2014[2] added the history of hospitalization due to an exacerbation in the preceding year as a method of assessing exacerbation risk. However, increasing evidence suggested the limitations of the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) in influencing prognostic and therapeutic decisions. The new GOLD 2017 classification separates spirometric grades from the “ABCD” groups. [1] To date, the impact of this revision on grouping and subsequent drug selection has been insufficiently studied.
How Well Has the Currency Board Performed? Evidence from Hong Kong

The currency board system has sometimes been identified as the solution to the recent financial turmoil in many countries. Hong Kong, having the experience of abandoning and re-adopting the currency board, offers a natural opportunity to test its macroeconomic implications. We use the method of Blanchard and Quah (1989) to show that the structural equations and the characteristics of permanent and transitory shocks have significantly changed since re-adopting the regime in 1983. The evidence indicates that its currency board is less susceptible to supply shocks, but demand shocks can create greater volatility. Hong Kong’s decent performance is due mainly to the stable fiscal policy. Our analysis shows that two-thirds of the reduction in observed output and inflation volatility are explained by the adoption of the currency board, while the remainders are explained by changes in the external environment. The system does not rule out monetary collapse, however.
Nonfunctionality of Aspergillus sojae aflR in a Strain of Aspergillus parasiticus with a Disrupted aflR Gene

ABSTRACT Aspergillus sojae belongs to the Aspergillus section Flavi but does not produce aflatoxins. The functionality of the A. sojae aflR gene (aflRs) was examined by transforming it into an ΔaflR strain of A. parasiticus, derived from a nitrate-nonutilizing, versicolorin A (VERA)-accumulating strain. The A. parasiticus aflR gene (aflRp) transformants produced VERA, but the aflRs transformants did not. Even when aflRs was placed under the control of the amylase gene (amyB) promoter of Aspergillus oryzae, the amy(p)::aflRs transformants did not produce VERA. A chimeric construct containing the aflRs promoter plus the aflRs N- and aflRp C-terminal coding regions could restore VERA production, but a construct containing the aflRp promoter plus the aflRp N- and aflRs C-terminal coding regions could not. These results show that the A. sojae aflR promoter is functional in A. parasiticus and that the HAHA motif does not affect the function of the resulting hybrid AflR. We conclude that the lack of aflatoxin production by A. sojae can be attributed, at least partially, to the premature termination defect in aflRs, which deletes the C-terminal transcription activation domain that is critical for the expression of aflatoxin biosynthetic genes.