Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
To Frack or Not to Frack? The Interaction of Justification and Power in a Sustainability Controversy

How could a de facto moratorium on shale gas exploration emerge in Quebec despite the broad adoption of fracking in North American jurisdictions, support from the provincial government and a favourable power position initially enjoyed by the oil and gas industry? This paper analyses this turn of events by studying how stakeholders from government, civil society, and industry mobilized modes of justification and forms of power with the aim to influence the moral legitimacy of the fracking technology during a controversy surrounding shale gas exploration. Combining Boltanski and Thevenot's economies of worth theory with Lukes’ concept of power, we analytically induced the justification of power mechanisms whereby uses of power become justified or ‘escape’ justification, and the power of justification mechanisms by which justifications alter subsequent power dynamics. We finally explain how these mechanisms contribute to explaining the controversy's ultimate outcome, and advance current debates on political corporate social responsibility.
A Model of Adjustment and Growth

A model that merges the monetary approach to the balance of payments and a neoclassical growth model into a unified framework in which inflation, growth, and the balance of payments are simultaneously determined and estimated. The tradeoff between the simplifying assumtions of the model and its ability to fit reality is assessed in terms of a diverse sample of developing countries for which the key parameters of the model are estimated.
Canonical valuation and hedging of index options

Canonical valuation is a nonparametric method for valuing derivatives proposed by M. Stutzer (1996). Although the properties of canonical estimates of option price and hedge ratio have been studied in simulation settings, applications of the methodology to traded derivative data are rare. This study explores the practical usefulness of canonical valuation using a large sample of index options. The basic unconstrained canonical estimator fails to outperform the traditional Black–Scholes model; however, a constrained canonical estimator that incorporates a small amount of conditioning information produces dramatic reductions in mean pricing errors. Similarly, the canonical approach generates hedge ratios that result in superior hedging effectiveness compared to Black–Scholes‐based deltas. The results encourage further exploration and application of the canonical approach to pricing and hedging derivatives. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jnl Fut Mark 27: 771–790, 2007
Making Components Contract Aware

Components have long promised to encapsulate data and programs into a box that operates predictably without requiring that users know the specifics of how it does so. Many advocates have predicted that components will bring about widespread software reuse, spawning a market for components usable with such mainstream software buses as the Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA) and the Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM). In the Windows world, at least, this prediction is becoming a reality. Yet recent reports indicate mixed results when using and reusing components in mission-critical settings. Such results raise disturbing questions. How can you trust a component? What if the component behaves unexpectedly, either because it is faulty or simply because you misused it? Before we can trust a component in mission-critical applications, we must be able to determine, reliably and in advance, how it will behave. In this article the authors define a general model of sofware contracts and show how existing mechanisms could be used to turn traditional components into contract-aware ones.
Emerging Vocabulary Learning: From a Perspective of Activities Facilitated by Mobile Devices.

This paper examines the current mobile vocabulary learning practice to discover how far mobile devices are being used to support vocabulary learning. An activity-centered perspective is undertaken, with the consideration of new practice against existing theories of learning activities including behaviorist activities, constructivist activities, situated activities, collaborative activities and informal and lifelong activities. Such an approach allows one to reflect on the advantages of L2 vocabulary learning and to hypothesize what features of this technology are likely to change language teaching and learning.The integration of mobile devices and vocabulary learning needs to take into consideration portability, social interactivity, context sensitivity, connectivity and individuality. Insights gained from the categorization of activity type will inform researchers and teachers of the emerging vocabulary learning practice and its potential relevance to the innovation in language language teaching and learning.
Option and Futures Evaluation With Deterministic Volatilities

Several risk-neutral expectation formulae are derived in a general multifactor setting. Specializing to deterministic covariances of returns, they lead to formulae for forward and future prices as well as formulae for options on forward and futures contracts. the results are applicable to currencies, bonds, commodities with stochastic convenience yield, and stock indices. For currencies, a noarbitrage relation between domestic and foreign economies is formulated and applied to evaluate quanto futures and options. Copyright 1993 Blackwell Publishers.
Productivity, economics, energetics and soil properties of vegetables-based relay intercropping systems

