Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Factors affecting the diffusion of integrated reporting – a UK FTSE 100 perspective

Purpose – This study seeks to investigate the likely adoption of integrated reporting (IR), in addition to highlighting the limitations of current reporting practices. In particular, the analysis in this study used the characteristics of diffusion of innovation theory to investigate how perceptions of IR as offering a relative advantage over existing practices; its compatibility to existing organisational values, past experiences and needs; and its perceived complexity impacted on the adoption and diffusion of IR. Design/methodology/approach – Methodology was based on a content analysis of 22 UK FTSE 100 annual and sustainability reports across industries. To build a phenomenological triangulation research approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten senior managers to ascertain their perceptions of current SR practices and IR. Findings – The analysis in this study revealed that low/medium levels of linkages exist between the majority of reports in the sample, thus limiting their usefulnes.
Codebook clustering for unit selection based EMG-to-speech conversion

This paper reports on our recent advances in using Unit Selection to directly synthesize speech from facial surface electromyographic (EMG) signals generated by movement of the articulatory muscles during speech production. We achieve a robust Unit Selection mapping by using a more sophisticated unit codebook. This codebook is generated from a set of base units using a two stage unit clustering process. The units are first clustered based on the audio and afterwards on the EMG feature vectors they cover, and a new codebook is generated using these cluster assignments. We evaluate different cluster counts for both stages and revisit our evaluation of unit sizes in light of this clustering approach. Our final system achieves a significantly better Mel-Cepstral distortion score than the Unit Selection based EMG-to-Speech conversion system from our previous work while, due to the reduced codebook size, taking less time to perform the conversion.
Sustainability challenges and the ambivalent role of the financial sector

Over the past few decades, the financial sector has sought to positively contributing to sustainable development through innovative products and services. However, in its business-as-usual the financial sector continues to contribute to military interventions, environmental degradation, growing disparity of incomes, de-coupling of finance and real economy, and global economic crises. This article presents a framework of how to appraise the positive and negative contributions of the financial sector to sustainable development, from a systems perspective. On this base, the article proposes an approach for designing effective finance interventions to complex sustainability problems. Based on similar experiences from studies on water governance and technology development, the approach proposes a participatory procedure, first, to identify the role of the financial sector in complex sustainability problem constellations and, second, to develop intervention strategies for financial intermediaries interested in shifting their role and mitigating the identified problems. We discuss challenges of establishing causal links within the problem constellation, which is a prerequisite for successful intervention design, as well as in the cause–effect structure of the interventions themselves. The article concludes with outlining future research needs.
Domestic Violence: A Nonrandom Affair

In this paper, the authors develop and estimate a model of domestic violence. They extend a noncooperative model of the family to include violence as a source of gratification and an instrument for controlling behavior. The authors estimate the model by robust methods since the violence process appears to have a heavy-tailed, nonnormal error distribution. They find that the properties of the equilibria depend on family income. For low/middle income families, the authors' results indicate an equilibrium in which one person's reservation utility constraint is binding, whereas for higher income families both individuals may gain from the relationship. Copyright 1991 by Economics Department of the University of Pennsylvania and the Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association.
Attention-based Recurrent Neural Networks for Question Answering

Machine Comprehension (MC) of text is an important problem in Natural Language Processing (NLP) research, and the task of Question Answering (QA) is a major way of assessing MC outcomes. One QA dataset that has gained immense popularity recently is the Stanford Question Answering Dataset (SQuAD). Successful models for SQuAD have all involved the use of Recurrent Neural Network (RNN), and most of them apply the attention mechanism on top of the neural architecture. In this paper, we explore and compare two of such models Match-LSTM and Bidirectional Attention Flow (BiDAF), and propose an ensemble model which combines these two models together. Our models are able to achieve competitive results on the CS224N Test Leaderboard.
Scale Economies in American Retailing: A Cross-Industry Comparison

Determination of the nature and scope of competition in the channel of distribution is of increasing interest to macromarketers because of the growing importance of marketing in the American economy. This competition is influenced by many factors, among which is the extent of scale economies. This article investigates economies of scale in retailing from both a conceptual and an empirical perspective. This represents the first stage in an analysis of competition in retailing and, ultimately, throughout the channel of distribution.
Long-range electrostatic screening in ionic liquids

