Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficiency and TFP Growth in the Spanish Regions: The Role of Human and Public Capital

Abstract This paper analyzes the productivity growth of the Spanish regions between 1965 and 1995, decomposing productivity gains into technological progress and efficiency change by means of Malmquist indices. Once estimates of efficiency are obtained, the aim of this paper is to analyze the effects of human and public capital on growth in terms of their impact on Total Factor Productivity (TFP). Public capital is believed to increase the productivity of the private factors of production whereas human capital is thought to contribute to the production process as an additional input and to have a dynamic influence on growth through its impact on technological innovation (shifts in the production frontier) and technological diffusion (movements toward the frontier), which are the components of this TFP measure. Considering inefficiencies will then allow the effects of these variables on TFP growth to be estimated via technological progress and efficiency gains. Copyright 2003 Gatton College of Business and Economics, University of Kentucky.
Intracellular spermine confers rectification on rat calcium‐permeable AMPA and kainate receptors.

1. Whole‐cell recordings were made from cerebellar granule cells cultured in high‐K+ medium to induce expression of Ca(2+)‐permeable AMPA receptors. Current‐voltage (I‐V) plots of agonist‐evoked responses showed varying degrees of inward rectification, but became linear within 5‐10 min. 2. Recombinant Ca(2+)‐permeable kainate receptors, composed of GluR6(Q)/KA‐2 subunits, exhibited rectifying whole‐cell I‐V plots that became linear in outside‐out patches. 3. Loss of rectification in granule cells was prevented by including 100 microM spermine in the pipette; the degree of rectification was then correlated with Ca2+ permeability. 4. Spermine also prevented loss of rectification in patches containing GluR6(Q)/KA‐2 receptors (IC50, 1.7 microM). 5. We suggest that spermine, or a similar cellular constituent, may act as a cytoplasmic factor conferring inward rectification on Ca(2+)‐permeable non‐NMDA receptors, and that ‘washout’ of this factor underlies the observed loss of rectification.
Surgical Aspects of Ovarian Tissue Removal and Ovarian Tissue Transplantation for Fertility Preservation

Abstract Introduction: The removal of ovarian tissue prior to starting oncologic treatment and the subsequent transplantation of this tissue after completing therapy have become increasingly important surgical fertility-preserving techniques. The aim of this review was to investigate the different surgical techniques used for this method reported in the literature to date and to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the respective techniques. Review: A search was done in MEDLINE using a defined algorithm to find studies published between January 2004 and December 2015. All study designs were included in our review if they contained statements on the surgical technique used. We found 16 publications (8 retrospective cohort studies, 6 case reports and 2 systematic reviews) with a total of 1898 female patients which reported on the surgical technique used for ovarian biopsy and 15 publications (7 retrospective cohort studies, 6 case reports and 2 systematic reviews) with a total of 455 women which mentioned the surgical technique used for ovarian transplantation. Different surgical techniques can be used both for ovarian biopsy and for the transplantation of ovarian tissue. A number of different surgical routes have been used, and the amount of tissue extracted, the instruments used, the treatment of the ovary, the transplantation site, the blood supply to the transplanted ovarian tissue and the procedure used for simultaneous surgical interventions vary. Conclusion: In future, one of the tasks will be to establish a standard surgical method for ovarian extraction and transplantation which will have a low rate of complications and a high pregnancy and birth rate while ensuring that the transplanted tissue is fully functional.
Timing of weight gain during pregnancy: promoting fetal growth and minimizing maternal weight retention.

OBJECTIVE To examine the association of the extent and timing of pregnancy weight gain with infant birth weight (IBW) and postpartum weight retention (PPWR). DESIGN Retrospective cohort study of pregnant women followed through 6 weeks postpartum. MEASUREMENTS Birth weight and maternal weight gain before 20 weeks, 21-30 weeks, 31 weeks to term and postpartum weight retention were measured. SUBJECTS A total of 371 healthy white nonsmoking pregnant women followed by the Prenatal Nutrition Counselling Program of the Department of Health and Social Services of the province of Prince Edward Island, Canada, between 1979 and 1989 who had uncomplicated pregnancies resulting in full term singleton infants. RESULTS Weight gain during pregnancy (> 12 kg) was associated with PPWR (> 2.5 kg) in underweight, normal and overweight women. Pregnancy weight gain explained 65.2% of the variability in PPWR, but very little of the variability (4.7%) in IBW. Predictors of IBW (gestational age, pregravid weight and infant gender) were not related to PPWR. Early maternal weight gain (< or = 20 weeks) was a strong predictor of PPWR. Comparisons of mothers with PPWR above and below the median of the group indicated important differences in early weight gain (< or = 20 weeks) for underweight (3.3 kg), normal weight (3.3 kg), and overweight (6.2 kg) mothers. CONCLUSION The results emphasize the importance of the timing of gestational weight gain and show an advantage in deferring a larger portion of required weight gain to late pregnancy (particularly in well-nourished overweight women) in order to promote fetal growth while reducing the risk of high weight retention and its potential adverse health consequences.
Understanding the Dutch “No”: The Euro, the East, and the Elite