A field experiment was conducted during 2002-03 and 2003-04 at Almora to find out the most productive and remunerative relay intercropping of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. nom. cons.) or french bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in maize (Zea mays L.), garden pea (Pisum sativum L.var. arvense poir.) in tomato or french bean, and french bean in garden pea. Results showed that relay intercropping of maize (green cobs) + tomato + garden pea + french bean, and maize (green cobs) + french bean + garden pea + french bean proved significantly superior in terms of maize grain-equivalent yield (71.3 and 51.5 t/ha), and net returns (Rs 2,39,558 and Rs 1,52,624/ha) than maize (green cobs) - garden pea (1 8.8 t/ha and Rs 48,02O/ha) and french bean - garden pea (30.7 t/ha, and Rs 94,0211ha) sequential cropping. Also, maize (green cobs) + tomato + garden pea + french bean recorded signifi- cantly highest production efficiency (195.4 kgldaylha) and economic efficiency (Rs 656/ha/day), system energy output (1 0,83,760 MJ/ha), system net energy return (1 0,40,856 MJIha) and system energy-use efficiency (2,852 MJIhdday). The lowest maize grain equivalent yield (18.8 t/ha), net returns (Rs 48,02O/ha), production efficiency (51.5 kgldaylha) and economic efficiency (Rs 132lhdday) were recorded under maize (green cobs) - garden pea sequential cropping. Physico-chemical properties of the soil improved significantly due to relay intercropping sys- tems over maize (green cobs) - garden pea sequence. Relay intercropping of maize (green cobs) + tomato + gar- den pea + french bean proved the best in terms of total production and monetary returns.
How well do patent citations measure flows of technology? Evidence from French innovation surveys

Patent citation data are used in a growing body of economics and business research on technological diffusion. Until now, there exists little evidence on whether patent citations are a good measure of knowledge flows. Our paper assesses the legitimacy of using European patent citations as a measure of technology flows. It uses information from the Community Innovation Survey collected by the French Service des Statistiques Industrielles (SESSI), which contain firms’ responses to questions about their innovative activity. We show that patent citations are indeed related to firms’ statements about their acquisition and dispersion of new technology, but that the strength and statistical significance of this relationship varies across geographical regions and across channels of knowledge diffusion.
Permafrost response to increasing Arctic shrub abundance depends on the relative influence of shrubs on local soil cooling versus large-scale climate warming

Deciduous shrub abundance is increasing across the Arctic in response to climatic warming. In a recent field manipulation experiment in which shrubs were removed from a plot and compared to a control plot with shrubs, Blok et al (2010 Glob. Change Biol. 16 1296–305) found that shrubs protect the ground through shading, resulting in a ∼ 9% shallower active layer thickness (ALT) under shrubs compared to grassy-tundra, which led them to argue that continued Arctic shrub expansion could mitigate future permafrost thaw. We utilize the Community Land Model (CLM4) coupled to the Community Atmosphere Model (CAM4) to evaluate this hypothesis. CLM4 simulates shallower ALT (∼− 11 cm) under shrubs, consistent with the field manipulation study. However, in an idealized pan-Arctic + 20% shrub area experiment, atmospheric heating, driven mainly by surface albedo changes related to protrusion of shrub stems above the spring snowpack, leads to soil warming and deeper ALT (∼+ 10 cm). Therefore, if climate feedbacks are considered, shrub expansion may actually increase rather than decrease permafrost vulnerability. When we account for blowing-snow redistribution from grassy-tundra to shrubs, shifts in snowpack distribution in low versus high shrub area simulations counter the climate warming impact, resulting in a grid cell mean ALT that is unchanged. These results reinforce the need to consider vegetation dynamics and blowing-snow processes in the permafrost thaw model projections.
Internationalization as a determining factor of HRM outsourcing

