Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A comprehensive framework for evaluating nonutility generation projects

With the rapid increase of electricity demand in the developing countries, there is a need for nonutility generation investment that cannot be met by the government finance. In Asia, the BOT (build, operate and transfer) approach is emerging as the dominant form of nonutility generation arrangement. In this paper, a comprehensive framework for evaluating BOT-type nonutility generation projects is presented. The framework provides a useful tool in assisting decision-making and contract negotiation. Two kinds of uncertainties of different nature must be considered in project assessment. One type is beyond participants' control, such as error in demand forecast, change in fuel price, or interest rate, etc. The other type is due to participants' actions in operation in response to changing economic situations. In our framework, game theory is used to model the participants' actions and the Monte Carlo method is used to model the other uncertainties. An example is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework.
The mediatory impact of brand loyalty and brand image on brand equity

This study examines the underlying dimensions of brand equity in the chocolate industry. For this purpose, researchers developed a model to identify which factors are influential in building brand equity. The second purpose was to assess brand loyalty and brand imagesʼ mediating effect between brand attitude, brand personality, brand association with brand equity. The study employed structural equation modeling to investigate the causal relationships between the dimensions of brand equity and brand equity itself. It specifically measures the way in which consumers’ perceptions of the dimensions of brand equity affect the overall brand equity evaluations. Data were collected from a sample of consumers of chocolate industry in Iran. The results of this empirical study indicate that brand loyalty and brand image are important components of brand equity in this industry. Moreover, the role of brand loyalty and brand image as mediating factors in the intention of brand equity are supported. The principal contribution of the present research is that it provides empirical evidence of the multidimensionality of consumer based brand equity, supporting Aaker´s and Keller´s conceptualization of brand equity. The present research also enriched brand equity building by incorporating the brand personality and brand image, as recommended by previous researchers. Moreover, creating the brand equity index in chocolate industry of Iran particularly is novel. Key words: Brand equity, brand personality, brand loyalty, brand image, structural equation modeling, Iran.
Taking the Measure of Anxiety and Depression Validity of the Reconstructed Hamilton Scales

The ability of the Hamilton Psychiatric Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) to discriminate major depressive disorder (MDD) from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) was studied in 120 psychiatric outpatients and cross-validated with another 71 outpatients. Factor and discriminant analyses were used to develop revised anxiety and depression scales that were less positively correlated with each other, showed greater internal consistency, and differentiated MDD and GAD better than the original scales. The recombined scales also displayed higher rates of correctly assigning the samples to these disorders than did the orginal scales.
Effects of labour taxes on hours of market and home work: the role of international capital mobility and trade

This paper evaluates the Prescott (2004) hypothesis that permanently higher payroll taxes fully explain the decline in number of market hours worked in Europe (relative to America) over three decades. The Prescott model made assumptions that, in steady state, left out any incentive for either international capital mobility or international exchange of goods. We study a one-good model where the imposition of higher payroll taxes in one region leads to higher domestic real interest rate in that region. As a result, there are incentives for international capital outflows into the high payroll tax region with the consequence that number of market hours worked in the low payroll tax region also decline. With identical tastes and rate of time discount across the two regions, we find that the number of hours worked in the market, home work, and leisure are equalized across the two regions. In the multi-good model, when factor price equalization holds so free trade acts as a substitute for factor mobility, we show that there is also equalization of market work, home work, and leisure across the two regions.
Global Map of Growth-Regulated Gene Expression in Burkholderia pseudomallei, the Causative Agent of Melioidosis

ABSTRACT Many microbial pathogens express specific virulence traits at distinct growth phases. To understand the molecular pathways linking bacterial growth to pathogenicity, we have characterized the growth transcriptome of Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis. Using a fine-scale sampling approach, we found approximately 17% of all B. pseudomallei genes displaying regulated expression during growth in rich medium, occurring as broad waves of functionally coherent gene expression tightly associated with distinct growth phases and transition points. We observed regulation of virulence genes across all growth phases and identified serC as a potentially new virulence factor by virtue of its coexpression with other early-phase virulence genes. serC-disrupted B. pseudomallei strains were serine auxotrophs and in mouse infection assays exhibited a dramatic attenuation of virulence compared to wild-type B. pseudomallei. Immunization of mice with serC-disrupted B. pseudomallei also conferred protection against subsequent challenges with different wild-type B. pseudomallei strains. At a genomic level, early-phase genes were preferentially localized on chromosome 1, while stationary-phase genes were significantly biased towards chromosome 2. We detected a significant level of chromosomally clustered gene expression, allowing us to predict ∼100 potential operons in the B. pseudomallei genome. We computationally and experimentally validated these operons by showing that genes in these regions are preferentially transcribed in the same 5′→3′ direction, possess significantly shorter intergenic lengths than the overall genome, and are expressed as a common mRNA transcript. The availability of this transcriptome map provides an important resource for understanding the transcriptional architecture of B. pseudomallei.
Impact of the Project P.A.T.H.S. in the Junior Secondary School Years: Individual Growth Curve Analyses

