Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Managing Capacity at Sparsh Call Centre

Bangalore based Sparsh Call Centre was set up as a subsidiary of the major telecom software company IP-Trinity, with ambitious plans of becoming a significant player in the booming BPO (business process outsourcing) space. Its strategy, in line with that of its parent group, was to focus on telecom related services. Sparsh began its operations in 2002 with its first client Alfa, a US based VOIP telephone service provider and had three other accounts and employed over 400 people. Financial performance had been lacklustre and top management including Kumar, Director (Operations) was carrying out a review. Operationally, everything appeared to be fine. People management was, to a great extent, managed by sophisticated workforce management software, supplemented by supervisory actions by managers.This case is useful in highlighting the complexities of managing call centres and the unique people issues involved. This case illustrates that besides operational efficiencies, there is a need for a fit between strategy and scale of operations. In particular, high employee attrition can cause reduction in service quality as well as reduced capacity. Fast scale up of operations may be needed to make call centres economically viable. Cost effective innovative retention schemes may be needed to retain call centre staff to achieve this scale up.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Generic Advertising Versus Nonadvertising Marketing Activities on New York State Milk Markets

This study distinguishes nonadvertising marketing activities from generic advertising and investigates their separate impacts on the retail demand for fluid milk in New York State. Advertising, having an estimated elasticity (of demand) of 0.038 using panel data, is found to be about five times as effective as nonadvertising; therefore, it remains the more powerful marketing tool. Such results have policy implications in benefit-cost analysis and optimal allocation of fluid-milk check-off funds. Our results suggest that NYS dairy producers have much to gain from investing more of their check-off budgets in advertising. lEconLit citations: Q11, M37r. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Financial Literacy, Broker-Borrower Interaction, and Mortgage Default

This paper examines the relationship between broker-borrower interaction in the origination process and subsequent mortgage performance. I show that face-to-face interaction between a mortgage broker and borrower before the loan funds is associated with lower levels of ex post default. The relation between face-to-face broker-borrower interaction and mortgage performance holds only for borrowers that have characteristics associated with low levels of financial literacy. Specifically, face-to-face interaction is negatively related to default for minorities, borrowers located in areas with low levels of education, low-income borrowers, and borrowers with low FICO scores. Moreover, the relation between default and broker-borrower interaction is significant only for certain loan products (adjustable rate mortgages, low income documentation loans, cash-out refinances) that have been linked to low levels of financial literacy. My analysis also indicates that broker screening, lender underwriting, and unobservable characteristics of the borrower or broker are unlikely explanations for the relationship between broker-borrower interaction and default. Taken together, my results suggest that face-to-face interaction between the mortgage broker and borrower may reduce problems associated with financial illiteracy.
Methylation of inorganic arsenic by murine fetal tissue explants

Abstract Although it is generally believed that the developing fetus is principally exposed to inorganic arsenic and the methylated metabolites from the maternal metabolism of arsenic, little is known about whether the developing embryo can autonomously metabolize arsenic. This study investigates inorganic arsenic methylation by murine embryonic organ cultures of the heart, lung, and liver. mRNA for AS3mt, the gene responsible for methylation of arsenic, was detected in all embryonic tissue types studied. In addition, methylated arsenic metabolites were generated by all three tissue types. The fetal liver explants yielded the most methylated arsenic metabolites (∼7% of total arsenic/48 h incubation) while the heart, and lung preparations produced slightly greater than 2% methylated metabolites. With all tissues the methylation proceeded mostly to the dimethylated arsenic species. This has profound implications for understanding arsenic-induced fetal toxicity, particularly if the methylated metabolites are produced autonomously by embryonic tissues.
The Relationship Between Output Growth and Unemployment: A Re-examination of Okun's Law in Australia

In this article, we investigate the questions of whether some form of Okun's Law holds for Australia, and if so whether the Okun relationship has been stable. The results indicate that alternative formulations of the ‘law’ do not give rise to numerically similar parameter estimates. Nevertheless, one of these formulations yields estimates which appear to be both plausible and consistent with results from previous analyses. This particular formulation suggests that Okun's relationship in Australia underwent a structural change around 1974. The parameter estimates obtained can be regarded as rules of thumb which may be useful in discussing broad consequences of policy actions.
Comparative Assessment of Microbial Biomass and Soil Enzyme Activities as Potential Indicators of Soil Q uality in Different Mine Spoil, Odisha

