Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biasing Politics? Interest Group Participation in EU Policy-Making

Does lobbying success in the European Union vary systematically across interest group type? Interest groups lobby the European institutions in order to achieve policy decisions that are in line with their own preferences. While some argue that different types of interest groups are equally able to shape European policy-making, others contend that lobbying success is systematically biased towards some powerful interest groups. The empirical evidence is contradictory as previous studies focused either on a specific interest group type or on a specific policy area so that it is difficult to draw general conclusions. This study therefore presents an extensive empirical analysis of lobbying success across a wide variety of interest groups and policy issues by combining a quantitative text analysis of Commission consultations with an online survey among interest groups. The findings are promising as they indicate that lobbying success does not vary systematically across interest group type.
Alpha-synuclein levels in patients with multiple system atrophy: a meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study evaluates the relationship between multiple system atrophy and α-synuclein levels in the cerebrospinal fluid, plasma and neural tissue. Method: Literature search for relevant research articles was undertaken in electronic databases and study selection was based on a priori eligibility criteria. Random-effects meta-analyses of standardized mean differences in α-synuclein levels between multiple system atrophy patients and normal controls were conducted to obtain the overall and subgroup effect sizes. Meta-regression analyses were performed to evaluate the effect of age, gender and disease severity on standardized mean differences. Results: Data were obtained from 11 studies involving 378 multiple system atrophy patients and 637 healthy controls (age: multiple system atrophy patients 64.14 [95% confidence interval 62.05, 66.23] years; controls 64.16 [60.06, 68.25] years; disease duration: 44.41 [26.44, 62.38] months). Cerebrospinal fluid α-synuclein levels were significantly lower in multiple system atrophy patients than in controls but in plasma and neural tissue, α-synuclein levels were significantly higher in multiple system atrophy patients (standardized mean difference: −0.99 [−1.65, −0.32]; p = 0.001). Percentage of male multiple system atrophy patients was significantly positively associated with the standardized mean differences of cerebrospinal fluid α-synuclein levels (p = 0.029) whereas the percentage of healthy males was not associated with the standardized mean differences of cerebrospinal fluid α-synuclein levels (p = 0.920). Conclusion: In multiple system atrophy patients, α-synuclein levels were significantly lower in the cerebrospinal fluid and were positively associated with the male gender.
Shuffled BP decoding for punctured LDPC codes

In this paper, we propose a scheduling method of the shuffled BP decoding algorithm for punctured LDPC codes. The number of iteration required to recover whole punctured variable nodes in the standard BP decoding algorithm is increased with the number of punctured variable nodes. However, only one number of iteration is required in the proposed shuffled BP scheduling regardless of the puncturing algorithm and the number of punctured variable nodes. Furthermore, the proposed shuffled BP scheduling can improve the reliability of the unpunctured variable nodes at the 1st iteration, while impossible in the layered BP scheduling if there are no check nodes that only unpunctured variable nodes participate. Simulation results verify that the proposed shuffled BP scheduling has comparable performance to the layered BP scheduling in spite of its smaller number of scheduling group at rate below 0.9.
Monopolistic Competition and the Effects of Aggregate Demand

How important is monopolistic competition to an understanding of the effects of aggregate demand on output? The authors ask this question at three levels. Can monopolistic competition, by itself, explain why aggregate demand affects output? Can it, together with other imperfections, generate effects of aggregate demand in a way that perfect competition cannot? If so, can it give an accurate account of the res ponse of the economy to aggregate demand movements? The answers are no, yes, and yes. Copyright 1987 by American Economic Association.
Phylogeography and genetic relationships of North African Bufo mauritanicus Schlegel, 1841 estimated from mitochondrial DNA sequences

Genetic variation within the North African toad Bufo mauritanicus was estimated by sequencing partial 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA mitochondrial regions from widespread populations in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. Unlike many other wide ranging species from this area, B. mauritanicus demonstrated very low levels of intraspecific variation. The minimal intraspecific genetic variation may be due to a relatively recent, possibly post-glacial, expansion into its current range. Further phylogeographic studies of other North African species are needed to assess if this is a common biogeographical phenomenon. Phylogenetic analyses support immunological data that B. mauritanicus is part of a clade of predominantly sub-Saharan Bufo, recently assigned to a new genus Amietophrynus. Two different lineages within this clade, B. mauritanicus and the B. pardalis group, appear to have reverted from 20 chromosomes to the more typical 22 chromosomes found in most other Bufonids. However, the alternative hypothesis that the Bufo species with 20 chromosomes form a monophyletic lineage cannot be rejected.
A stochastic reward and punishment neural network algorithm for circuit bipartitioning