This paper examines the effect of company internationalization on the practice of outsourcing HRM functions in Greece. It holds the assumption that HRM outsourcing is perceived as an innovative practice and that foreign multinationals (MNCs) will use this practice more than native ones do. In doing that, the study aims at examining whether ‘diffusion’ of loosely- regulated management practices such as HRM outsourcing, is sustained by foreign multinationals. The findings of the 2000 CRANET survey are presented to show that HRM outsourcing is used to a lesser extent in Greece than other Western economies. Then the hypothesis that MNCs outsource more HRM services than Greek companies do is tested. The analysis draws upon the findings of a survey addressed to HR directors of both foreign multinationals and Greek companies. A significant difference is found in the extent of HRM outsourcing between Greek companies and foreign multinational subsidiaries. This is adequately explained through the comparison of the way HRM is conducted in Greek each type of company, as well as the segregation of the Greek market for HRM services. The paper adds to the discussion on the role of multinationals in the diffusion of innovative managerial practices, as well as to the HRM convergence–divergence debate.
Serological cross-reactions between Acinetobacter calcoaceticus and chlamydiae

A cross-reaction between Acinetobacter calcoaceticus and chlamydiae is described. A water-soluble, heat stable, non-dialyzable antigen was extracted from Acinetobacter species by boiling. This antigen fixed complement in the presence of homologous hyperimmune sera from rabbits or guinea pigs and in the presence of heterologous human or hyperimmunized animal sera containing chlamydial antibodies. Hyperimmune antisera to the extracted antigen, or to suspensions of live acinetobacters, also reacted in complement fixation with a group-specific antigen.
Serum biochemical changes in Japanese quail (coturnix coturnix japonica) experimentally infected with salmonella enterica serovar gallinarum

Aim: To determine the serum biochemical changes in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) experimentally infected with Salmonella enterica serovar Gallinarum Methods: A total of 160 (108 males and 52 females) Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were used for the experiment. Four weeks old quails were randomly selected and assigned into four groups (A, B,C and D) of forty quails each. Groups A, B and C were infected with Salmonella enterica serovar Gallinarum per os at the dose of 106,104and102, respectively, while group D served as the control. Sera were used for the determination of biochemical parameters. Results: There were significant changes (P<0.05) in serum glucose,total protein, albumin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and urea concentrations between infected groups and the control group.Significant changes (P<0.05) in these biochemical parameters were also observed post-infection compared to pre-infection within each infected group. Conclusion: FT in quails results in severe multi organ dysfunction and damage as demonstrated by the serum biochemical changes noticed suggestive of immediate cause of mortality in FT infection. Key words: Serum biochemistry, Quail, Salmonella, Nigeria
User-robot collaborative excitation for PAM model identification in exoskeleton robots

Pneumatic Artificial Muscle (PAM) actuators have been used as exoskeletons because of their inherited compliance and high power-weight ratio. However, creating accurate models remains difficult mainly due to the compliance issue; the model can be changed by the force applied by the user. Therefore, both user and robot actions need to be considered for sufficient excitation of PAMs that are equipped in exoskeleton robots, unlike typical rigid actuators that can only be sufficiently excited by robot actions. In this paper, we propose a user-robot collaborative excitation approach for PAM model identification as an active learning framework for sequentially collecting data by deriving and executing optimal user and robot actions at each step with Gaussian processes. The optimal actions, which are executed by the robot, are displayed on a monitor that enables the user to execute them. We conducted experiments using a powered elbow exoskeleton with a PAM actuator. Experimental results show that our method can more efficiently identify the PAM model than a standard model identification method that does not use any data acquired through user-robot collaboration.
Farm Size Evaluation in the El Paso Valley: A Survival/Success Approach