Significance Liquid solutions with high concentrations of electrically charged ions are key elements of many energy storage technologies and are prevalent in biology. Nevertheless, they remain poorly understood. We study ionic liquids—liquids composed solely of ions—with the goal of providing a general picture of concentrated ionic solutions. Using molecular-scale experiments, we show that, surprisingly, less than 0.1% of the ions in ionic liquids are “free” to contribute to electrostatic screening, with the remainder “stuck” as neutral aggregates. Our temperature-dependent results provide fundamental guidance for designing high-performance ionic liquids for numerous applications. More broadly, we provide a novel way of envisioning concentrated ionic solutions with wide-ranging implications, such as elucidating the nanoscale properties of underwater bioadhesives and other self-assembled biomolecules. Electrolyte solutions with high concentrations of ions are prevalent in biological systems and energy storage technologies. Nevertheless, the high interaction free energy and long-range nature of electrostatic interactions makes the development of a general conceptual picture of concentrated electrolytes a significant challenge. In this work, we study ionic liquids, single-component liquids composed solely of ions, in an attempt to provide a novel perspective on electrostatic screening in very high concentration (nonideal) electrolytes. We use temperature-dependent surface force measurements to demonstrate that the long-range, exponentially decaying diffuse double-layer forces observed across ionic liquids exhibit a pronounced temperature dependence: Increasing the temperature decreases the measured exponential (Debye) decay length, implying an increase in the thermally driven effective free-ion concentration in the bulk ionic liquids. We use our quantitative results to propose a general model of long-range electrostatic screening in ionic liquids, where thermally activated charge fluctuations, either free ions or correlated domains (quasiparticles), take on the role of ions in traditional dilute electrolyte solutions. This picture represents a crucial step toward resolving several inconsistencies surrounding electrostatic screening and charge transport in ionic liquids that have impeded progress within the interdisciplinary ionic liquids community. More broadly, our work provides a previously unidentified way of envisioning highly concentrated electrolytes, with implications for diverse areas of inquiry, ranging from designing electrochemical devices to rationalizing electrostatic interactions in biological systems.
Career plans and aspirations of recent black and minority ethnic business graduates

While existing data now provides a fairly detailed picture of the state of the graduate labour market, less is known about the career aspirations of graduates, how and why they make the decisions they do. Based on qualitative interviews with black and minority ethnic business graduates, the article investigates the subjective dimensions of the early formation of careers.This approach opens the way for exploring the influence of `race'/ethnicity and to do so, the article employs Jenkins' (2004) sociological framework for conceptualizing identity focusing on how identity works in everyday life through three distinct `orders' — the individual, interaction and institutional. The article argues that career plans and aspirations, while not simply reflective of or determined by `race'/ethnicity, are formulated in the light of self-concepts of ethnicity that interact dialectically with awareness of a racialized, discriminatory labour market.
Parent perceptions of their child’s communication and academic experiences with cochlear implants

Abstract Objective: To explore parent perceptions of communication and academic experiences of cochlear implant (CI) recipients under the age of 18. Design: Cross-sectional survey design. Two surveys (K-12, birth-5) queried parent perceptions of the impact of CI on communication, listening in various environments and academic achievement. Surveys contained 16–23 multiple choice and/or Likert ratings, plus four open-ended questions to assess reasons for obtaining a CI, satisfaction with CI and suggestions for professionals. Study sample: Surveys were sent to 156 parents of CI recipients; 81 surveys returned; response rate 52%. Results: According to parent report, 95% of K-12 children and 100% of preschool children used spoken language as their primary mode of communication; majority of K-12 children performed same as or better than peers across academic subjects; 99% of respondents were pleased with their decision to obtain a CI. The most important reasons reported for choosing CIs were for their child to use the same language as their families and to effectively communicate in hearing society. Satisfaction with CI was better in quiet than in noise. Respondents stressed the importance of audiologists having excellent skills in CI management and programming. Conclusions: Respondents were positive about the benefits of obtaining CI for their child.
Nonlinear estimation of Monod growth kinetic parameters from a single substrate depletion curve

Monod growth kinetic parameters were estimated by fitting sigmoidal substrate depletion data to the integrated Monod equation, using nonlinear least-squares analysis. When the initial substrate concentration was in the mixed-order region, nonlinear estimation of simulated data sets containing known measurement errors provided accurate estimates of the mu max, Ks, and Y values used to create these data. Nonlinear regression analysis of sigmoidal substrate depletion data was also evaluated for H2-limited batch growth of Desulfovibrio sp. strain G11. The integrated Monod equation can be more convenient for the estimation of growth kinetic parameters, particularly for gaseous substrates, but it must be recognized that the estimates of mu max, Ks, and Y obtained may be influenced by the growth rate history of the inoculum.
Speech enhancement based on residual noise shaping

In this paper, we propose a novel approach to speech enhancement, which incorporates a new criterion based on residual noise shaping. In the proposed approach, our goal is to make the residual noise perceptually comfortable although the power of the residual noise is relatively high. In contrast to the conventional techniques, the proposed approach regulates not only the power of the signal distortion and residual noise but also the spectral shape of the residual noise. A predetermined ‘comfort noise’ is provided as a target for the spectral shaping. Three different versions of enhancement algorithms adopting the proposed criterion are presented. Subjective listening test results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms the conventional spectral enhancement techniques which are based on soft decision and the noise suppression module implemented in IS-893 Selectable Mode Vocoder.
Vessel wall, not platelet, P2Y12 potentiates early atherogenesis.