Mining activities have drastically alters the soil subsystem in mining areas and an assessment of thes e changes is essential to determine soil quality. There is growing recogni tion for the need to develop sensitive indicators o f soil quality in promoting appropriate soil management strategies fo r long-term sustainability of terrestrial ecosystem s. The variation in organic Carbon, total Nitrogen, available Phosphoru s, Microbial Biomass (MB) and enzyme activities among five different mines (i.e. coal, iron, gypsum, graphite, aluminium ) overburden spoils of Odisha, India, were studied along with the forest soil as control. In the present investigation, micr obial parameters (microbial biomass C, N, P) and mi crobial activity (as an index of soil enzymes i.e. amylase, invertase, prot ease and dehydrogenase) are considered to be indica tive measures of soil quality. Comparative analysis of enzyme activities revealed that there was significantly ( p<0.001) higher amylase, invertase, protease and dehydrogenase activity in f orest soil as compared to nutrient deficient situat ion (mine spoil). The variation in microbial biomass and enzyme activitie s correlated very well with land degradation, attri butable to reduction in C, N and P in mine spoil as compared to forest soil . The higher microbial biomass and enzyme activitie s in forest soil as compared to disturbed mine overburden sites shows t he effect of land use management, soil sustainabili ty and consequently ecosystem functioning.
Use of an EEG‐bispectral closed‐loop delivery system for administering propofol

Closed‐loop control of propofol delivery was instituted in three patients who received a propofol infusion as part of: (Case 1) general “balanced” anesthesia, (Case 2) total intravenous anesthesia, and (Case 3) monitored anesthesia care. The bispectral index was the input variable used in a proportioned, integral and differential controller to determine the infusion rate of propofol required to maintain a stable level of hypnosis (Cases 1 and 2) or sedation (Case 3). This feedback control system provided intraoperative hemodynamic stability and a prompt recovery from the sedative‐hypnotic effects of propofol.
The Impact of Bank Governance on Bank Performance in Pakistan

This study attempts to investigate the impact of changes in bank governance on bank performance in Pakistan. Governance changes entail the privatization and restructuring of state-owned banks, and the merger and acquisition of private and foreign banks. Using the concept of frontier efficiency, we adopt an empirical framework that allows us to study the impact of all governance reform variables in the same model. First, we estimate a stochastic cost frontier model using unbalanced panel data on commercial banks for the period 1991–2005. Second, we decompose banks’ total factor productivity (TFP) change into its different components, using the estimated frontier. In general, the results show an improvement in banks’ cost efficiency following changes in bank governance. We note that governance changes bring about an improvement in banks’ TFP vis-a-vis that of banks that did not undergo governance changes. We find a declining trend in TFP change (TFPC), which could be a consequence of the banking industry’s increased profitability. We also note that bank selection for governance changes has a mixed effect on TFPC, while bank consolidation seems to be more effective in improving TFPC.
Analyzing the Texas High School Agricultural Communications Curriculum

The major purpose of this study was to evaluate the agricultural communications curriculum (Agriscience 315) in Texas high schools, using perceptions of agriscience teachers in Texas high schools. The secondary purpose was to determine perceived abilities of agriscience teachers to teach agricultural communications courses. As a means of accomplishing the purpose of the study, answers to the following questions were sought. (a) What are the characteristics of Texas teachers who were teaching agriscience in the 1999-2000 school year? (b) What competencies do teachers think students should master upon the completion of agricultural communication classes in Texas high schools? (c) What are the perceived abilities of agriscience teachers to teach agricultural communications classes? The format for this study is a descriptive survey. A proportional and stratified sample of 200 agriscience teachers was selected. A total of 145 surveys were returned. The response rate for this study was 72.5%. This study found that 67% of the teachers had little or no experience in the field of agricultural communications, but they agreed the competencies related to communication techniques and procedures should be incorporated in the agricultural communications curriculum. Agriscience teachers also indicated their perceived level of teaching skill pertaining to communication techniques and procedures ranged from fair to good.
Numerically Controlled Machine Tools and Worker Skills

This study investigates the impact of the spread of numerically controlled machine tools on the average skill level of workers in the nonelectrical machinery industry in the United States. Analyzing data from the Industry Wage Surveys of Machinery Manufacturers to trace changes in the skill levels of 57 machining jobs, the author finds that 30 years of the spread of numerically controlled machine tools has resulted in either a very small (1%) reduction in skill levels or no significant change at all, depending on the measure of skill change used. This result supports neither the position of the “post-industrialists,” who have argued that this new technology raises overall machine shop skill levels, nor the position of “labor process” theorists, who have argued that it results in deskilling.
Biocontrol of Pseudomonas savastanoi, causative agent of olive knot disease: antagonistic potential of non-pathogenic rhizosphere isolates of fluorescent Pseudomonas.

