Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Perceptions of environmental impacts of tourism: A case study at ACAP, Nepal

Tourism development and associated environmental impacts are evident in various regions of the world as communities struggle to find an optimal balance between economics and conservation. The growing pains of tourism development have usually fragmented local residents with respect to their perception of impacts and support for tourism. Empirical research has analyzed resident perception and attitudes towards tourism impacts but has largely focused on economic and socio-cultural impacts in mass tourism destinations and rural areas. The purpose of this study was to examine the perception of environmental impacts of tourism between residents and managers within a protected area, i.e. Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), Nepal. Data were collected on-site among local residents and managers. Environmental impacts of tourism were operationalized using 13 items on a five-point Likert scale (strongly agree to strongly disagree). Overall, on comparison of descriptive and statistical analyses, local residents were consistently more likely than managers to perceive fewer negative and greater positive impacts of tourism on the environment.
Prognostic value of hepatic venous pressure gradient measurements in alcoholic cirrhosis: a 10-year prospective study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Different parameters are considered predictors of bleeding and death in alcoholic cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to establish the prognostic value of a prospective and sequential evaluation of portal pressure, variceal size, and Pugh's score in portal-hypertensive patients with alcoholic cirrhosis but no previous bleeding. METHODS Thirty patients were evaluated for 42 +/- 5 months (median, 39 months). After baseline studies, 30 patients underwent an additional evaluation (follow-up 1; median, 10 months), 20 patients a second evaluation (follow-up 2; median, 25 months), and 13 patients a third evaluation (follow-up 3; median, 45 months). No prophylactic treatment for bleeding was given. End points were bleeding and/or death. RESULTS Seventeen patients died, and 10 patients bled. At follow-up 1, portal pressure decreased both in survivors and nonbleeders (from 18.7 +/- 1.0 to 15.2 +/- 1.3 mm Hg [P < 0.01] and from 18.9 +/- 0.8 to 16.5 +/- 1.0 mm Hg [P < 0.05], respectively). On multivariate analysis (Cox model), portal pressure at follow-up 1 had the best prognostic and independent value for both bleeding and survival. Subsequent studies showed similar trends. CONCLUSIONS Measurements of portal pressure provide unique prognostic information for predicting portal hypertensive-related bleeding and mortality in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis.
Institutional hokey-pokey: the politics of multispeed integration in the European Union

EU member states desiring deeper integration often call for a multispeed approach to pursue ambitious projects without the hinderance of laggards. At other times, laggards have desired a multispeed approach to avoid policies they find objectionable. Under what circumstances do laggards (integrationists) propose (object) to a multispeed Europe? We investigate the institutions and member state preferences that lead these camps to accept or resist multispeed proposals, paying particular attention to how a multispeed approach affects member state bargaining power. We present a series of case studies to demonstrate that the preference configurations we examine do, in fact, lead states to pursue the policies with regard to a multispeed Europe that we expect.
An overview of urban-rural land use interactions in Greece

Purpose: The present paper focuses on investigating the principal land use changes in Greece from 1971-1991 and attempts to uncover possible interactions between urban, rural and forest uses. Findings: The interactions do not remain stable in their direction (positive or negative) and importance (high of low) for the two time periods that have been investigated. Practical implications: The correlation analysis can provide useful insights concerning the proximate and underlying causes of land use change. Originality/value: There are no papers investigating land use changes in Greece in the prefectural administrative level covering the whole country.
In vivo genotoxicity and cytotoxicity assessment of a novel quinoxalinone with trichomonacide activity

The compound VAM2‐6 (1‐methyl‐7‐nitro‐4‐(5‐(piperidin‐1‐yl)pentyl)‐3,4‐dihydroquinoxalin‐2(1H)‐one) has previously been shown to have an in vitro efficacy of 100% at a concentration of 100 µg ml–1 against Trichomonas vaginalis, a protozoon parasite that causes the sexually transmitted disease trichomoniasis. Because VAM2‐6 is a quinoxaline derivative and given the lack of studies on the genotoxic activity of this compound, the present study was undertaken to evaluate its ability to induce DNA damage in the peripheral blood of mice using single‐cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE or comet assay) and the micronucleus (MN) assay. Cell viability was assessed using a fluorochrome‐mediated viability test. The compound was tested on CD1 mice at 60, 40 and 10 mg kg–1 body weight administrated intraperitoneal (i.p.) in a single dose. Peripheral blood samples were collected 24 and 48 h after treatment. N‐Ethyl‐N‐nitrosourea (ENU) was used as a positive control for the comet and micronucleus assays. The results showed that i.p. VAM2‐6 induced single‐strand DNA breaks and increased the average number of micronuclei in the treated mice in a dose‐dependent manner at 60, 40 and 10 mg kg–1. Cell viability decreased at 24 h but recovered at 48 h for all three evaluated doses. Therefore, the chemical structure of VAM2‐6 should be modified to reduce its genotoxic potential. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Governance, employees and CSR: Integration is the key to unlocking value