Policy makers and agricultural economists in the United States have long been interested in the effects of size on farm survival and success. Most farm size studies to date have concentrated on economic efficiency and have failed to incorporate the effects of uncertainty, time, income taxes, financial considerations, and variation in year-to-year net cash flows on the survival/success of different size farms. A dynamic Monte-Carlo simulation-programming model was developed and used to analyze the projected survival/success of four alternative farm sizes for the El Paso Valley. For farms in the El Paso Valley, the projected chances of survival and success increase as farm size increases from 160 to 960 acres and/or beginning equity level increases from 25% to 100%.
Comparative genomic and genetic analysis of glioblastoma-derived brain tumor-initiating cells and their parent tumors.

BACKGROUND Glioblastoma (GBM) is a fatal cancer that has eluded major therapeutic advances. Failure to make progress may reflect the absence of a human GBM model that could be used to test compounds for anti-GBM activity. In this respect, the development of brain tumor-initiating cell (BTIC) cultures is a step forward because BTICs appear to capture the molecular diversity of GBM better than traditional glioma cell lines. Here, we perform a comparative genomic and genetic analysis of BTICs and their parent tumors as preliminary evaluation of the BTIC model. METHODS We assessed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), genome-wide copy number variations (CNVs), gene expression patterns, and molecular subtypes of 11 established BTIC lines and matched parent tumors. RESULTS Although CNV differences were noted, BTICs retained the major genomic alterations characteristic of GBM. SNP patterns were similar between BTICs and tumors. Importantly, recurring SNP or CNV alterations specific to BTICs were not seen. Comparative gene expression analysis and molecular subtyping revealed differences between BTICs and GBMs. These differences formed the basis of a 63-gene expression signature that distinguished cells from tumors; differentially expressed genes primarily involved metabolic processes. We also derived a set of 73 similarly expressed genes; these genes were not associated with specific biological functions. CONCLUSIONS Although not identical, established BTIC lines preserve the core molecular alterations seen in their parent tumors, as well as the genomic hallmarks of GBM, without acquiring recurring BTIC-specific changes.
Size and Political Support on the Local Level in Sweden

Abstract Does size of municipality have an impact on political support? This study investigates the connection between municipality size and political support in 55 Swedish municipalities. Three hypotheses about the connection between municipality size and political support are developed from previous research. These hypotheses claim negative, positive, and no connection between municipality size and political support. In the empirical analysis, two aspects of size (area and population) and eleven aspects of political support (five aspects of political trust, participation in parliamentary and municipal elections, political interests, party identification, and activity in associations) are included. The analysis also includes six aspects of municipality composition (age, education, ethnicity, income, labour market activity and urbanisation). When the three hypotheses are empirically tested, the analysis indicates that several aspects of political support have negative correlations with area size, while only one of the aspects has a negative correlation with population size. However, a major part of the investigated aspects has no connection with municipality size and the connections that are indicated by the analysis are only moderate in their strength.
A Nested Logit Migration Model with Selectivity

The author specifies a multiple discrete-choice migration model with a correction for selectivity in wage equations, and applies a less restrictive technique for modeling multiple discrete choices than in previous studies of migration. The author estimates the model using Venezuelan microdata, and finds evidence of positive selection in some state wage equations. This suggests that migration decisions are made according to the principle of comparative advantage. Evidence is also found of unobserved similarities between some states of Venezuela such that individuals regard them as neither perfectly distinct nor perfect substitutes. Copyright 1987 by Economics Department of the University of Pennsylvania and the Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association.
Screening for the Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer).