The Dutch have been counted among the staunchest supporters of European integration ever since the parliamentary ratification of the European Community for Coal and Steel in late 1951. The major political parties—the Christian Democrats (CDA) and its forerunners, the Labor Party (PvdA), and the liberal parties VVD and D66—supported all important European treaties of the past decades. Only the smaller orthodox-Calvinist parties, some smaller left-wing parties, and, more recently, the List Pim Fortuyn (LPF) have opposed these treaties in parliament. This overwhelmingly large support in the Second Chamber of the Dutch parliament included the Treaty of Rome of 2004—the treaty establishing a constitution for Europe. One hundred twenty-eight out of 150 members of parliament favored the ratification of the European Constitution. This article draws on several chapters in Aarts and van der Kolk 2005.
Denoising of Electric Power System Signals by ICA Based on EMD Virtual Channel

The method integrated by independent component analysis (ICA) and empirical mode decomposition (EMD) is proposed in this paper, which can separate the signal from white noise. We used this method to eliminate the white noise from electric power system signals. The detailed courses of construction of virtual noise channel used EMD are described. Based on the characteristic of signals and noise, the principle of select intrinsic mode function (IMF), using the Hilbert time- frequency spectra, is proposed to construct virtual noise channel. Then the inputs of the ICA are reconstructed by virtual channel and observation signal. By the ICA, the signal-noise separation will be realized. The simulation tests indicate that the de-noising performance of electric power system signals is effective.
Exploring weight gain in year before treatment for binge eating disorder: a different context for interpreting limited weight losses in treatment studies.

OBJECTIVE To examine weight changes in obese patients with binge-eating disorder (BED) during the year before seeking treatment and to explore correlates of weight changes. METHOD Seventy-eight consecutive, treatment-seeking, obese BED patients were assessed with structured interviews and self-report questionnaires. RESULTS Overall, participants reported a mean weight gain of 15.1 pounds during the 12 months before treatment. This overall weight gain comprised remarkable heterogeneity, ranging from a 30-pound loss to a 53-pound gain. The subgroup of participants who reported gaining weight (76% of sample) reported gaining an average of 22.2 pounds during the 12 months before treatment. Weight change was associated with significantly more frequent binge eating and overeating during breakfasts. DISCUSSION Treatment-seeking obese patients with BED reported having gained substantial amounts of weight during the previous year. These findings provide an important context for interpreting the modest weight losses typically reported by treatment studies of BED.
Natural Resources Determining FDI in Nigeria: An Empirical Investigation

This study investigates the determinants of FDI to Nigeria during 1970-2006. This study suggests that the endowment of natural resources, trade intensity, macroeconomic risk factors such as inflation and exchange rates are significant determinants of FDI flow to Nigeria. The findings suggest that in long run, market size is not the significant factor for attracting FDI to Nigeria, it contradicts the existing literature. The findings indicate that FDI to Nigeria is resource-seeking. Results also suggest that trading partner like the UK in North-South (N - S) and China in South-South (S - S) trade relation have strong influence on Nigeriaâ€™s natural resource outflow.
The Opportunities and Limitations of the Internet in Providing a Quality Tourist Experience

ABSTRACT It is more than a decade since hyped stories about the impact of Internet Technology in the tourism industry have caused much of a stir in the minds of academics, practitioners and public policy makers, among others. Most of the discourses figured throughout around the theme painted pictures of a myriad shades and hues of the days to come. Internet-based marketing and e-commerce are two major, interrelated areas of development impacting the sector. The former reduces information asymmetry between tourists and ultimate service providers in destinations. The latter was predicted to eliminate intermediaries who are either information brokers or those guaranteeing services at the destination. This is true all the more in an environment where tourism is a global industry (with some part of the value chain in the country of origin of the tourist and the remaining in the countries that are destinations) and extremely dependent on information and communication industries. Today, the consumer has more information to make decisions and to access sellers globally, with almost real-time market information providing him with new quality service and experience. With this fundamental power shift of producers to consumers, the way in which marketers think needs to adapt (Corfu, Laranja & Costa, 2003). This paper is focused on the case-study “Solares de Portugal” and basically aims to find out: (1) the importance given by the manor house owners to specific features of travel-related websites' design and their global evaluation of the “Solares de Portugal” website; (2) the perceptions of Internet users on the before mentioned features' website effectiveness as well as their global evaluation of the “Solares de Portugal” website; (3) the correspondence between the two perspectives. The study has provided conclusive evidence about the relevance of efficient website services, as well as other practically employable findings. Thus, it seems reasonable to conclude that society is becoming more familiar with technology, in particular with the PCs and the Internet. This means that the travel industry has now the opportunity to deploy the Web in a more accurate, agile and innovative way. The tourist experience begins with its planning and anticipation stage (Liebman Parrinello, 1993) in the context of which the Internet may provide new quality experiences. From the perspective of the demand side, this may lead to new opportunities of improving the quality of operations and services through the Internet. However, further research will be necessary to dig deeper into those business implications.
Say-on-Pay Votes: The Role of the Media