Corporate governance has gained increasing importance in the last decade as organisations have been involved in bankruptcies and frauds alongside decreases in organisational value and jobs. Researchers have signalled a need for new perspectives and models of governance, especially one that clearly identifies and embeds employees as part of the system. This article explores the importance of human resources as a key component of the governance system. It discusses whether organisational rhetoric in relation to stakeholders and social responsibility incorporates employees and in doing so it delves into the concept of labour as a key stakeholder. The article examines publicly available reports of two resource-based firms and two finance-sector firms: Rio Tinto, Shell Australia, Westpac and ANZ Bank to explore the position of labour. It concludes that the position of labour as a stakeholder is problematic, with a divergence between espoused statements on CSR and how they are operationalised throughout the organisation. The emphasis seems to be on environmental and financial sustainability with lesser importance placed on dimensions of workplace management and accompanying employee relations approaches.
Macroeconomic interdependence and exchange rate regimes in Latin America

This paper approaches the macroeconomic mechanisms of shock transmission among Latin American largest economies (Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Mexico) in the . 90s. We attempt to show that the heterogeneity of exchange rate regimes among those economies has not implied their national autonomy insofar as monetary policy. As a policy conclusion, we argue that those economies should jointly search for national foreign-liquidity cushions against region-level shocks. Firstly, the paper outlines the heterogeneity of exchange-rate regimes among Latin American economies, as an outcome of stabilization policies and foreign- -exchange crises in the . 90s. We then recall some of the arguments regarding the adequacy of exchange-rate regimes that have been raised in the debate on the . international financial architecture. Afterwards, we present some econometric evidence on macroeconomic transmission of disturbances in Latin America, pointing out that even though different exchange rate regimes have implied different national macroeconomic responses, no one single economy has been able to escape from regionally significant shocks. Our results lead us to suggest that Latin American large economies should jointly attempt to build some regional . liquidity defense. at each national level, given that their financial common fate does not seem to be vanishing, despite efforts of national differentiation.
Analysis of 16S libraries of mouse gastrointestinal microflora reveals a large new group of mouse intestinal bacteria.

Total genomic DNA from samples of intact mouse small intestine, large intestine, caecum and faeces was used as template for PCR amplification of 16S rRNA gene sequences with conserved bacterial primers. Phylogenetic analysis of the amplification products revealed 40 unique 16S rDNA sequences. Of these sequences, 25% (10/40) corresponded to described intestinal organisms of the mouse, including Lactobacillus spp. , Helicobacter spp. , segmented filamentous bacteria and members of the altered Schaedler flora (ASF360, ASF361, ASF502 and ASF519); 75% (30/40) represented novel sequences. A large number (11/40) of the novel sequences revealed a new operational taxonomic unit (OTU) belonging to the Cytophaga-Flavobacter-Bacteroides phylum, which the authors named 'mouse intestinal bacteria'. 16S rRNA probes were developed for this new OTU. Upon analysis of the novel sequences, eight were found to cluster within the Eubacterium rectale-Clostridium coccoides group and three clustered within the Bacteroides group. One of the novel sequences was distantly related to Verrucomicrobium spinosum and one was distantly related to Bacillus mycoides. Oligonucleotide probes specific for the 16S rRNA of these novel clones were generated. Using a combination of four previously described and four newly designed probes, approximately 80% of bacteria recovered from the murine large intestine and 71% of bacteria recovered from the murine caecum could be identified by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).
Perioperative immunonutrition in patients undergoing cancer surgery: results of a randomized double-blind phase 3 trial.

HYPOTHESIS Perioperative administration of a supplemented enteral formula may reduce the rate of postoperative infections. DESIGN Prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial. SETTING Department of surgery at a university hospital. PATIENTS Two hundred six patients with neoplasm of colorectum, stomach, or pancreas. INTERVENTION Patients were randomized to drink 1 L/d of either a control enteral formula (n = 104) or the same formula enriched with arginine, RNA, and omega3 fatty acids (n = 102) for 7 consecutive days before surgery. The 2 diets were isoenergetic and isonitrogenous. Jejunal infusion with the same formulas was started 6 hours after operation and continued until postoperative day 7. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Rate of postoperative infectious complications and length of hospital stay. RESULTS Both groups were comparable for age, sex, weight loss, Karnofsky scale score, nutritional status, hemoglobin level, duration of surgery, blood loss, and rate of homologous transfusion. Intent-to-treat analysis showed a 14% (14/102) infectious complication rate in the supplemented group vs 30% (31/104) in the control group (P = .009). In the eligible population, the postoperative infection rate was 11% (9/85) in the supplemented group vs. 24% (21/86) in the control group (P = .02). The mean +/- SD length of postoperative stay was 11.1+/-4.4 days in the supplemented group and 12.9+/-4.6 in the control group (P = .01). CONCLUSION Perioperative administration of a supplemented enteral formula significantly reduced postoperative infections and length of stay in patients undergoing surgery for cancer.
Modeling the quinone‐B binding site of the photosystem‐II reaction center using notions of complementarity and contact‐surface between atoms