Circuit bipartitioning is an NP-hard combinatorial optimization problem in the layout synthesis of VLSI circuits, where we wish to find a partition of the circuit elements into two blocks such that the number of signal nets crossing the partition boundary is minimized. We have developed and experimented with several competitive learning neural network algorithms to solve this problem. The algorithms were tested on randomly generated circuits as well as several popular benchmark circuits. The stochastic reward and punishment neural network produced the best results which were comparable to those found by the Ratio Cut algorithm of Wei and Cheng. <<ETX>>
A network theory of mental disorders

In recent years, the network approach to psychopathology has been advanced as an alternative way of conceptualizing mental disorders. In this approach, mental disorders arise from direct interactions between symptoms. Although the network approach has led to many novel methodologies and substantive applications, it has not yet been fully articulated as a scientific theory of mental disorders. The present paper aims to develop such a theory, by postulating a limited set of theoretical principles regarding the structure and dynamics of symptom networks. At the heart of the theory lies the notion that symptoms of psychopathology are causally connected through myriads of biological, psychological and societal mechanisms. If these causal relations are sufficiently strong, symptoms can generate a level of feedback that renders them self‐sustaining. In this case, the network can get stuck in a disorder state. The network theory holds that this is a general feature of mental disorders, which can therefore be understood as alternative stable states of strongly connected symptom networks. This idea naturally leads to a comprehensive model of psychopathology, encompassing a common explanatory model for mental disorders, as well as novel definitions of associated concepts such as mental health, resilience, vulnerability and liability. In addition, the network theory has direct implications for how to understand diagnosis and treatment, and suggests a clear agenda for future research in psychiatry and associated disciplines.
Overview of Entry Descent and landing investments in the NASA Exploration Technology Development Program

Landing humans on Mars is perhaps the largest Entry, Descent and Landing challenge for this (or any) generation of NASA engineers.12 Essentially all current Mars EDL technology is based on development efforts in support of the Viking program in the 1960's and 1970's. Since that time, these key technologies have been tweaked and some additions have been added in order to extend the landed mass and altitude capabilities, but it has become clear that this technology suite is fundamentally limited to a landed mass of ∼1.25 metric tons. In contrast, current system studies for human Mars missions indicate a 40 t required landed mass. Clearly, a revolutionary change to the current state of the art is required in order to enable such ambitious missions. The present paper briefly discusses some of the recent NASA systems analysis work that has defined candidate technologies as well as overall system requirements for human landings. Those requirements were used to define a new technology development project within the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate in 2010. This Entry Descent and Landing Technology Development Project is currently investing in three major technology areas: rigid and flexible thermal protection systems, supersonic retro-propulsion systems, and simulation models & tools. The project portfolio in each of these areas is briefly discussed and some current results obtained in the first year of execution are presented. The project will continue in 2011, and has developed technology development roadmaps that would support the maturation of all of their technology investments to a Technology Readiness Level of 5 or 6 by 2016 in order to support infusion of the technologies onto either science missions or precursor exploration missions to Mars, potentially as early as 2018 or 2020.
Network development and knowledge creation within the foreign market: A study of international entrepreneurial firms

The aim of this paper is to contribute to international entrepreneurship theory by adopting a foreign market perspective when examining the links between network development and knowledge creation. Network development is argued to enhance the understanding of regional market structures and make firms more inclined − and better able − to create knowledge in foreign market business relationships (business relationships represent focal points in networks). The basis of this argument is that networks provide a multitude of opportunities for the exploitation of previously unexploited combinations of knowledge. Data were gathered from surveys conducted with an effective random sample of 188 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden. A LISREL-based analysis was performed to test the three hypotheses deduced from theory. Findings showed that network development has a direct positive impact on knowledge creation and that knowledge combination functions as a mediating construct between network development and knowledge creation.
From Kyoto to Singapore: The adoption of quality management in the services sector in Singapore

As quality is seen as becoming a competitive mandate, many organisations are said to be embracing the practice of Total Quality Management (TQM) as an improvement strategy. (Dale, 1999). Just as there are companies that claim that QM is benefiting them, the concept is increasingly also being criticised for not bringing about the promised results. Increasingly, doubts have been raised as to whether partial quality management--and not TQM--is being practised in organisations (Wilkinson et al., 1998). This paper examines the issues companies may be faced with in their attempts to embrace TQM in the service sector in Singapore. The paper utilises aspects of the Baldrige criteria in order to determine the progress of QM-practising companies in Singapore towards the objectives of TQM. Drawing from, the first stage of work, conducted during the last four years, manufacturing companies are reported to be the more experienced QM practitioners. This paper covers two case studies of companies from the services sector. The analysis of the cases are categorised according a criteria based on Baldrige Award, namely: management leadership; strategic planning for quality; organisational structure for quality; maintaining quality information systems; education and training for quality; employee involvement; management of process quality; rewards and recognition for quality; obstacles and benefits of quality improvement. The companies analysed come from different industries in the services sector. The first case is a government-linked aerospace company that specialises in the maintenance and overhaul of military aircraft, AERO. The second establishment is a renowned chain of fast-food restaurants, HAMBURGER Restaurants.
Mueller matrix decomposition for determination of optical rotation of glucose molecules in turbid media