Olive knot, a major bacterial disease of olive plants (Olea europaea), is caused by Pseudomonas savastanoi. There is no cost-effective way to control olive knot using available chemical bactericides (Young 2004). Furthermore, development of resistance and environmental concerns urge the necessity for alternative, more selective control methods such as biological control. A potential resource for novel compounds of interest for use in biocontrol is constituted by the diverse biomolecules that mediate antagonism among plant-associated bacteria, including peptide or proteins (bacteriocins) and secondary metabolites frequently produced by pseudomonads (Parret et al. 2003, 2005). Lavermicocca et al. identified a bacteriocin inhibitory against P. savastanoi from the carob tree pathogen P. syringae pv. ciccaronei. (Lavermicocca et al. 1999, 2002). Notably, P. savastanoi was formerly regarded as a subspecies of P. syringae (Kennelly et al. 2007), indicating that this interaction represents an example of bacteriocin-mediated antagonism by a closely related bacterium. Antibacterial activity targeting P. savastanoi by phylogenetically more distant, non-phytopathogenic Pseudomonas isolates has not been reported. In the present work we explored the potential of in vitro P. savastanoi antagonism for a collection of such Pseudomonas isolates from different plant rhizospheres and geographical origins.
Customer focus, service process fit and customer relationship management profitability: the effect of knowledge sharing

The research goal of this study is to determine how knowledge sharing among members of firms’ collaboration affects customer relationship management (CRM) profitability. Collaboration has to exhibit a good knowledge of the markets, customers, products and services, methods and processes, competitors, employee skills, and the regulatory environment of information systems. We formulated a CRM profitability model and used a mailed questionnaire survey to investigate travel agent managers and employees in Taiwan. And we randomly mailed 1200 questionnaires to wholesaler travel agents of which 337 were returned completed. The findings reveal the nature and practical complexities associated with knowledge sharing in travel industry collaborations, and suggest how collaboration can create an appropriate knowledge-sharing strategy and increase CRM profitability.
Promoting Self-Regulation and Critical Reflection through Writing Students' Use of Electronic Portfolio.

The role of reflection in the learning process has taken on new significance in a digital environment. The potential of using innovative teaching methods to prompt first-year writing students to selfregulate learning behaviors and write more critical reflection statements when using electronic portfolios was studied over eight fall semesters. Results showed that using student surveys and focused in-class discussion in conjunction with consistent ePortfolio assignments not only dramatically increased the length of reflection statements written but also the depth of thinking shown in those statements. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of using intentional instructional strategies for helping students develop self-regulation and critical reflection skills. The notion of reflection and its importance to learning has been recognized and discussed for decades.
Longitudinal study of stress, social support, and depression in married Arab immigrant women

ABSTRACT Using a stress and social support framework, this study explored the trajectory of depression in 388 married Arab immigrant women. The women provided three panels of data approximately 18 months apart. Depression at Time 3 was regressed on Time 1 depression, socio-demographic variables, and rate of change over time in stress and social support. The regression model was significant and accounted for 41.16% of the variation in Time 3 depression scores. Time 1 depression, English reading ability, husband's employment status, changes over time in immigration demands, daily hassles, and social support from friends were associated with Time 3 depression.
Exported retail sales along the Texas‐Mexico border

Abstract Trade between the U.S. and Mexico has boomed over the past 10 years due partly to the significant reduction in tariffs from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the strong growth in the maquiladora industry. While commercial trade between the countries is well documented, less is known about the size of the cross‐border retail trade that occurs. Though the size of this activity is small in comparison to commercial trade, it is a significant part of the economies of many border cities. In 2005 alone, there were more than 45 million non‐commercial crossings at the bridges along the Texas‐Mexico border. Many of these individuals were coming to purchase goods to take back to their home country. Since most of the retail trade conducted on the U.S. side of the border is done in cash, it is difficult to document the share of retail spending accounted for by Mexican nationals. In this article we use several techniques based on a simple consumption function to estimate the size of retail spending that is essentially exported to Mexico via cross‐border shoppers. We then check our estimates of the proportion of retail sales going to Mexican nationals in the Texas border metros to see if they are consistent with the impacts to retail sales of movements in the real peso‐dollar exchange rate.
Portfolio effects and the willingness to pay for weather insurances

Since the mid-1990s, agricultural economists have discussed the relevance of index-based insurances, also called “weather derivatives”, as hedging instruments for volumetric risks in agriculture. Motivated by the question of how weather derivatives should be priced for agricultural firms, this paper describes an extended risk-programming model which can be used to determine farmers’ willingness to pay (demand function) for weather derivative’s farm-specific risk reduction capacity and the individual farmer’s risk acceptance. Applying it to the exemplary case of a Brandenburg farm reveals that even a highly standardized contract which is based on the accumulated rainfall at the capital’s meteorological station in Berlin-Tempelhof generates a relevant willingness to pay. Our findings suggest that a potential underwriter could even add a loading on the actuarially fair price which exceeds the level of traditional insurances. Since translation costs are low compared to insurance contracts, this finding indicates there may be a relevant trading potential.
Conditional Conservatism and Accrual Persistence