Functional identity and significant similarities in cofactors and sequence exist between the L and M reaction center proteins of the photosynthetic bacteria and the D1 and D2 photosystem‐II reaction center proteins of cyanobacteria, algae, and plants. A model of the quinone (QB) binding site of the D1 protein is presented based upon the resolved structure of the QB binding pocket of the L subunit, and introducing novel quantitative notions of complementarity and contact surface between atoms. This model, built ‐without using traditional methods of molecular mechanics and restricted to residues in direct contact with QB, accounts for the experimentally derived functional state of mutants of the Dl protein in the region of QB. It predicts the binding of both the classical and phenol‐type PSII herbicides and rationalizes the relative levels of tolerance of mutant phenotypes. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Strengthening accountability to citizens on gender and health

Abstract Accountability refers to the processes by which those with power in the health sector engage with, and are answerable to, those who make demands on it, and enforce disciplinary action on those in the health sector who do not perform effectively. This paper reviews the practice of accountability to citizens on gender and health, assesses gaps, and recommends strategies. Four kinds of accountability mechanisms have been used by citizens to press for accountability on gender and health. These include international human rights instruments, legislation, governance structures, and other tools, some of which are relevant to all public sector services, some to the health sector alone, some to gender issues alone, and some to gender-specific health concerns of women. However, there are few instances wherein private health sector and donors have been held accountable. Rarely have accountability processes reduced gender inequalities in health, or addressed ‘low priority’ gender-specific health needs of women. Accountability with respect to implementation and to marginalized groups has remained weak. This paper recommends that: (1) the four kinds of accountability mechanisms be extended to the private health sector and donors; (2) health accountability mechanisms be engendered, and gender accountability mechanisms be made health-specific; (3) resources be earmarked to enable government to respond to gender-specific health demands; (4) mechanisms for enforcement of such policies be improved; and (5) democratic spaces and participation of marginalized groups be strengthened.
COLLABORATION AND EVALUATION IN THE SUPPLY CHAIN: THE IMPACT ON PLANT‐LEVEL ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTMENT

Manufacturing organizations can potentially improve environmental management both by increasing the level of investment in environmental technologies and by shifting that investment away from pollution control and toward pollution prevention. However, managers must not only consider their own manufacturing operations in isolation, but also those of others along the supply chain. This paper explores two dimensions of supply chain activities—collaboration and evaluation—that might be leveraged by plant managers to improve environmental management in their own plant. The linkages with suppliers and customers were assessed. Both customer‐ and plant‐initiated collaboration were found to have a significant effect on the level and form of investment in environmental technologies for a sample of Canadian plants. Of greatest importance, as customer‐initiated collaborative activities increased, plant‐level investment in environmental management was increasingly allocated toward pollution prevention. In contrast, only very limited evidence was found that evaluative activities influenced environmental investment.
Tourism consumption and interregional economic impacts in Italy

This paper analyses the consumption habits of tourists coming from different origins and choosing Italy as a holiday destination, in terms of expenditure level and composition. The economic role of both international and domestic demand and the plot of interactions going from tourist expenditure behaviour to the tourism industry have been measured. Furthermore, the impacts which localised expenditure (total and by item) can generate in each regional economic system are discussed, and estimates of the “centralising” and “leakage” effects are presented. The balance between these effects selects the net centralising regions of economic benefits deriving from tourism demand localised everywhere, with respect to those regions producing a net leakage of the positive effects generated by the demand localised in them.
Staging the Local: rethinking scale in farmers' markets

ABSTRACT Local food has become a significant focus of food studies analysis in recent years with much of this work identifying the potential environmental, social and economic benefits of food localisation. However, a growing body of literature destabilises these assumed benefits with research now questioning the utility of scale in assessing food system outcomes. This paper explores this destabilisation by examining how concepts associated with the ‘local’ have been deployed by the Capital Region Farmers Market (CRFM) in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). This leads to two key conclusions: firstly, the practical case study confirms theoretical insights highlighting the instability of the local, identifying how it is animated in multiple and sometimes contradictory ways often in response to conventional market forces; and secondly, we argue that the role of farmers' markets may not be best understood through the lens of the local but, rather, through their role in facilitating citizen engagement with the food system via the direct consumer–producer relationship at markets and the characteristics of the food purchased there (i.e. freshness and quality). In these ways, farmers' markets can disrupt conventional forms of engagement with the food system, creating a space that enhances social embeddedness and which may promote new forms of consumer understanding of food systems.
Cryptochrome-1-dependent execution of programmed cell death induced by singlet oxygen in Arabidopsis thaliana

