Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Language and Identity Politics: The Linguistic Autobiographies of Latinos in the United States

One ofthe lasting effects of post-structuralism is our self-conscious use of language. Foucault's deconstruction of power-laden discourses, Der? rida's insistence that language composes our consciousness itself, and Lacan's assertion that psychological development is predicated upon entrance into the "symbolic order" of language plant identity, language, and power firmly on even ground. The concrete results of this poststructuralist legacy are all around us in phenomena such as "politically correct" speech, bilingual educa? tion, and college level courses in Spanglish? as well as in the backlash against each of these linguistic movements. Language is identity and identity is political. This is the premise of the autobiographical writings Hunger of Memory by Richard Rodriguez, Heading South, Looking North: A Bilingual Journey by Ariel Dorfman, and "How to Tame a Wild Tongue" by Gloria Anzaldua. In these autobiographies, the description of language heritage is aligned with family and ethnic history. In each case, language development occurs in both Spanish and English from an early age. As adults, language choice becomes a political act for these writers, a means of positioning themselves in relation to power. Rodriguez, for whom monolingualism in English becomes a strategy for success in U.S. society, brings his personal experience to the political realm by promoting English as the sole language of public education in the United States. Dorfman, who also views English and Spanish as diametrically opposed, writes his autobiography in an effort to accept his "English side" by overcoming his association of English with North American imperialism. Anzaldua, on the other hand, reflects on her linguistic background with a fine toothed comb, untangling the many strands
LDPA: a local data processing architecture in ambient assisted living communications

In ambient assisted living, one of the most concerning problems is how the living status of the elderly can be accurately judged through the data collected by ambient sensors. To solve this problem, environmental influences should be sufficiently considered. Some researchers have proposed collecting data comprehensively by distributed environmental sensors, but how the massive collected data were to be analyzed and transmitted was ignored. In this article, we propose a local data processing architecture on a local server to analyze collected data. In this three-layer architecture, the latest received data is stored in a data gathering layer. Afterward, a data filtering layer checks the efficiency of data. Also, this layer classifies the received data into static data reflecting sensors' status and a realtime data stream reflecting quality of life. For static data, they are directly stored in a database, and the real-time data stream is divided into different levels. Based on these levels, a data analyzing layer reorganizes data into a neighborhood structure, which will be called RDAA. A risk factor is returned by RDAA and only abnormal data will be sent to a health care provider when its risk factor is larger than a given threshold. LDAP disperses the stress of remote centralized processing and data storage, which decreases the workload of the remote health care provider. Meanwhile, it also reduces network load and improves processing speed.
Clustering Trajectories for Map Construction

We propose a new approach for constructing the underlying map from trajectory data. Our algorithm is based on the idea that road segments can be identified as stable subtrajectory clusters in the data. For this, we consider how subtrajectory clusters evolve for varying distance values, and choose stable values for these. In doing so we avoid a global proximity parameter. Within trajectory clusters, we choose representatives, which are combined to form the map. We experimentally evaluate our algorithm on vehicle and hiking tracking data. These experiments demonstrate that our approach can naturally separate roads that run close to each other and can deal with outliers in the data, two issues that are notoriously difficult in road network reconstruction.
Measuring discrimination: what do field experiments of markets tell us?

What are field experiments of markets and what does this research tell us about discriminatory behaviour and practices? Field experiments do not aim to draw national conclusions and generalisations about the extent (or not) of discrimination in the way that wage regression analysis does. What they do aim to do is to detect discrimination within an area of markets that they survey. In this chapter some brief background information on field experiments is provided for those unfamiliar with this work. Then the findings of field experiments are discussed in two parts: field experiments conducted over the period 1966 to 2000; field experiments conducted over the period 2000 to 2010. Finally, some comments are made about innovations to the testing procedure undertaken in these recent field experiments.
An empirical study of the use of information technology to support total quality management

The importance of information technology (IT) in total quality management (TQM) has been described widely in the literature. However, empirical evidence for such a claim is still not well established. This paper has empirically explored the use of IT to support TQM processes in the Malaysian public sector. The findings reveal that the level of IT usage varies among the nine dimensions of TQM. Important innovations and information and analysis exhibit high levels of IT usage whereas quality results and supplier quality assurance are associated with significantly lower level.
New Classification of Neisseria meningitidis by Means of Bactericidal Reactions

