Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Delusion, Deception and Corruption in Major Infrastructure Projects: Causes, Consequences and Cures

The successful delivery of major infrastructure projects is increasingly vital to the global economy, with an estimated $22 trillion in projected investments to be spent in emerging economies alone (The Economist, June 7, 2008). Projected benefits include employment, the purchase of domestic inputs, improvements in productivity and competitiveness as a consequence of lower producer costs, provision of higher quality services to consumers, and environmental benefits arising from the use of new environmentally sound technologies (Helm, 2008). Yet, the track record for delivery of major infrastructure projects is poor, typically characterized by enormous cost overruns and benefits shortfalls (Merrow et al., 1988; Miller and Lessard, 2000; Flyvbjerg et al., 2003). Further, infrastructure is the third member of an ‘unholy trinity’ of high-risk sectors alongside arms and energy, suffering from substantial exposure to corruption (Transparency International, 2010). Global economic and development ambitions, therefore, rest on shaky foundations.
AR-REHAB: An Augmented Reality Framework for Poststroke-Patient Rehabilitation

This paper proposes a novel approach based on augmented-reality (AR) technologies that can increase a stroke-patient's involvement in the rehabilitation process. The approach takes advantage of virtual-reality technologies and provides natural-force interaction with the daily environment by adopting a tangible-object concept. In our framework, the patient manipulates during the treatment session a tangible object that is tracked to measure her/his performance without the direct supervision of an occupational therapist. We called this framework AR-based REHABilitation. In this paper, we introduce the core architecture of the framework and its subsystems that provide more convenience to patients and therapists. We also present two exercises, a shelf exercise and a cup exercise, as examples and perform preliminary usability study. In addition, we introduce assessment measurements such as task-completion time, compactness of task, and speed of hand movement by capturing the patients' hand movements with the tangible object.
Policy reforms, institutions and the poor in rural India

Abstract Structural adjustment in India was a response to the macro‐economic crisis of early 1991. Anticipating unfavourable short‐term effects of the policy reforms on the poor, outlays on anti‐poverty programmes were stepped up, and in 1992, the landmark 73rd Constitutional (Amendment) Act restructured local government councils, or panchayats. Whether this restructuring made any difference through the better design and implementation of anti‐poverty programmes is the focus of the present study.
Zmiany strukturalne w sektorze wieprzowiny w wybranych krajach Unii Europejskiej

Abstrakt. Celem artykułu było określenie zmian strukturalnych w sektorze wieprzowiny w Unii Europejskiej. Analiza objęła kraje unijne o największym udziale w produkcji tego gatunku mięsa. Dokonano oceny aktualnej sytuacji branży pod względem podaży, zamieszczono także dane dotyczące skali chowu i obsady zwierząt w gospodarstwach trzodowych w wybranych państwach w 2010 roku w porównaniu z latami poprzednimi. Na tym tle ukazano wskaźniki efektywności produkcyjno-ekonomicznej. Informacje zawarte w publikacji pozwoliły na sformułowanie wniosków na temat procesów restrukturyzacji sektora. Stwierdzono, że w UE zmienia się struktura geograficzna podaży mięsa wieprzowego, dochodzi bowiem do koncentracji pogłowia w wybranych krajach unijnych. W artykule wykorzystano materiały źródłowe Komisji Europejskiej, Głównego Urzędu Statystycznego, Departamentu Rolnictwa Stanów Zjednoczonych oraz bazy danych Eurostatu.
Accounting calculation and the shifting sphere of the economic

The paper examines some aspects of the interrelationship between accounting and economics. Noting that much of the significance of accounting stems from the coupling of relatively routine procedures with wider understandings of the functions which they can serve, the paper examines how economic discourses have provided contexts for accounting elaboration and change. Reference is made to two case examples. The mutual interrelationship between accounting and economics is emphasized in the paper with particular consideration being given to the ways in which accounting calculations facilitate the construction of spheres of economic activity.
A simple adaptive control application to large flexible structures

This paper addresses the problem of synthesizing a closed-loop controller for attaining robust stabilization and position control of a flexible structure using adaptive control. The usually uncertain number of relevant flexible modes, that could normally be large and their frequencies pretty much unknown, presents a serious challenge for any control methodology. Although it was shown that when sensors and actuators are collocated the structure can be stabilized by output position-plus-velocity feedback, design of controllers requires good knowledge of the (uncertain) plant parameters. On the other hand, implementation of robust adaptive control algorithms, that seem fit to solve such problems with uncertain parameters, require satisfaction of so-called Almost Strictly Positive Realness (ASPR) conditions. The paper will show that the flexible structure with collocated sensors and actuators do satisfy the desired ASPR conditions and thus, robust adaptive control can be used without any other knowledge regarding the frequencies or even the number of modes. An example is also given in order to demonstrate these concepts and the efficiency of Simple Adaptive Control (SAC).
Differential Fabry–Perot Resonator Antennas