The Tier 1 Program of the Project P.A. T.H. S. (Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social Programs) is a positive youth development program implemented in school settings utilizing a curricular-based approach. In the third year of the Full Implementation Phase, 19 experimental schools (n = 3,006 students) and 24 control schools (n = 3,727 students) participated in a randomized group trial. Analyses based on linear mixed models via SPSS showed that participants in the experimental schools displayed better positive youth development than did participants in the control schools based on different indicators derived from the Chinese Positive Youth Development Scale, including positive self-identity, prosocial behavior, and general positive youth development attributes. Differences between experimental and control participants were also found when students who joined the Tier 1 Program and perceived the program to be beneficial were employed as participants of the experimental schools. The present findings strongly suggest that the Project P.A. T.H. S. is making an important positive impact for junior secondary school students in Hong Kong.
Lack of Drosophila cytoskeletal tropomyosin affects head morphogenesis and the accumulation of oskar mRNA required for germ cell formation.

Drosophila encodes five muscle and one cytoskeletal isoform of the actin‐binding protein tropomyosin. We have identified a lack‐of‐function mutation in the cytoskeletal isoform (cTmII). Zygotic mutant embryos show a defect in head morphogenesis, while embryos lacking maternal cTmII are defective in germ cell formation but otherwise give rise to viable adults. oskar mRNA, which is required for both germ cell formation and abdominal segmentation, fails to accumulate at the posterior pole in these embryos. nanos mRNA, however, which is required exclusively for abdominal segmentation, is localized at wild‐type levels. These results indicate that head morphogenesis and the accumulation of high levels of oskar mRNA necessary for germ cell formation require tropomyosin‐dependent cytoskeleton.
Psychiatric disorders in preschool offspring of parents with bipolar disorder: the Pittsburgh Bipolar Offspring Study (BIOS).

OBJECTIVE The authors evaluated lifetime prevalence and specificity of DSM-IV psychiatric disorders and severity of depressive and manic symptoms at intake in preschool offspring of parents with bipolar I and II disorders. METHOD A total of 121 offspring ages 2-5 years from 83 parents with bipolar disorder and 102 offspring of 65 demographically matched comparison parents (29 with non-bipolar psychiatric disorders and 36 without any lifetime psychopathology) were recruited for the study. Parents with bipolar disorder were recruited through advertisements and adult outpatient clinics, and comparison parents were ascertained at random from the community. Participants were evaluated with standardized instruments. All staff were blind to parental diagnoses. RESULTS After adjustment for within-family correlations and both biological parents' non-bipolar psychopathology, offspring of parents with bipolar disorder, particularly those older than age 4, showed an eightfold greater lifetime prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and significantly higher rates of having two or more psychiatric disorders compared to the offspring of the comparison parents. While only three offspring of parents with bipolar disorder had mood disorders, offspring of parents with bipolar disorder, especially those with ADHD and oppositional defiant disorder, had significantly more severe current manic and depressive symptoms than comparison offspring. CONCLUSIONS Preschool offspring of parents with bipolar disorder have an elevated risk for ADHD and have greater levels of subthreshold manic and depressive symptoms than children of comparison parents. Longitudinal follow-up is warranted to evaluate whether these children are at high risk for developing mood and other psychiatric disorders.
Measuring strategic performance in construction companies: a proposed integrated model

Purpose – This paper aims to examine and compare a performance measurement system and performance frameworks commonly used within the construction industry. The paper explores the strengths and weaknesses of balanced scorecard (BSC) and business excellence model (BEM) to propose an integrated model for measuring strategic performance of construction organisations as a single model. The purpose is to help organisations achieve performance excellence, financial integrity and continuous improvement in business results to sustain competitive advantage. Design/methodology/approach – This paper examines and compares performance measurement system and performance frameworks commonly used within the construction industry. The paper explores the strengths and weaknesses of BSC and BEM to propose an integrated model for measuring strategic performance of construction organisations as a single model. The purpose is to help organisations achieve performance excellence, financial integrity and continuous improvement i.
OIL PRICES AND STOCK MARKETS IN GCC COUNTRIES: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM PANEL ANALYSIS