A bactericidal assay is described which allows identification of distinct serotypes within a serogroup of Neisseria meningitidis. Antisera produced in rabbits against seven group C strains by two intravenous inoculations of live organisms were found to contain two types of bactericidal antibodies. One, directed against the group-specific polysaccharide, caused various degrees of killing of all strains. Absorption of this antibody by purified group C polysaccharide revealed the presence of the second bactericidal antibody. This antibody was directed against antigenically distinct factors associated with serotype specificity. Extensive cross-absorption yielded antisera with activity directed against four separate factors. The presence of a factor in a strain was indicated by its susceptibility to killing by antisera containing antibody to that factor. A serotype was defined by the particular combination of factors. Six different serotypes, containing one or two factors, were identified among 16 group C strains examined.
Current Conceptualization of English as Lingua Franca

English has emerged as the unprecedented Lingua Franca that has taken the world over by a storm. Sustaining in this multicultural, digital world is next to impossible without a good command over English. Hence, English as Lingua Franca (ELF) requires an in-depth scrutiny, both as a construct and as a reality. This paper analyses the use and employment of English for varied purposes and its implications and results. The native – non-native speaker dichotomy and ways to resolve the situation are brought into consideration. The emergence of a World Standard English is the latest phenomenon and endeavour to bring in the most apt answers to the questions raised by the English speakers all over the world.
Identifying the non‐normality premium of an investment

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to introduce a non-normality premium (NNP) to identify the extra return that will compensate an investor for a non-normal return distribution. The NNP quantifies the Design/methodology/approach - The NNP is patterned after the risk premium, the amount that compensates an investor for the risk of an investment. The theoretical NNP is examined on the margins with Taylor series approximation and applied to hedge fund data. Findings - An increase of 1 in the skewness has the same effect on an investor as an increase in the mean of 2.5 basis points per month. An increase of 1 in the kurtosis has the same effect on an investor as a decrease in the mean of 0.15 basis points per month. A sample of 716 hedge funds revealed that while 72 per cent statistically reject normality, only 29 per cent require more than a single basis point per month difference in the mean to compenscate an investor for the non-normality. Originality/value - The NNP allows for a valuation on the higher moments (skewness and kurtosis) of an investor's return distribution. The evaluation is tailored to the individual through use of a utility function. Once applied to an alternative investment vehicle, it is learned that rejecting normality is not sufficient grounds to suspect that the non-normality is important to investors.
Dynamic Central Bank Independence Indices and Inflation Rate: A New Empirical Exploration

It has been argued that economies with more independent central banks experience lower inflation over time. In this paper we show that this relationship is sensitive to the methodology through which central bank independence indices are constructed. We stress the importance of employing dynamic central bank independence indices in two ways. First, we perform unit root tests with structural breaks to verify if the implementation of central bank reforms represents a structural break for the inflation rate dynamics. Second, we implement a panel data analysis.
Efficiency in complementary partnerships with competition

The objective of this paper is to show how efficiency can be implemented in a market with strictly complementary inputs when the productive firms undertake unobservable effort. The observable output is a joint undertaking by a partnership consisting of two types of firms. It is shown that simple linear sharing rules cannot implement socially optimal effort, but a modified linear sharing rule can implement the first-best outcome provided that commitment to the proposed sharing rule is possible. This is so even when the sharing rule is proposed by one of the active partners. When opening up for the possibility of renegotiating sharing contracts that have undesirable properties for one or more of the firms, it becomes more difficult to implement socially efficient solutions. Implementation of the socially efficient outcome requires that the sharing rule is proposed by an outsider to the partnership. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distribution and Diversity of Wolbachia Infections in Southeast Asian Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract Wolbachia are a group of intracellular inherited bacteria that infect a wide range of arthropods. They are associated with a variety of reproductive alterations in their hosts, the best known being cytoplasmic incompatability. The Wolbachia pipientis assemblage has been divided into two major groups (A and B) and 12 subgroups. We report herein the first systematic survey of Wolbachia in mosquitoes, and the first survey classifying Wolbachia infections by subgroup. Wolbachia were detected in 28.1% of 89 wild-caught mosquito species, based on a polymerase chain reaction assay using ftsZ and wsp gene primers. Infections were found in all major disease vector genera except Anopheles. Nine of the 12 Wolbachia subgroups were represented. Group B Wolbachia strains showed more phylogenetic concordance with their host taxa than group A strains. Of the 25 positive mosquito species, five were superinfected with group A bacteria strains (AA), eight were superinfected with A and B strains (AB), and one was superinfected with group B strains (BB). The widespread distribution of Wolbachia among mosquito species further supports their potential importance in the genetic control of disease vectors.
Quality of democracy and quality of mass‐media: Being different or backward?

