Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Southren and Eastern Mediterranean Countries : Governance and Attractiveness of FDI

This article empirically examines the role of governance in attracting FDI for a sample of ten Southern and Eastern Mediterranean countries over a 15-year period. We have approximated the attractiveness of FDI by governance through an endogenous variable called FDI in relation to GDP. The quality of these variables was tested by the positioning, dispersion and shape indicators and verified the normality of these variables by the Jarque-Berra test and the quality of linear adjustment of each variable with respect to its mean. The empirical validation of the impact of good governance in the attraction of FDI was carried out using the static Panel technique and based on the assumption of the absence of a stationarity problem for the explanatory variables of our model . Homogeneity-heterogeneity tests were used to specify the reference model and model the role of governance in the attraction of FDI by a panel with individual effects. The estimation of this model by the Within and GLS procedures yielded significant results.
Uma abordagem sistêmica ao mapeamento e melhoria do processo de desenvolvimento de software

Resumo O processo de desenvolvimento de software de grande porte, especialmente quando envolve inovacao, pode ser entendido com um sistema complexo que precisa apresentar a capacidade de auto-organizacao para se adaptar as mudancas constantes no seu ambiente. O artigo descreve a aplicacao da Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) juntamente com o Rational Unified Process (RUP) para mapear e adaptar o processo de desenvolvimento de software num ambiente que apresenta mudancas frequentes. A SSM contribui para a discussao continua do processo de desenvolvimento. Ela facilita a aprendizagem acerca do processo, promove o debate acerca dos problemas existentes e estimula a acao para melhoria continua do processo. O RUP oferece uma notacao intuitiva para capturar num modelo conceitual o resultado da aprendizagem. A combinacao de ambos permite estabelecer um processo de desenvolvimento de software capaz de se auto-organizar para lidar com as mudancas num ambiente turbulento.
Dry Sorbent Injection of Sodium Sorbents for SO2, HCl and Mercury Mitigation

Solid waste incinerators emit air pollutants such as SO2 , HCl, and mercury. Dry sorbent injection of sodium sorbents has emerged as an important SO2 , HCl, and mercury mitigation technology due to its (a) low capital cost; (b) small installation foot print; (c) ease of operation; and (d) flexibility to fuel changes. In a dry sorbent injection system, trona or sodium bicarbonate is injected directly into hot flue gas. After injection, the sorbent is calcined into porous sodium carbonate that reacts with acid gases (SO2 , HCl and SO3 ). This technology is able to achieve high removal rates for HCl (>99%) and SO2 (>90%), and has been implemented at many waste incinerators in Europe and coal-fired power plants in the United States. With the promulgation of MACT rules, this technology will be a low-cost and easy-to-use option for waste-to-energy boiler owners.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Sustainable Tourism: The Moderating Effect of Tourists’ Educational Background in the Relationship Between Green Practices and Customer Satisfaction

The tourism industry is one of the largest and fastest growing economic sectors in the world and has contributed to world economic growth. Since the tourism industry is among those directly related to the environment, green tourism has an important role in the environment management system, especially practices that have the ability to reduce negative impacts onto the environment. Green initiatives are considered part of the programs adopted in many parts of the tourism sector. This article examines the influence of green practices and a green image towards customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. To test the theoretical framework, some 385 data were analysed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Results revealed that green practices have stronger effects on customer satisfaction compared to a green image. The moderation test indicated that tourists’ educational background moderates the relationship between green practices and customer satisfaction, where the effect among tourists with a high education level is higher compared to those with a low education level. Further analysis showed that green practices and a green image lead to customer loyalty indirectly through customer satisfaction. The results present many implications towards theory and practice as far as the tourism industry is concerned.
The Importance of Climate Risks for Institutional Investors

According to our survey about climate risk perceptions, institutional investors believe climate risks have financial implications for their portfolio firms and that these risks, particularly regulatory risks, already have begun to materialize. Many of the investors, especially the long-term, larger, and ESG-oriented ones, consider risk management and engagement, rather than divestment, to be the better approach for addressing climate risks. Although surveyed investors believe that some equity valuations do not fully reflect climate risks, their perceived overvaluations are not large.
The Study between Accounting Information and Investment Effectiveness

From the perspective of the quality of accounting information, taking Chinese A-share listed companies in the stock market from 2014 to 2016 as a sample to study the influence of accounting information quality on over-investment and under-investment, and the performance of accounting information quality under different property rights. The results show that: the quality of accounting information can improve corporate investment efficiency, but the impact on under-invested companies is higher than that of over-invested companies; the quality of accounting information in state-owned enterprises has a higher impact on investment efficiency than non-state-owned enterprises. To a certain extent, it shows that it is greatly significant to formulate high-quality accounting standards.
An entrepreneurship education, training and support framework for South African architects