In this paper, we examine long-run links between oil prices and stock markets in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) using recent bootstrap panel cointegration techniques and seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) methods. Since GCC countries are major world energy market players, their stock markets are likely to be susceptible to oil price. We show that there is evidence for cointegration between oil prices and stock markets in GCC countries, while the SUR results indicate that oil price increases have a positive impact on stock prices, except in Saudi Arabia. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Magnesium Intake Is Related to Improved Insulin Homeostasis in the Framingham Offspring Cohort

Objective: Higher dietary intake of magnesium may protect against development of type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to examine the association between dietary magnesium intake and metabolic risk factors for diabetes. Methods: We examined cross-sectional associations between magnesium intake and fasting glucose and insulin, 2-hour post-challenge plasma glucose and insulin, and insulin resistance assessed by the homeostasis model (HOMA-IR) in 1223 men and 1485 women without diabetes from the Framingham Offspring cohort. Magnesium intake was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire and magnesium intake was categorized into quintile categories. Geometric mean insulin, glucose, 2-hour post challenge plasma glucose and insulin concentrations and HOMA-IR were estimated across quintile categories of magnesium intake using Generalized Linear Models. Results: After adjustment for potential confounding factors, magnesium intake was inversely associated with fasting insulin (mean: 29.9 vs 26.7 μU/mL in the lowest vs highest quintiles of magnesium intake; P trend <0.001), post-glucose challenge plasma insulin (86.4 vs 72 μU/mL; P trend <0.001), and HOMA-IR (7.0 vs 6.2; P trend <0.001). No significant association was found between magnesium intake and fasting glucose or 2-hour post challenge glucose. Conclusions: Improved insulin sensitivity may be one mechanism by which higher dietary magnesium intake may reduce the risk of developing type 2 DM.
Changes in sensory function and force production in adults with type II diabetes

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship among sensory function, disease severity, and upper extremity force production in adults with type II diabetes (T2D) as compared with healthy age‐ and gender‐matched controls. Methods: Ten adults with T2D and 10 healthy age‐ and gender‐matched control subjects underwent a battery of sensory and motor function evaluations. Data on disease severity and duration were also collected. Results: The T2D group exhibited sensory deficits and altered force production as compared with healthy controls. Sensory function correlated with disease severity, as did signal predictability of kinetic output during submaximal force production tasks. Maximal force production tasks were associated with altered output in T2D, but these data did not correlate with disease severity or sensory dysfunction. Conclusions: Some, not all, motor performance deficits in T2D are associated with sensory dysfunction. Mechanisms responsible for these changes in adult‐onset T2D are described. Muscle Nerve 50: 984–990, 2014
The Impact of Energy Prices on Green Innovation

Based on patent data and industry specific energy prices for 18 OECD countries over 30 years we investigate on an industry level the impact of energy prices on green innovation activities. Our econometric models show that energy prices and green innovation activities are positively related and that energy prices have a significantly positive impact on the ratio of green innovations to non-green innovations. More concretely, our main model shows that a 10% increase of the average energy prices over the previous five years results in a 3.4% and 4.8% increase of the number of green innovations and the ratio of green innovations to non-green innovations, respectively. We also find that the impact of energy prices increases with an increasing lag between energy prices and innovation activities. Robustness tests confirm the main results.
Shrinking Employees Turnover Intention by applying Tools of Job Embeddedness (Used as a Mediator)

The current research study examined the association among the HRM practices through job embeddedness (as a mediator) and employee turnover intentions. In this study, the researchers used new construct i.e. job embeddedness to explore its mediating impact on the relationship between employee turnover intentions and HRM practices such as training, compensation, career planning, performance appraisal and supervisor support. Job embeddedness was studied in terms of fit, links, and sacrifice organization. Job embeddedness plays a crucial role to reduce turnover. If organization applies these HRM practices in true letter and spirit, then their employees will be more satisfied, committed, and loyal to that organization. If employees are more embedded to the organization in a positive manner, so that employees are more committed, satisfied and impacts their performance.
Expansion of the Stictidaceae by the addition of the saxicolous lichen-forming genus Ingvariella

The monotypic, lichen-forming genus Ingvariella originally was segregated from Diploschistes and placed within the Thelotremataceae (Ostropales) based on aspects of exciple morphology. However, the I+ hymenium and amyloid ascus wall suggest affinities to families other than the Thelotremataceae. To assess the identity of Ingvariella and to investigate its placement within the Ostropales, we inferred phylogenetic relationships of I. bispora by comparison of mtSSU rDNA and nuLSU rDNA sequences for 59 species encompassing a broad array of ostropalean fungi by means of Bayesian, maximum likelihood and weighted maximum parsimony methods. Here we report that Ingvariella is a member of the Stictidaceae, sister to the mainly saprotrophic genus Cryptodiscus. The inclusion of the first saxicolous lichen-forming fungus within this family expands the broad ecological diversity of the Stictidaceae, where saprotrophic fungi, corticicolous lichen-forming fungi and lichenized and non-lichenized conspecific taxa have been described previously. We also present new insights into the relationships among other families within the Ostropales.
Market entry decisions in emerging economies: the choice of local intermediaries as key determinant of competitive sustainability. Examining the case of a leading MNC entering the Maghreb region