Abstract. The optical activity of glucose molecules is important for diagnosing and monitoring blood glucose of diabetes. In order to accurately detect the diabetes at an early stage, there is an urgent need to develop innovative detection methods. By use of Mueller matrix decomposition (MMD), we have studied the optical activity of glucose molecules in three types of turbid media—polystyrene (PST) sphere suspension, chicken blood, and the vein blood of diabetic patients. The experimental setup to obtain the Mueller matrix in the forward detection geometry has been used. The experimental results show that the rotation angle has linear relationship with the concentration of the glucose when the scattering coefficient of the PST sphere suspension remains unchanged, whereas the scattering effect enlarges the rotation angle. Furthermore, optical rotation abides by Drude’s dispersion equation. The decomposition method has also been found useful applications in quantifying the optical rotations of blood glucose in diabetic patients. The diabetic severity status can be distinguished with the rotation angle of glucose and also is in accordance with the clinical diagnosis. Thus, the method of MMD has promising applications in diabetic diagnosis and monitoring.
Trends in winter sport tourism: challenges for the future.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to survey climate change impacts on winter sport tourists' activity and destination choice, to estimate shifts in customer demand and to provide recommendations and decision support for destination management.Design/methodology/approach – A total of 540 skiers from Vienna, Austria were surveyed with a standardized online questionnaire. The survey also contained a discrete choice experiment a stated preference method which forces respondents into trade‐off behavior between various possible combinations of destination profiles.Findings – The results show a strong preference for destination attributes promising sufficient (natural) snow conditions. In winters that lack snow, resorts in high destinations gain importance and travel distances lose some relevance. A large proportion of skiers would forgo skiing if it becomes more expensive. Snow independent substitutes are accepted as a short time compensation but not for the whole winter holiday. When asked to trade off ad.
Online Housing Search and the Geography of Submarkets

The importance of search behaviour has long been recognised in the study of housing markets, but research in this area has frequently been hampered by lack of data. In many nations, the vast majority of initial housing search queries are now conducted online and the data this generates could, in theory, provide us with better insights into how housing market search operates spatially, in addition to generating new knowledge on the geography of local housing submarkets. This paper seeks to explore these propositions by discussing existing conceptions of search before developing a framework for understanding housing search in the digital age. A large, user-generated housing market search data-set is then introduced and analysed with respect to area definition, submarket geography and search pressure locations. The results indicate that this kind of ‘big data’ approach to housing research could generate important new insights for housing market analysts.
The Impact of Income Taxation on the Labor Supply of Part-time and Full-time Workers

This paper estimates the effect of income taxation on the labor supply of part-time and full-time workers in the United States. Using a model that incorporates the endogeneity of the net wage rate and the virtual income, and correcting for self-selection into part-time and full-time jobs, the results indicate that part-time workers are relatively more responsive to changes in income tax than full-time workers. Estimated wage elasticities are relatively larger for part-time than for full-time workers.The simulation results indicate that income tax has a disincentive effect on both part-time and full-time workers, with part-time and full-time workers reducing their labor supply by 0.87 and 0.58 hours, respectively, if a 5% tax is imposed. However, the percentage reduction in hours of work is very small, and a tax policy may have little effect on the labor supply of workers.The results seem to suggest that female and black part-time workers are more likely to drop out of the labor force at higher levels of income tax. It also tests the hypothesis that the labor supply behavior of parttime and full-time workers differs.The test results indicate that the determinants of the labor supply of part-time workers are different from those of full-time workers. It is noted that there is a significant difference between the labor supply of male part-time and female parttime workers, as well as between the black part-time and white part-time workers. In order to reduce voluntary unemployment in market activities among married females and blacks, the government can encourage part-time work by sponsoring legislation or instituting a scheme that will allow part-time workers to pay relatively less in payroll taxes.
Formation of insulin-secreting, Sertoli-enriched tissue constructs by microgravity coculture of isolated pig islets and rat Sertoli cells