Abstract We investigate the association between the media coverage of firms’ CEO pay packages and subsequent shareholder voting on say-on-pay resolutions, and find that negative media coverage is able to predict shareholder discontent over say on pay. When we divide media coverage into coverage in the financial and business press versus coverage in the general press, we find that shareholder voting on say-on-pay resolutions is mainly associated with the articles from the financial and business press. This suggests that the media cannot be considered a homogeneous information source that is equally able to predict shareholders’ voting behaviors. As such, our findings have important implications for studies on the role of the media in corporate governance.
The extent and limitations of local commercial property market data

Property analysts and researchers have a fundamental requirement for reliable property market data. Historically, data on the commercial and industrial property market are weak, although a number of property indices have now been published for 20 years. Considerable debate has arisen as to the appropriateness of these data for meaningful and reliable econometric analysis. A particular problem is the existence of serial correlation. This paper considers the form and the nature of spatial data and examines the implications for their interpretation and analysis. The primary concern is with rent and yield data with a particular focus on those derived from valuations. It is concluded that the use of valuation data does not appear to be a constraint or the source of serial correlation. In addition, its existence parallels that found in other economic time series data of longer standing. A possible solution is the disaggregation of the data to the local level, which may reduce the smoothing induced by aggregation.
Successfully Navigating CCAR and DFAST

Large bank holding companies as well as smaller institutions are annually required to undergo the Federal Reserve Board’s Dodd–Frank Act stress testing (DFAST) and Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review (CCAR) exercises. Navigating the requirements of stress-testing is indeed a challenge, but it is one that is entirely surmountable, as long as the institution follows key best practices and effectively uses quantitative analytics to very precisely model risk. This article details industry observations to provide a measure of guidance in identifying those best practices, while also highlighting specifics to be considered within any predictive modeling and/or datasets the institution may deploy as part of its stress-test regimen.
The role of innovation and knowledge management impact on the organisational performance in a free trade economy

Innovation, like spring, is in the air. Creativity is all the rage, entrepreneurship is on every agenda. As Einstein tells us, it seems managers are more and more ‘using their legs’ (and their brains) to convert their ideas into constructive products. The study to demonstrate that one of the major reasons is that, with the acceleration of globalisation process, innovation is more and more seen as the appropriate tool to create business value. Hence, the three parts of this article which aims at giving a general overview of the topic. First, we will describe the general framework of both free trade market and current economic trends, then we will analyse more deeply the core concept of innovation. Finally, implementation of innovation will be treated, before widening our thought regarding key concepts such as value, and knowledge management.
How to Extend the Use of Grid‐Based Interaction Energy Maps from Chemistry to Biotopics

Many computational tools routinely used in chemistry could successfully be applied to the biosciences since protein–protein and protein–ligand interactions are governed by the laws of chemistry. This paper shows that it is possible to extend the use of existing computational tools from their traditional application field (e.g. chemistry) to culturally‐related research areas by the implementation of simple but well‐designed utilities. In particular, a computational strategy obtained by combining GRID (the program originally designed by Peter Goodford, and now distributed by Molecular Discovery Ltd.) and BIOCUBE4mf (an application freely available at www.casmedchem.unito.it) was used to a) characterize the surface properties of the cavity of the Bacillus anthracis protective antigen heptameric prepore; b) suggest how to design mutagenesis experiments; c) quantitatively show the selectivity of the KvAP channel for K+ over Na+ ions and d) rationalize the pharmacokinetic behavior of 1,4‐DHP third‐generation drugs.
Encounters with Conservation and Development in Suriname: How Indigenous Peoples are Trying to Make Things 'Right' through Scalar Politics, Identity Framing, and Hybrid Governance Arrangements

Encounters with Conservation and Development in Suriname: How Indigenous Peoples are Trying to Make Things ‘Right’ through Scalar Politics, Identity Framing, and Hybrid Governance Arrangements by Bethany Janna Haalboom Department of Environment Duke University Date:_______________________ Approved: __________________________ Dr. Lisa Campbell, Supervisor __________________________ Dr. Margaret McKean __________________________ Dr. Michael Orbach __________________________ Dr. Kenneth Andrews An abstract of a dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Environment in the Graduate School of Duke University 2009 Copyright by Bethany Janna Haalboom 2009
The implications of service quality gaps for strategy implementation