The purpose of this paper is to examine how local market factors influence the choice of the mode of market entry of MNCs in emerging economies and to propose a framework that will guide companies when making their entry decisions. It is based upon a thorough review of the literature and a longitudinal two year case study observing a leading MNC in its successful establishment in three key markets in the Maghreb region (Tunisia, Morocco and Libya) which followed an unsuccessful previous attempt. The research confirmed the importance of local market factors, in particular the key role of intermediaries for the development of a sustainable business model. The paper complements the more prevalent research approach belonging to the resource-based view, contributing to the body of knowledge on international market entry. Furthermore through its managerial implications can guide international MNCs in their choice of mode of entry in emerging markets.
Exploring management control in radical innovation projects

Purpose – This paper seeks to endorse the management control system taxonomy by Robert Simons to explore whether, how and why different approaches to management control are more intensely employed: in different phases of the radical innovation process; and in innovation projects showing different degrees of radicalness. Moreover, it aims to discuss the influence exerted by some contextual variables.Design/methodology/approach – Case studies concerning four innovation projects (two radical in nature and two incremental) implemented by two companies operating in the home automation industry in Italy were conducted.Findings – It is found that radical innovation projects, especially in the early stages of development, are characterized by a stronger reliance on flexible and social control management systems, while diagnostic control mainly emerges in late development and commercialization. Moreover, the moderating effect of the hypothesized contingent variables is widely discussed.Research limitations/implica.
Drivers of Peru's Equilibrium Real Exchange Rate: Is the Nuevo Sol a Commodity Currency?

This paper tests the hypothesis of ‘commodity currency’ on the nuevo sol and, more generally, identifies the drivers of Peru’s equilibrium real exchange rate using a cointegration analysis. The results show that export commodity prices do not have a statistically significant impact on Peru’s real effective exchange rate, suggesting that the nuevo sol is not a commodity currency. The paper provides empirical evidence that large profit repatriation and foreign exchange intervention have effectivelly insulated Peru’s real exchange rate from the impact of commodity price shocks. Peru’s equilibrium real exchange rate is found to be driven mostly by productivity and government consumption.
Bargaining in the European Union and Shifts in Actors’ Policy Positions

Although shifts in policy positions are a fundamental feature of the European Union (EU) bargaining process they have not yet been studied systematically. This article provides evidence on the extent to which position shifts occur and tests alternative models of the bargaining process that predict such shifts. We examine a subset of the DEU data set that contains information on shifts in actors’ positions on issues raised by 28 Commission proposals. The three bargaining models presented here posit alternative mechanisms that drive actors’ position shifts during the EU bargaining process. Our research shows that position shifts occur frequently during the EU bargaining process and these shifts in actors’ policy positions are best understood in terms of compromise and exchange among actors.
Information processing and new product success: a meta‐analysis

Purpose – This paper aims to analyze and quantitatively compare existing empirical findings on the role of organizational information‐processing and new product outcomes. The meta‐analytic technique is used to reconcile some of the current divergent thinking on the role of organizational learning in new product success.Design/methodology/approach – The method and procedure of the meta‐analysis are utilized to generalize existing empirical findings regarding the role of information processing in new product success by evaluating homogeneity of the obtained results, and measurement‐ and context‐related moderators of the relationship magnitude. It reports and discusses the results, and proposes theoretical and managerial implications of the findings.Findings – The meta‐analysis of the relationship between organizational information processing and new product success supports an overall positive effect, and identifies measurement‐ and context‐related moderators influencing the magnitude of the relationship.Re.
MeSHmap: a text mining tool for MEDLINE

Our research goal is to explore text mining from the metadata included in MEDLINE documents. We present MeSHmap our prototype text mining system that exploits the MeSH indexing accompanying MEDLINE records. MeSHmap supports searches via PubMed followed by user driven exploration of the MeSH terms and subheadings in the retrieved set. The potential of the system goes beyond text retrieval. It may also be used to compare entities of the same type such as pairs of drugs or pairs of procedures etc. In addition there is the potential to generate maps of entities (drugs or diseases etc.) such that the strength of the link between two entities in the map represents their similarity as expressed in the MeSH metadata of the MEDLINE documents. Higher level operators have been proposed to support these comparison and mapping functions. This paper motivates and describes MeSHmap. Future work will include user evaluations of the system.