This article will report the findings of a study undertaken to propose an integrated education and training framework that can enhance the entrepreneurial performance of South African Architects’ firms while contributing to the current discourse on entrepreneurial education and training. Many South African architects’ firms are finding it difficult to stay afloat (Corbert 2015, 44). While there could be many reasons for this situation, the absence of appropriate entrepreneurship education, training and support for architects could be a contributing factor. Substantial agreement exists amongst entrepreneurial education and training theorists that a phased approach that includes enacted learning is best suited for entrepreneurship education and training. Hence the article proposes a framework as a basic conceptual structure within which the education and training can be packaged. The study used a mixed methods approach as a single source was insufficient and, due to the use of multiple phases or projects, could best achieve the overall research objective (Creswell & Plano-Clark 2011, 8). The purpose of the article is to bring the findings and recommendations to the attention of those who can put them into effect and to contribute to the discourse on entrepreneurship education and training.
On systematic design of corporate feeds for chebyshev microstrip linear antenna arrays

We present a study that aims towards a systematic computer-aided design of corporate feeds (CFs) realizing required nonuniform amplitude excitations of microstrip antenna arrays. In this work, Chebyshev linear arrays are considered. We start from identifying candidate CFs. Numerical optimization of the fast CFs models allows for identifying the best architecture in terms of accuracy of realizing the required amplitude excitations, as well as finding the set of power split ratios of the junctions within the CF. The junctions of the best CF architecture are then implemented and tuned using a discrete full-wave modeler (solver). CF validation and tuning is also conducted at the full-wave simulation level. Finally, the entire aperture-feed circuit is validated with simulations. Our approach is illustrated using twelve element Chebyshev arrays where the quantities of interest are sidelobe level and reflection coefficient.
Bat white-nose syndrome: a real-time TaqMan polymerase chain reaction test targeting the intergenic spacer region of Geomyces destructans

The fungus Geomyces destructans is the causative agent of white-nose syndrome (WNS), a disease that has killed millions of North American hibernating bats. We describe a real-time TaqMan PCR test that detects DNA from G. destructans by targeting a portion of the multicopy intergenic spacer region of the rRNA gene complex. The test is highly sensitive, consistently detecting as little as 3.3 fg genomic DNA from G. destructans. The real-time PCR test specifically amplified genomic DNA from G. destructans but did not amplify target sequence from 54 closely related fungal isolates (including 43 Geomyces spp. isolates) associated with bats. The test was qualified further by analyzing DNA extracted from 91 bat wing skin samples, and PCR results matched histopathology findings. These data indicate the real-time TaqMan PCR method described herein is a sensitive, specific and rapid test to detect DNA from G. destructans and provides a valuable tool for WNS diagnostics and research.
Modeling of crystal impurities in III-V ultra-thin body field-effect transistors within the empirical tight-binding framework

In this paper, we present a novel technique to model crystal impurities in III-V semiconductors at the material level, within the empirical sp3d5s∗ tight-binding (TB) framework. Regular semiconductor atoms are replaced by so-called “impurity atoms” whose TB parameters are adjusted to create single trap states characterized by a flat E-k dispersion. With the help of two dimensionless parameters, the energy level of a trap state can be continuously adjusted from deep inside the band gap to well inside the conduction band. To increase trap volume and model more complex defect structures, two or more impurity atoms can be clustered together. Coupled to a Poisson-Schrödinger device simulator, the model accounts for both electrostatic screening caused by free charge carrier trapping and trap-assisted tunneling. In particular, the impact of trap energy and volume on the coherent drive and leakage currents of an ultra-scaled double-gate In0.53Ga0. 47As MOSFET is investigated. It has been found that conduction band traps substantially lower the device ON-current, while source-to-drain tunneling assisted by band gap traps significantly increases the subthreshold slope.
Effects of absence positioning of unknown product ingredients on consumer evaluations

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the effectiveness of positioning unknown ingredients either with the presence or absence of framing; both are common in marketplace (e.g. Secret® deodorant visibly claims “aluminum chlorohydrate” while Crystal® promotes “no aluminum chlorohydrate”). Design/methodology/approach The authors used three scenario-based experiments. The participants were recruited through Amazon Mechanical Turk online panel and randomly assigned to a variety of experimental conditions. Findings Initial study results show that consumers have more positive evaluations and purchase intentions for absence positioning than presence positioning, because absence positioning induces greater perceptions of protection. In the second study, these results are extended using multiple ingredients, along with competitor products; they show that absence positioning leads to better evaluations than presence positioning and replicate the mediation effect that was found earlier. In the final study, through manipulating participants’ regulatory focus, the authors show that absence-positioned ingredients have a higher choice share when consumers are in the prevention mindset. Conversely, when customers are in promotion mindset and looking for better performance, presence positioning of ingredients seems to have higher choice shares. Research limitations/implications The research has implications for product development, promotions, labeling and packaging, showing the positive influence of absence positioning of unknown ingredients. Practical implications Marketers may emphasize the absence of unknown ingredients in their products instead of following a strategy that highlights the inclusion of them. Originality/value To the authors’ extant knowledge, this research is an initial attempt to understand how consumers react to promotion of product ingredients. In addition, it contributes to the literature in unknown attributes by showing that absence positioning of certain types of ingredients is perceived better than presence framing of them.
Methodological understandings and misunderstandings in interprofessional research: Experiences of researching transitional rehabilitation for older people