This article addresses the problem of service quality strategy implementation and proposes three interrelated models: a static model of the organization; a comprehensive dynamic model of the implementation process, both synthesized from the literature; and a mixed model, which integrates static and dynamic models. The mixed model is combined with the service quality gaps (SQGs) model, drawn at a previous paper, to propose: a map of the pattern of SQGs occurring at each implementation stage; the organizational variables that can be manipulated to eliminate SQGs; and several implications to practising managers.
Wage discrimination: a statistical test

Measurements of wage discrimination, based on gender, age, race or religion, are important for empirical economists. Traditional approaches to the measurement of wage discrimination do not set up the question of discrimination as a hypothesis that can be statistically tested. Furthermore, they face the so called 'index number problem'. In this paper, an alternative approach is presented where wage discrimination can be tested as a statistical hypothesis. Furthermore, the proposed method eliminates the index number problem.
Therapeutic Outcome of Extranodal NK/T-Cell Lymphoma Initially Treated with Chemotherapy Result of Chemotherapy in NK/T-Cell Lymphoma

The therapeutic outcome of chemotherapy in NK/T cell lymphoma (NTCL) has not been well documented until now. The aims of this study were to investigate the outcome of chemotherapy and to evaluate the clinical factors influencing the responsiveness to chemotherapy. Between 1995 and 2000, 59 patients received anthracycline-based chemotherapy as an initial treatment. Forty-five patients had nasal NTCL, whereas 14 had extranasal NTCL. Forty-one patients had stage I/II and 18 had stage III/IV disease. Epstein-Barr virus status was positive in 67.6% of cases. The results of initial chemotherapy were complete remission in 35.6% of the patients, 2-year disease-free survival in 22.9% and 2-year overall survival in 44.2%. Adjuvant radiotherapy after chemotherapy did not improve outcome in stage I/II nasal NTCL. The International Prognostic Index was a significant prognostic factor of complete remission rate, and stage was also significant for disease-free survival.
Differentiating between Encoding and Processing during Sequential Diagnostic Reasoning: An Eye tracking study

When finding a best explanation for observed symptoms a multitude of information has to be integrated and matched against explanations stored in memory. Although assumptions about ongoing memory processes can be derived from the process models, little process data exists that would allow to sufficiently test these assumptions. In order to explore memory processes in diagnostic reasoning, 29 participants were asked to solve a visual reasoning task (the Black Box paradigm) where critical information had to be retrieved from memory. This study focused on differentiating between processes that take place during the encoding and the evaluation of symptom information by comparing eye movement measures (the number of fixation and fixation duration per dwell). Results will be discussed in light of existing theories on sequential diagnostic reasoning. Further, it will be discussed to which extent eye movements can be informative about memory processes underlying sequential diagnostic
Stationarity of a Markov-Switching GARCH Model

This article investigates some structural properties of the Markov-switching GARCH process introduced by Haas, Mittnik, and Paolella. First, a sufficient and necessary condition for the existence of the weakly stationary solution of the process is presented. The solution is weakly stationary, and the causal expansion of the Markov-switching GARCH process is also established. Second, the general conditions for the existence of any integer-order moment of the square of the process are derived. The technique used in this article for the weak stationarity and the high-order moments of the process is different from that used by Haas, Mittnik, and Paolella and avoids the assumption that the process started in the infinite past with finite variance. Third, a sufficient and necessary condition for the strict stationarity of the Markov-switching GARCH process with possibly infinite variance is given. Finally, the strict stationarity of the so-called integrated Markov-switching GARCH process is also discussed. Copyright 2006, Oxford University Press.
The Dark Side of Social Capital Re-examined from a Policy Analysis Perspective: Networks of Trust and Corruption

Abstract This work deepens the analysis of the “dark side” of social capital proposed by Alejandro Portes and Patricia Landlot and revisited by Peter Graeff. For this purpose, it combines the individualistic approach of economic theory with the social perspective of other social sciences to study the economics of corruption embedded in a social structure (a network of trust). It assesses the importance of social relations as a necessary condition to achieve corrupt objectives. To do so, a model of corrupt public contracts embedded in networks of trust is built. Theoretical evidence is found on the importance of networks of trust for the success of corrupt deals between officials and recipients. In addition, seeds are sown for future research and analysis of the role of institutions and monitoring agencies. Finally, the foundation is laid for research in the field of experimental economics to conduct an empirical examination of this proposed model and some policy implications are derived.