In the classic case of representative democracy there must be free and independent mass media that are supposed to be objective and unbiased (as far as it is possible) in their task of informing the public about activities of the state. That makes the mass media 'the fourth estate' (according to Thomas Babbington Macaulay) or the 'counter-institution' (Jiirgen Habermas) vis-a-vis other political institutions. That is why to assess quality of democracy one can use the quality of the mass media as a proximate measure. The level of freedom and competence of the latter is a reliable gauge that shows how developed a democracy is. This is a criterion that can help one to assess the quality of democracy. If we apply this criterion to the Russian political system and to Russian mass media the conclusion will be obvious: they are at best in a period of transition, at worst both are notably under-developed.
Taking Empirical Research Seriously

This essay considers how empirical research on the legal profession can bridge the divide between theory, social science, and the ethical practice of law. After providing background information on the growing field of empirical legal research, Part I of this essay focuses on developments in empirical legal research on lawyering. Part II discusses how collaboration with practitioners and other stakeholders can help researchers address challenges related to accessing data. Once data are obtained, Part III suggests how dissemination and sharing of research can link the academy and practicing lawyers. The conclusion urges a collaborative course of action for legal ethics scholars who want their research to be taken seriously by members of the academy, the practicing bar, regulators of the legal profession, and lawyer organizations.
Does the Choice of Exchange Rate Regime Affect the Economic Growth of Developing Countries?

This paper revisits, empirically, the question of whether the choice of exchange rate regime (floating currency, fixed rate or intermediate arrangement) has a direct effect on the long-term growth of developing countries. We use fixed effects panel estimation on a relatively large sample of 70 developing countries for the period 1981 to 2004. In addition to controlling for the level of income of these economies, we draw from alternative exchange rate regime classification schemes and account for the presence of an explicit monetary anchor to characterize policy. Our results indicate the absence of any robust relation between the choice of exchange rate regime and economic growth. The policy implication of these findings is clear. The choice of exchange rate policy has no direct impact on the long-term growth of developing countries.
Strategic Management of Cost Efficiencies in Networks: Cross-Country Evidence on European Branch Banking

This paper examines the role of cost efficiencies on efficient management of branch networks in the contemporary European commercial banking industry. The analysis, which could be generalised to other industries, indicates that larger banks are more likely to have heavily utilised branch networks than smaller banks and to exhibit fewer cost efficiencies from building more branches. The finding of this result within each country suggests the role of internal firm size regardless of competitive conditions. The similar cross-country finding suggests the impact of factors such as market structure/concentration levels and type of non-price competition. Larger banks can generate less income per unit asset deployed. Cross-border efficiency might be improved by greater use of banks with under-used networks by banks with over-used networks.
Indwelling hemodialysis catheterization by transthoracic way

Abstract Chronic kidney failure can be described as a chronic and progressive disfunction in metabolic-endocrine function and in adjustment of fluid-electrolyte balance of kidney, as a result of reducing of glomerular filtration value. Besides being a medical issue, chronic kidney failure affects social, economic, and psychological conditions of patients. Indwelling catheters can be placed in the right atrium by right mini thoracotomy in kidney patients who depend on dialysis and all central veins are used. In the patients whose central veins were used, were able to do catheterization by this technique, and this is a procedure that must be retentioned.
Comparison of qualitative and quantitative analyses of age‐related changes in clivus bone marrow on MR imaging

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is capable of detecting a wide spectrum of diseases involving clivus bone marrow. To evaluate any pathology in this region, the normal MR signal intensity patterns according to age should be known. Assessment of clivus bone marrow is usually and more efficiently made visually (qualitatively) on routine MR imaging. To compare the qualitative and quantitative analyses of age‐related changes in clivus bone marrow on MR imaging, midsagittal T1‐weighted MR images of the clivus bone marrow were prospectively evaluated in 201 subjects. MR signal intensity patterns of clivus bone marrow were qualitatively graded from I to III according to the proportions of low and high signal intensity areas within the clivus (Grade I: predominantly hypointense, Grade III: predominantly hyperintense). Signal intensity measurements were also made from the clivus, pons, and the cerebrospinal fluid within the fourth ventricle. Grade I pattern was observed in 92% of the subjects in the first decade, whereas Grade III pattern was not seen in this decade; Grade I pattern was absent in all but one of the subjects over the age of 50. Mean values of clivus/pons and clivus/CSF signal intensity measurements gradually increased with age in both males and females. Comparison of these ratios in each gender showed statistically significant higher values for males (P < 0.05). Comparison of the qualitative and quantitative results showed that calculated mean values of intensity ratios for each grade were different from each other; however, there was an overlap of the ranges of signal intensity ratios for Grades II and III. Visual evaluation of the clivus bone marrow MR signal is validated with the quantitative assessment results. Statistically significant higher intensity ratios in males may reflect a difference between gender in the bone mineral content under the influence of sex hormones. Clin. Anat. 16:304–308, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Oligopoly and the structural paradox of retail TNCs: an assessment of Carrefour and Wal-Mart in Japan