Drawing on our shared experience of a mixed-methods evaluation of a rehabilitation scheme for older people in six residential care homes in Nottingham, this paper examines the challenges and rewards of interprofessional research. A social anthropologist, social work academic and medical academic respectively, we explore understandings and misunderstandings that arose during the two-year research process as we sought to integrate quantitative and qualitative findings from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) and an ethnographic study conducted in parallel. We identify ways in which it was possible to overcome the danger of fragmentation, which we argue may be inherent in interprofessional research. This includes a recognition that researchers from different disciplinary backgrounds may use different “key symbols” to view the world but that professional knowledge and expertise may enable researchers to transcend such disciplinary boundaries and to hear what each is saying to the other for the benefit of improved collaboration.
Optimization of an EHR Mobile Application Using the UFuRT Conceptual Framework

Drchrono is an Electronic Healthcare Record (EHR) application designed specifically for the iPad. Described as portable, efficient and accessible anywhere, drchrono has several features that might be attractive to health care providers. However, EHRs have to conform to certain Federal Healthcare Information Technology Guidelines, which are evaluated in a series of 12 test procedures, defined by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC). In this study, we evaluated Test Procedure for §170.302 (c) Maintain up-to-date problem list, in drchrono. The methodology for our evaluation was contained within Zhang's unified framework for usability, using UFuRT, i.e. user, functional, representation and task analyses. Based upon the analysis, using Adobe Flex, we then designed a prototype that corrected or improved on perceived weaknesses in the functionality served by the test procedure. We applied the test procedure taxonomy to a prototypic modification of drchrono, and then repeated the UFuRT usability analysis. We also used a 14-item heuristic evaluation by each member of our informatics team. Our findings support a conclusion that UFuRT is a valuable tool to evaluate EHR usability and that an "up-to-date problem" list may be customized, according to healthcare provider preference.
Regulation of Metallothionein II Messenger Ribonucleic Acid Measures Exogenous Estrogen Receptor-β Activity in SAOS-2 and LNCaPLN3 Cells.

Estrogen receptor-β (ERβ) is a recently discovered member of the steroid hormone superfamily. Because its distribution is distinct from that of the classical estrogen receptor, and it is expressed in several nonclassical estrogen target tissues (e.g. prostate and bladder), its role in mediating the action of estrogen is unclear. One approach to elucidating the function of this receptor is to identify genes that it regulates. Using differential display, we profiled the messenger RNAs regulated by 17β-estradiol in SAOS-2 and LNCaPLN3 cells overexpressing ERβ. Follow-up studies used cells expressing either ERα or ERβ. One gene, metallothionein II, was regulated by both receptor subtypes in LNCaPLN3 cells, but only by ERβ in SAOS-2 cells. Because cycloheximide blocks this response, induction is probably mediated through regulation of at least one other protein. Identification of endogenous genes that are regulated differentially by ERα and ERβ will be valuable tools in elucidating the function of ERβ and the .
A Classification Model for Imbalanced Medical Data based on PCA and Farther Distance based Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique

Medical data are extensively used in the diagnosis of human health. So it has played a vital role for physicians as well as in medical engineering. Accordingly, many types of research are going on related to this to have a better prediction of the diseases or to improve the diagnosis quality. However, most of the researchers work on either dimensionality space or imbalanced data. Due to this, sometimes one may not have the accurate predictions or classifications of the malignant diseases as both the factors are equally important. So it still needs an improvement or more work required to address these biomedical challenges by combing both the factors. As such this paper proposes a new and efficient combined algorithm based on FD_SMOTE (Farther Distance Based on Synthetic Minority Oversampling Techniques) and Principle Component Analysis (PCA), which successfully reduces the high dimensionality and balances the minority class. Finally, the present algorithm has been investigated on biomedical data and it gives the desired results in terms of dimensionality and data balancing. Here, In this paper, the quality of dimensionality reduction and balanced data has been evaluated using assessment metrics like co-variance, Accuracy (ACC) and Area Under the Curve (AUC). It has been observed from the numerical results that the performance of the algorithm achieved the best accuracy with metrics of ACC and AUC.
Can Advertising Investments Counter the Negative Impact of Shareholder Complaints on Firm Value?