Under the conservative accounting principle, unreliable accruals are expected to reflect losses in a timely manner (Guay and Verrecchia 2006) and losses are less persistent (Basu 1997; Ball and Shivakumar 2006). Accordingly, the practice of accounting conservatism may cause lower persistence of unreliable accruals. This paper aims to provide an insight on two issues: (1). whether unreliable accruals reflect losses relative to gains on a timelier basis than reliable accruals do; (2). whether firm-level conditional conservatism affects the persistence of accrual components. Using a sample of 106,141 firm-year observations from 1968 to 2006, we find that reliable accruals exhibit greater asymmetric timeliness, compared to unreliable accruals, suggesting that managers are slower at recognizing losses relative to gains in unreliable accruals than they do in reliable accruals. In addition, we find that conservatism affects accrual persistence only to the extent that it reduces the persistence of reliable accruals, but not that of unreliable accruals, suggesting that managers do not incorporate greater portion of transitory losses in unreliable accruals than they do in reliable accruals.
Vertical integration, foreign multinationals and Stigler's hypotheses: an empirical test using Malaysian data

In this paper the hypotheses on motives for vertical integration as proposed by Stigler are empirically tested using a panel dataset from Malaysian manufacturing under both fixed-effects and random-effects specifications. Because the degree of multinational participation is expected to influence the results of the regression estimates, empirical tests are conducted with and without controlling for the effect of foreign firms' participation. Depending on model specifications, evidence is found in favor of Stigler's hypotheses where vertical integration is positively related to demand growth and industry concentration. This result is generally consistent with those found in other vertical integration studies. Significantly, the coefficient estimates of the growth variable are not significant and biased downwards if there is no control on the effect of foreign multinationals in the estimation process. Copyright 2006 East Asian Economic Association and Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Light Trapping in Inverted Organic Photovoltaics With Nanoimprinted ZnO Photonic Crystals

Zinc oxide photonic crystal (ZnO PC) formed via facile nanoimprinting was employed on the ZnO electron selective layer of inverted organic photovoltaics (OPV). Optimized inverted OPV fabricated with these highly ordered periodic structures provided effective light trapping, which resulted in increased incident light absorption in the active layer. Consequently, OPVs with the ZnO PC layers show a 23% current density improvement compared with OPVs with planar ZnO layer. Finite-difference time-domain simulation studies show that the electric field intensity is significantly higher in the active layer for devices with ZnO PC structures in comparison with reference devices with planar ZnO electron selective layer. Nanoimprinted ZnO PC is, thus, a viable method for light absorption and efficiency enhancement in OPVs.
Stabilizing PMD Compensators by Means of Polarization Dithering

Feedback-based single-stage polarization-mode dispersion compensators can suffer from dynamical limitations. These can be prevented by modulating the polarization of the transmitted signal. A high-depth modulation can result in high jitter and partial eye closure. A low-depth modulation (dithering) effectively stabilizes the compensator while it does not introduce significant system penalty.
Linear model comparisons of Black-and-White dairy bulls from the Nordic countries

Desirability for extensive genetic exchanges among Nordic countries has prompted the need for accurate bull comparisons. The objective of this project was to shrdy the feasibility of jointly ranking bulls progeny tested in the Nordic countries by applying the linear model method (Schaeffer, 1985) of combining national evaluations. The study was of specific interest because different Nordic countries apply various methods of genetic evaluation of dairy bulls; therefore a joint evaluation would have to be based on de-regressed proofs rather than daughter-yield-deviations utilized in an earlier study including countrie of the European Community (Banos et al,7992). The present study was restricted to production traits for Black-and-White bulis progeny tested in Denmark (DNK), Fintand (FIM, and Sweden (SWE).
Screening newborns for candidate biomarkers of type 1 diabetes

Combining samples from a national neonatal screening programme with the information from a national health registry allow for unique opportunities in analysing newborn blood for protein changes that could predict eventual disease development. A nested case-control cohort (n = 54 cases, 108 controls) was analysed by proteomics as a new way of looking for biomarkers that could bolster prediction of T1D risk in newborns. Protein extraction and haemoglobin depletion were automated and samples were processed and analysed by surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF-MS). The data set was reduced to the highest quality peaks and analysed using conditional logistic regression. A total of 25 protein peaks were found to differ between the two groups. The automated haemoglobin depletion provides a platform for further proteomics studies of individual patient material. The method opens a door to a wealth of patient material stored as dried blood spots.