SummaryPancreatic islets, isolated from neonatal pigs, and Sertoli cells, isolated from prepubertal rats, were cocultured in simulated microgravity utilizing the NASA-developed highly accelerating, rotating vessel (HARV) biochamber. Following 5 d of incubation, three-dimensional Sertoli-islet cell aggregates (SICA) retained the ability to secrete insulin when exposed to elevated glucose. SICA contained FasL-positive Sertoli cells and insulin-positive β-cells randomly organized within the spherical construct. The addition of 1% Matrigel induced the reorganization of aggregates (SICAs formed in the presence of Matrigel [SICAmgs]) showing the peripherialization and epithelialization of Sertoli cells and the centralization of islets in association with lumen-like spaces. The Sertoli cells, but not Matrigel, aided in preserving the structural integrity of HARV-incubated islets. Neither Matrigel nor Sertoli cells appeared to interfere with the ability of SICA or SICAmg to secrete insulin and express FasL.
An Intergenerational Approach to Understanding Taiwanese American Adolescent Girls' and Their Mothers' Perceptions About Sexual Health

Taiwan-born mothers' perceptions of sexual health affect their Taiwanese American girls' sexual perceptions. Taiwanese American girls grow up balancing two different cultural influences (Taiwanese and American) while living in the majority society. The process of balancing two different cultures is called bicultural straddling. Four separate focus group interviews with two sets of mothers and daughters ( N = 20) were conducted to understand intergenerational transmission of thoughts, perceptions, values, and attitudes associated with sex-related taboos and their impact on sexual communication, safety, and sexual health of second-generation Taiwanese American girls. The findings suggest that mother—daughter relationships, particularly mothers' traditional cultural values, influence their daughters' decision-making process. A secondary finding suggests that these girls tend to experience mental strain if they decide to go against their mothers' advice. Implications are that maternal involvement should be increased and further studies conducted to understand mother-daughter relationships, their pattern of sexual-related communicating, and expectations.
Zinc Finger Protein 202, genetic variation, and HDL cholesterol in the general population Published, JLR Papers in Press, February 7, 2006.

Zinc Finger Protein 202 (ZNF202) is a transcriptional repressor that binds elements found predominantly in genes involved in HDL metabolism. We tested the following hypotheses: 1) frequencies of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes in ZNF202 differ between individuals with low and high HDL cholesterol; and 2) SNPs in ZNF202 affect HDL cholesterol levels in the general population. We screened the promoter and protein-coding exons of ZNF202 in individuals with the highest 1% (n = 95) and lowest 1% (n = 95) HDL cholesterol among 9,259 Danish adults. None of the 10 SNPs identified differed in frequency as single sites or as haplotypes between low and high HDL cholesterol groups. In accordance with this, seven mutations were equally frequent (4–5%) in individuals with low or high HDL cholesterol. Finally, for all five SNPs identified in the coding region, we determined the association of genotype with HDL cholesterol in 9,259 individuals from the general population. Four SNPs were not associated with variation in HDL cholesterol, although c. *2T>G homozygosity was associated with a discrete effect on HDL cholesterol in men. We show that genetic variation in ZNF202 is common in the general population. However, SNPs in the protein-coding region of ZNF202 do not make a major contribution to HDL cholesterol levels.
Capital Structure, Corporate Goverance, and Monetary Policy: Firm-Level Evidence for the Euro Area

This paper contributes to the empirical evidence on the credit channel of monetary policy in the euro area by providing firm level evidence on the relation between the impact of monetary policy on firm balance sheets and the corporate governance characteristics of the firms. A sample of half a million European firm-year observations, extending over the period 1990-1997, is analyzed. First, we present four alternative indicators of monetary policy for the 11 euro countries plus the UK. Secondly, we analyze the influence of governance structure on the monetary impact on firms' balance sheets. The results indicate that private firms, which appear to be more dependent on bank debt for external funds, are more susceptible to monetary policy shocks than public firms - quoted and unquoted.
Panel data approach to identify factors correlated with equity market risk premiums in developed and emerging markets

Traditional time series or cross-sectional regression procedures yield mixed evidence on maintained hypotheses about the determinants of international equity returns. This paper re-examines how three theory-suggested factors affect equity returns and how the test results may differ between developed and the Asian emerging markets. However, on pooling observations, our estimated coefficients are much more accurate, and yield theory-consistent results. Using the panel data method, we find that the equity returns, specified as risk premiums of developed and emerging markets, appear to be determined by variations within the equity markets using all three theory-suggested factors. In the emerging Asian markets, the risk premiums are affected more by the variation over time in income growth while the variations in the other two factors affect the equity premiums as within market variation effects.