Shareholder complaints put pressure on publicly listed firms, yet firms rarely directly address the actual issues raised in these complaints. The authors examine whether firms respond in an alternative way by altering advertising investments in an effort to ward off the financial damage associated with shareholder complaints. By analyzing a unique data set of shareholder complaints submitted to S&P 1500 firms between 2001 and 2016, supplemented with qualitative interviews of executives of publicly listed firms, the authors document that firms increase advertising investments following shareholder complaints and that such an advertising investment response mitigates a postcomplaint decline in firm value. Furthermore, results suggest that firms are more likely to increase advertising investments when shareholder complaints are submitted by institutional investors, pertain to nonfinancial concerns, and relate to topics that receive high media attention. The findings provide new insights on how firms address stock market adversities with advertising investments and inform managers about the effectiveness of such a response.
THERAPEUTIC EVALUATION OF METHOTREXATE WITH OR WITHOUT COX-2 INHIBITOR IN THE MANAGEMENT OF CANINE MAMMARY TUMOURS

Spontaneously occurred canine mammary tumours (55) were treated with chemotherapy (Methotrexate), combination chemotherapy with COX-2 inhibitor (Meloxicam) and by surgical therapy. In chemotherapy groups Hb and TEC values reduced significantly (P<0.05) from the base line value at 3rd week of therapy. Histologically, benign and malignant mixed mammary tumours were predominant. Methotrexate and COX-2 inhibitor drug were found effective in the treatment of canine mammary tumours and also they induced more percentage of apoptosis of spontaneous canine mammary tumours. Cox-2 inhibitor (Meloxicam) proved as a good adjunct in the treatment of canine mammary tumours.
Psignifit 4: Pain-free Bayesian Inference for Psychometric Functions.

Psychometric functions are frequently used in vision science to model task performance. These sigmoid functions can be fit to data using likelihood maximization, but this ignores the reliability or variance of the point estimates. In contrast Bayesian methods automatically calculate this reliability. However, using Bayesian methods in practice usually requires expert knowledge, user interaction and computation time. Also most methods---including Bayesian ones---are vulnerable to non-stationary observers (whose performance is not constant). For such observers all methods, which assume a stationary binomial observer are overconfident in the estimates. We present Psignifit 4, a new method for fitting psychometric functions, which provides an efficient Bayesian analysis based on numerical integration, which requires little user-interaction and runs in seconds on a common office computer. Additionally it fits a beta-binomial model increasing the stability against non-stationarity and contains standard settings including a heuristic to set the prior based on the interval of stimulus levels in the experimental data. Obviously all properties of the analysis can be adjusted. To test our method it was run on extensive simulated datasets. First we tested the numerical accuracy of our method with different settings and found settings which calculate a good estimate fast and reliably. Testing the statistical properties, we find that our method calculates correct or slightly conservative confidence intervals in all tested conditions, including different sampling schemes, beta-binomial observers, other non-stationary observers and adaptive methods. When enough data was collected to overcome the small sample bias caused by the prior, the point estimates are also essentially unbiased. In summary we present a user-friendly, fast, correct and comprehensively tested Bayesian method to fit psychometric functions, which handles non-stationary observers well and is freely available as an MATLAB implementation online. Meeting abstract presented at VSS 2015.
Characterization of autophagosome formation site by a hierarchical analysis of mammalian Atg proteins

Autophagy is an intracellular degradation process, through which cytosolic materials are delivered to the lysosome. Despite recent identification of many autophagy-related genes, how autophagosomes are generated remains unclear. Here, we examined the hierarchical relationships among mammalian Atg proteins. Under starvation conditions, ULK1, Atg14, WIPI-1, LC3 and Atg16L1 target to the same compartment, whereas DFCP1 localizes adjacently to these Atg proteins. In terms of puncta formation, the protein complex including ULK1 and FIP200 is the most upstream unit and is required for puncta formation of the Atg14-containing PI3-kinase complex. Puncta formation of both DFCP1 and WIPI-1 requires FIP200 and Atg14. The Atg12-Atg5-Atg16L1 complex and LC3 are downstream units among these factors. The punctate structures containing upstream Atg proteins such as ULK1 and Atg14 tightly associate with the ER, where the ER protein Vacuole membrane protein 1 (VMP1) also transiently localizes. These structures are formed even when cells are treated with wortmannin to suppress autophagosome formation. These hierarchical analyses suggest that ULK1, Atg14 and VMP1 localize to the ER-associated autophagosome formation sites in a PI3-kinase activity-independent manner.