This research focuses on the case of international chains facing significant competition from domestic chains in advanced industrialized economies. In this article, I question the assumptions behind the perceived, simultaneous process of globalization and retail concentration by taking the cases of the world's two largest retailers, Wal-Mart and Carrefour, entering the Japanese market in the early 2000s. Both retail TNCs have so far failed to meet initial high expectations for their performance. I argue that there is a structural paradox inherent among retail TNCs, which is expressed as contradictory forces between standardization and localization. Empirical evidence is provided on how these forces complicate retail TNCs front-end (store-front) and back-end (distribution) operations in the case of Japan. Emphasis is placed on the role of oligopoly in the retail sector and how its absence affects retail TNCs operation in foreign markets.
Price Discovery and Volatility Spillovers in Index Futures Markets: Some Evidence from Mexico

This paper investigates the hypotheses that the recently established Mexican stock index futures market effectively serves the price discovery function, and that the introduction of futures trading has provoked volatility in the underlying spot market. We test both hypotheses simultaneously with daily data from Mexico in the context of a modified EGARCH model that also incorporates possible cointegration between the futures and spot markets. The evidence supports both hypotheses, suggesting that the futures market in Mexico is a useful price discovery vehicle, although futures trading has also been a source of instability for the spot market. Several managerial implications are derived and discussed.
Work, retirement and vulnerability of older persons in Latin America: what are the lessons for pension design?

The work and retirement behaviour of older groups, and their vulnerability to economic conditions ought to be key parameters for pension reform, especially as regards the design of pension schemes and pension benefits. In practice, very little attention has been paid to these issues in Latin America. This paper examines the economic status and incomes of older groups and their households in Chile. It considers the extent to which older groups are vulnerable to changes in economic conditions, and the impact that pension and health reform will have on their vulnerability. It concludes that current social security reforms in the region will contribute to increased vulnerability among older groups. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Ectodomain of a Novel Member of the Immunoglobulin Subfamily Related to the Poliovirus Receptor Has the Attributes of a Bona Fide Receptor for Herpes Simplex Virus Types 1 and 2 in Human Cells

ABSTRACT We report on the functional cloning of a hitherto unknown member of the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily selected for its ability to confer susceptibility to herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection on a highly resistant cell line (J1.1-2 cells), derived by exposure of BHKtk− cells to a recombinant HSV-1 expressing tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). The sequence of herpesvirus Ig-like receptor (HIgR) predicts a transmembrane protein with an ectodomain consisting of three cysteine-bracketed domains, one V-like and two C-like. HIgR shares its ectodomain with and appears to be an alternative splice variant of the previously described protein PRR-1 (poliovirus receptor-related protein). Both HIgR and PRR-1 conferred on J1.1-2 cells susceptibility to HSV-1, HSV-2, and bovine herpesvirus 1. The viral ligand of HIgR and PRR-1 is glycoprotein D, a constituent of the virion envelope long known to mediate viral entry into cells through interaction with cellular receptor molecules. Recently, PRR-1, renamed HveC (herpesvirus entry mediator C), and the related PRR-2, renamed HveB, were reported to mediate the entry of HSV-1, HSV-2, and bovine herpesvirus 1, and the homologous poliovirus receptor was reported to mediate the entry of pseudorabies virus (R. J. Geraghty, C. Krummenacher, G. H. Cohen, R. J. Eisenberg, and P. G. Spear, Science 280:1618–1620, 1998; M. S. Warner, R. J. Geraghty, W. M. Martinez, R. I. Montgomery, J. C. Whitbeck, R. Xu, R. J. Eisenberg, G. H. Cohen, and P. G. Spear, Virology 246:179–189, 1998). Here we further show that HIgR or PRR-1 proteins detected by using a monoclonal antibody to PRR-1 are widely distributed among human cell lines susceptible to HSV infection and commonly used for HSV studies. The monoclonal antibody neutralized virion infectivity in cells transfected with HIgR or PRR-1 cDNA, as well as in the human cell lines, indicating a direct interaction of virions with the receptor molecule, and preliminarily mapping this function to the ectodomain of HIgR and PRR-1. Northern blot analysis showed that HIgR or PRR-1 mRNAs were expressed in human tissues, with the highest expression being detected in nervous system samples. HIgR adds a novel member to the cluster of Ig superfamily members able to mediate the entry of alphaherpesviruses into cells. The wide distribution of HIgR or PRR-1 proteins among human cell lines susceptible to HSV infection, coupled with the neutralizing activity of the antibody in the same cells, provides direct demonstration of the actual use of this cluster of molecules as HSV-1 and HSV-2 entry receptors in human cell lines. The high level of expression in samples from nervous system makes the use of these proteins in human tissues very likely. This cluster of molecules may therefore be considered to constitute bona fide receptors for HSV-1 and HSV-2.