AIMS Platelets have a fundamental role in atherothrombosis, but their role in early atherogenesis is unclear. The P2Y12 receptor is responsible for amplifying and sustaining platelet activation and P2Y12 inhibition is crucial in modulating the vessel wall response to injury. We therefore examined the role of platelet vs. vessel wall P2Y12 in early atherogenesis and considered the use of P2Y12 antagonists ticagrelor and clopidogrel in modulating this process. METHODS AND RESULTS ApoE(-/-) and ApoE(-/-)P2Y12 (-/-) male mice underwent bone marrow transplantation and were fed a western diet for 4 weeks before assessing atherosclerotic burden. Compared with ApoE(-/-) controls, platelet P2Y12 deficiency profoundly reduced platelet reactivity but had no effect on atheroma formation, whereas vessel wall P2Y12 deficiency significantly attenuated atheroma in the aortic sinus and brachiocephalic artery (both P < 0.001). ApoE(-/-) and ApoE(-/-)P2Y12 (-/-) male mice fed western diet plus either twice-daily doses of ticagrelor (100 mg/kg) or daily clopidogrel (20 mg/kg) for 4 weeks exhibited no significant reduction in atheroma compared with control mice fed mannitol. Attenuated P-selectin expression confirmed platelet P2Y12 inhibition in drug-treated mice. CONCLUSIONS Despite its major contribution to platelet reactivity, platelet P2Y12 has no effect on early atheroma formation, whereas vessel wall P2Y12 is important in this process. Ticagrelor and clopidogrel effectively reduced platelet reactivity but were unable to inhibit early atherogenesis, demonstrating that these P2Y12 inhibitors may not be effective in preventing early disease.
Validation of a Theory-Driven Profile Interpretation of the Dutch Short Form of the MMPI Using the TAT Social Cognitions and Object Relations Scale (SCORS)

In this study, we investigated the construct validity of the theory-driven profile interpretation of the Dutch Short Form of the MMPI (DSFM; Luteijn & Kok, 1985), an interpretation method aimed at assessing structural features of personality based on Kernberg and Caligor's (2005) views concerning personality organization. We utilized the four dimensions of the Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale (SCORS; Westen, Lohr, Silk, Gold, & Kerber, 1990) as external criteria. Results showed that, congruent with theoretical expectations, the DSFM profiles predicted structural features of personality functioning, especially identity diffusion as measured by the SCORS, after adjustment for the effect of the single scales used to construct the profiles. These findings provide further support for the construct validity of the DSFM profiles to measure structural features of personality organization. We discuss directions for future research and clinical implications.
KIAA1522 overexpression promotes tumorigenicity and metastasis of esophageal cancer cells through potentiating the ERK activity

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a highly malignant tumor associated with a poor prognosis, and the molecular mechanisms underlying its formation and progression remain poorly understood. KIAA1522 is upregulated in various tumor tissues, but its function is unknown. Alterations in KIAA1522 expression and its implication in ESCC are currently unclear. In this study, an immunohistochemical analysis of ESCC tissues showed that KIAA1522 was highly expressed in 46% (157/342) of ESCC specimens and that its expression was inversely correlated with the degree of differentiation (P=0.03). Furthermore, small interfering RNA-mediated silencing of KIAA1522 revealed that overexpression of this protein reinforced malignant cell proliferation and anoikis resistance of ESCC cells in vitro. More importantly, KIAA1522 depletion significantly suppressed the growth of ESCC xenograft tumors and lung metastasis of ESCC cells in nude mice. At the molecular level, inhibition of KIAA1522 expression markedly reduced the phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) levels in both suspended and adherent ESCC cells, suggesting that KIAA1522 might promote cell proliferation and survival via the ERK cascade. Taken together, these data suggest that upregulation of KIAA1522 might enhance tumorigenicity and metastasis of ESCC cells through potentiating the ERK activity. Thus, aberrant expression of KIAA1522 plays oncogenic roles in ESCC and might serve as a novel molecular target in ESCC treatment.
Computational Lithography

Optical lithography is one of the most challenging areas of current integrated circuit manufacturing technology. The semiconductor industry is relying more on resolution enhancement techniques (RETs), since their implementation does not require significant changes in fabrication infrastructure. Computational Lithography is the first book to address the computational optimization of RETs in optical lithography, providing an in-depth discussion of optimal optical proximity correction (OPC), phase shifting mask (PSM), and offaxis illumination (OAI) RET tools that use model-based mathematical optimization approaches.
Menstrual Cycle Phase and Gender Effects on Hippocampally Modulated Sensorimotor Processes: Classical Eyeblink Conditioning and PPI of the Acoustic Startle Response