Programmed cell death (PCD) plays an important role during the life cycle of higher organisms. Although several regulatory mechanisms governing PCD are thought to be conserved in animals and plants, light-dependent cell death represents a form of PCD that is unique to plants. The light requirement of PCD has often been associated with the production of reactive oxygen species during photosynthesis. In support of this hypothesis, hydrogen peroxide and superoxide have been shown to be involved in triggering a PCD response. In the present work, we have used the conditional flu mutant of Arabidopsis to analyze the impact of another reactive oxygen species, singlet oxygen, on cell death. Unexpectedly, the light-dependent release of singlet oxygen alone is not sufficient to induce PCD of flu seedlings but has to act together with a second concurrent blue light reaction. This blue-light-specific trigger of PCD could not be attributed to a photosynthetic reaction or redox change within the chloroplast but to the activation of the blue light/UVA-specific photoreceptor cryptochrome. The singlet oxygen-mediated and cryptochrome-dependent cell death response differs in several ways from PCD triggered by hydrogen peroxide/superoxide.
Sleep duration and RSA suppression as predictors of internalizing and externalizing behaviors

Although the conceptual interplay among the biological and clinical features of sleep, arousal, and emotion regulation has been noted, little is understood about how indices of sleep duration and parasympathetic reactivity operate jointly to predict adjustment in early childhood. Using a sample of 123 toddlers, the present study examined sleep duration and RSA reactivity as predictors of internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Parents reported on children's sleep duration and adjustment. RSA reactivity was assessed via children's responses to fear-eliciting stimuli and an inhibitory control challenge. Findings demonstrated that greater RSA suppression to both types of tasks in combination with longer sleep duration was concurrently associated with less internalizing. In contrast, greater RSA augmentation to an inhibitory control task in the context of shorter sleep duration predicted more externalizing 1 year later. The significance of duration of toddlers' sleep as well as the context in which physiological regulatory difficulties occurs is discussed.
An Analysis of Employing the Circuit Breaker as an Alternative Approach for Targeting Aid to Low-Income Students in Kentucky

Chart A: Average sticker price, net price (sticker price-grants), family net price (sticker price– grants–family contribution) and out-of-pocket costs (sticker price-grants-loans) for all full-time Kentucky undergraduates by income group (Academic Year 2004 1 Family net price is only computed for students who complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Affordability is an essential element of college opportunity. The federal government and the states have acknowledged this belief by adopting policies to ensure that no academically qualified student who desires an education is limited access due to a lack of financial resources. But, many lower-income families today are having trouble paying for college due to a unique set of circumstances. First, the cost of higher education as a percentage of income has been increasing for over a decade, causing families to spend increasingly larger proportions of their incomes to afford postsecondary education. Second, the federal government has shifted its emphasis from providing aid through grants, which tend to benefit lower-income students, to loans and education tax benefits, which tend to benefit wealthier students. Third, many states have created merit-based financial aid programs, which also benefit higher income students, as achievement tends to be positively correlated to income. Combined, these elements have put higher education out of reach for many low-income students and families. These trends have been especially acute in Kentucky. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a relative measure of ability-to-pay for higher education services. In the process, this study • identifies the factors that have contributed to the affordability problem. • surveys the various federal and state financial aid programs currently available to Kentucky students and families • designs and estimates the cost of a comprehensive program which targets financial aid to Kentucky's poorest students The approach designed in this study was modeled after a widely-used policy for providing property tax relief to low-income and elderly homeowners. Named for how they are activated, circuit breakers provide benefits only when property taxes exceed a certain percentage of a taxpayers' income and tend to direct benefits to the most disadvantaged taxpayers. The cost of the program was calculated using enrollment and cost of attendance data obtained from an affordability study conducted for the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education in 2005. The results of this study indicate that such a program could serve as a reasonable program for supplementing need-based aid to Kentucky's most disadvantaged students. The study …
Indian multinationals, foreign multinationals and domestic firms

Empirical evidence suggests that multinationals exhibit greater productivity than local firms. Emergence of Indian multinationals in the last decade raises an interesting question. Do Indian multinationals have greater productivity than foreign multinationals in India? Our results indeed suggest that Indian multinationals have higher productivity than foreign multinationals.