BACKGROUND Germ-line mutations in the mismatch-repair genes MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2 lead to the development of the Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer), conferring a strong susceptibility to cancer. We assessed the frequency of such mutations in patients with colorectal cancer and examined strategies for molecular screening to identify patients with the syndrome. METHODS Patients with a new diagnosis of colorectal adenocarcinoma at the major hospitals in metropolitan Columbus, Ohio, were eligible for the study. Genotyping of the tumor for microsatellite instability was the primary screening method. Among patients whose screening results were positive for microsatellite instability, we searched for germ-line mutations in the MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2 genes with the use of immunohistochemical staining for mismatch-repair proteins, genomic sequencing, and deletion studies. Family members of carriers of the mutations were counseled, and those found to be at risk were offered mutation testing. RESULTS Of 1066 patients enrolled in the study, 208 (19.5 percent) had microsatellite instability, and 23 of these patients had a mutation causing the Lynch syndrome (2.2 percent). Among the 23 probands with the Lynch syndrome, 10 were more than 50 years of age and 5 did not meet the Amsterdam criteria or the Bethesda guidelines for the diagnosis of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (including the use of age and family history to identify patients at high risk for the Lynch syndrome). Genotyping for microsatellite instability alone and immunohistochemical analysis alone each failed to identify two probands. In the families of 21 of the probands, 117 persons at risk were tested, and of these, 52 had Lynch syndrome mutations and 65 did not. CONCLUSIONS Routine molecular screening of patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma for the Lynch syndrome identified mutations in patients and their family members that otherwise would not have been detected. These data suggest that the effectiveness of screening with immunohistochemical analysis of the mismatch-repair proteins would be similar to that of the more complex strategy of genotyping for microsatellite instability.
Four new provisional serovars of Shigella

Four bacterial strains are described that possess the biochemical characteristics of Shigella species but do not belong to any of the established Shigella serovars or to any previously described provisional serovar. One strain fermented mannitol, and it is proposed that this be the type strain for a new provisional serovar of Shigella boydii. The remaining strains did not ferment mannitol and belonged to three different serovars. These strains are proposed as type strains for three new provisional serovars of Shigella dysenteriae. All four strains were invasive in a HEp-2 cell tissue culture test, but only one was invasive in the guinea pig eye test and might therefore be expected to cause dysenterylike illness in humans. It is important that the designation of such strains remain provisional until other reference laboratories have had the opportunity to search for additional isolates and the possible pathogenicity of these strains for humans can be further assessed.
Glutamine and fatty acid oxidation are the main sources of energy for Kupffer and endothelial cells.

This study assessed and compared the rate of glucose utilization, activity of the hexose-monophosphate shunt (HMS), and the oxidation of glutamine, lactate, and palmitate in Kupffer (KC), endothelial (EC), and parenchymal liver cells (PC). Cells were isolated by collagenase and pronase digestion followed by centrifugal elutriation. The freshly isolated cells were incubated in the presence of 5 mM glucose, 0.5 mM glutamine, 1 mM lactate, and 0.4 mM palmitate, and the oxidation rate of individual substrates was determined by the measurement of 14CO2 production. Glucose utilization was assessed by detritiation of [2-3H]glucose. Glucose flux through HMS was 2.6, 1.6, and 0.72 nmol.h-1.mg protein-1 in KC, EC and PC, respectively. The oxidation rate of palmitate in PC (3.5 nmol.h-1.mg protein-1) was about twofold greater than in nonparenchymal cells. Glutamine oxidation was 6.1, 4.2, and 2.1 nmol.h-1.mg protein-1 in KC, EC, and PC, respectively. In contrast, oxidation of exogenous lactate by PC (32.1 nmol.h-1.mg protein-1) was about seven- to eightfold greater than by KC or EC. Presence of prevailing lactate concentrations did not inhibit glucose oxidation in these cells, while it attenuated glucose utilization by PC. Our data show that in the presence of a physiological substrate mixture, less than 20% of the ATP generated from exogenous substrates is derived from glycolysis in KC or EC. Oxidation of glutamine and palmitate are the main sources for energy in these cells. In PC, however, lactate and palmitate oxidation is responsible for approximately 90% for the ATP production derived form the oxidation of exogenous substrates. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)