Experimental animal research studies have demonstrated that hormones affect neurological physiology and morphology in areas such as the striatum, hypothalamus, and hippocampus. How the specific effects of estrogen and progesterone are manifested behaviorally in humans, however, is not yet understood. The current study tested sensorimotor responding and simple motor learning in three groups of women follicular/low hormone, luteal/high hormone, oral contraceptive and men. Using PPI as an operational measure, this study was designed to expand limited findings which report menstrual cycle phase effects on pre-pulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle response (ASR), a direct measure of sensorimotor gating. In addition, classical eyeblink conditioning was evaluated using the same subset of groups. This paradigm was included to build on previous work indicating that women demonstrate facilitated conditioned responding as compared to males, and that women taking oral contraceptives acquire conditioned responses at a significantly higher rate than females not currently taking oral contraceptives and males. Using a simple discrimination paradigm, acquisition of conditioned responding to a CS+ tone, which is paired with an airpuff stimulus, versus responding to an explicitly unpaired CStone was assessed. ASR testing revealed that there were no differences between sex, menstrual cycle phase, or oral contraceptive use with respect to baseline startle responding and PPI. Assessment of classical eyeblink conditioning revealed significant differences in conditioned eyeblink response acquisition rates between groups. Also, significant sex differences were found in baseline eyeblink responding, and for the percent of conditioned responses (%CR) emitted.
The Role of Education in Development

Most education around the globe is public. Moreover, investment rates in education as well as schooling attainments differ substantially across countries. We construct a general equilibrium life-cycle model that is consistent with these facts. We provide simple analytical solutions for the optimal educational choices, which may entail pure public provision of education, and their general equilibrium effects. We calibrate the model to fit cross-country evidence on demographics and educational variables. The model is able to replicate a number of key regularities in the data beyond the matching targets. We use the model to identify and quantify sources of world income differences, and find that demographic factors, in particular mortality rates, explain most of the differences. We also use the model to the role of public education and the HIV/AIDS pandemic in development.
Bargaining in the transfer market: theory and evidence

This paper examines the transfer market for association football players as operated in the English Football League using transfer data for the 1990–91 season. After describing the purposes and procedures involved in the transfer system together with the motives of the participants, we apply two-person bargaining theory to analyse the determination of transfer fees. The data and estimation procedures are explained and the results reported and interpreted. Our analysis suggests that the Nash bargaining theory captures the salient features of the bargaining process in the footballer's transfer market.
Community empowerment: learning from practice in community regeneration

Purpose – Recent UK policies emphasise increased community participation in decision‐making. However, research points to an “implementation gap” whereby policy has not led to genuine community empowerment in practice. This paper aims to investigate community empowerment and influence over service providers brought about by the Communities First programme in Wales, a regeneration programme which aims to empower local communities.Design/methodology/approach – The research analyses nine Communities First partnerships with a mixture of interviews, focus groups and community‐led partnership reviews. The case studies reflect the rural/urban geography of Wales and the varied governance models evident in Communities First.Findings – Through Communities First, residents feel empowered to manage positive change in their communities. However, key public agencies have not responded adequately to this policy agenda. Notably, there has been a failure to “bend” mainstream services.Research limitations/implications – The.
Two-Component Regulators Control hilA Expression by Controlling fimZ and hilE Expression within Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium

ABSTRACT Salmonellae initiate disease through the invasion of host cells within the intestine. This ability to invade requires the coordinated action of numerous genes, many of which are found within Salmonella pathogenicity island 1 (SPI-1). The key to this process is the ability of the bacteria to respond to the environment, thereby upregulating the necessary genes under optimal conditions. Central to the control of SPI-1 is the transcriptional activator hilA. Work has identified at least 10 different activators and 8 different repressors responsible for the control of hilA. We have previously shown that hilE is a Salmonella-specific negative regulator that is able to repress hilA expression and invasion. Additionally, fimZ, a transcriptional activator responsible for the expression of type I fimbriae as well as flagellar genes, has also been implicated in this process. fimZ is homologous to response regulators from other two-component regulatory systems, although a sensor for the system has not been identified. The phoPQ and phoBR regulons are both two-component systems that negatively affect hilA expression, although the mechanism of action has not been determined. Our results show that PhoBR is capable of inducing fimZ expression, whereas PhoPQ does not affect fimZ expression but does upregulate hilE in an FimZ-dependent manner. Therefore, phosphate (sensed by PhoBR) and magnesium (sensed by PhoPQ) levels are important in controlling hilA expression levels when Salmonella is in the intestinal environment.