The differential Fabry-Perot resonator (FPR) antenna is investigated for the first time. It has advantages of suppressing the cross polarization and enabling integration with differential circuits. Its basic structure consists of two vertical parallel metal plates, which are connected by a horizontal ground plane. The differential FPR antenna is fed by a pair of differential L-probes protruding from the ground plane. It is found that the basic differential FPR antenna has considerable sidelobes in the E-plane. To suppress the sidelobes, a modified differential FPR antenna is proposed which has a pair of ridges at each side-opening of the parallel plates. In addition, a second modified differential FPR antenna is also proposed to reduce undesirable backward radiation. The second modified antenna has a pair of ridges placed at the top of each metal plate. It is found that all of the basic and modified antennas have low cross polarizations. The two modified differential FPR antennas were fabricated and measured, and the measurements agree reasonably well with HFSS simulations. The first and second modified antennas have calibrated measured gains of 14.2 dBi and 15.4 dBi, respectively, with measured 10-dB impedance bandwidths of ~ 2.4%.
Regulatory climate toward finfish aquaculture: The impacts of state institutional structure

Abstract The impact of state development and regulatory institutional characteristics on the regulatory climate toward finfish aquaculture, defined as the stringency of regulations imposed upon aquaculture, is evaluated in a two‐limit truncated regression model, using data from a national survey. The conceptual basis of the model draws from elements of public choice and firm location theories, characterized within an institutional setting. Empirical results indicate that (1) establishing a formal state aquaculture development plan and (2) transferring regulatory enforcement authority from the state fish and wildlife agency to the state department of agriculture are strategies which will significantly reduce regulatory stringency and the negative impacts of state institutional constraints on aquaculture. Ornamental fish and baitfish were subjected to lower regulatory stringency than commercial foodfish. States in the northeast and western regions of the U.S. had higher regulatory stringency than states in the southern region.
Preventive versus treatment effect of AG3340, a potent matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor in a rat model of choroidal neovascularization.

PURPOSE AG3340 (prinomastat) is a nonpeptidic, small-molecular-weight, synthetic matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor (MMPI) with selective inhibitory action of MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-3, and MT-MMP1. We evaluated AG3340 injected intravitreally to treat choroidal neovascularization in a laser induced rat CNV model. METHODS In the pretreatment group, the drug was injected the same day after induction of choroidal neovascularization by diode laser. In the treatment group, the drug was injected 2 weeks after induction of choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography were performed to evaluate CNV. ERG recordings and histology were performed to assess toxicity and the CNV lesions. RESULTS When used at the time of CNV induction, 62.8% of lesions in control versus 22.8% of the laser lesions in treated eyes developed CNV (p < 0.0001). The invading fibrovascular complex was thicker in the control eyes than that in the treated eyes. No signs of toxicity were detected. When used to treat established CNV, the percentage of leakage in treated and control eyes were 54.1% and 58.9% respectively (p > 0.05). Prinomastat was effective when given at the time of induction of CNV in the rat model. Administration of prinomastat 2 weeks after laser induction did not show efficacy. CONCLUSION Prinomastat was active in the earliest stages of experimental CNV. It might be best used in combination with photodynamic therapy to inhibit recurrence of CNV from temporarily closed new vessels.
INDONESIAN EFL TEACHERS STUDYING OVERSEAS: FEELINGS, EXPECTATIONS, AND PERSPECTIVES ON PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

One of the ways to develop English teachers' professional competence is by sending them to study in a graduate program in English language education. Sending English teachers to pursue their higher level of education is one of the policies taken by the Government of East Java to improve English teachers' professional competence. In response to the Government of East Java's policy, teachers were selected to study in a graduate program with a sandwich study. The sandwich takes the format of "in-house training" held at State University of Malang and overseas study in Angeles University Foundation, Philippine. This article explores the English teachers' feelings, expectations, and perspectives on professional development with regard to the opportunity in studying overseas. The results of the study show that studying overseas contributed to professional development of the English teachers participating in the sandwich study program during their graduate education.
The unconscious experience.

BACKGROUND Although considerable research has been done on pathophysiology, metabolic and physical causes, and prognostic indicators, little is known about unconsciousness or coma from the perspective of the patient. OBJECTIVE To describe the experiences of patients who were once documented as being unconscious. METHODS Phenomenologic interviews were conducted with 100 patients whose records indicated that they had been unconscious during hospitalization. Interviews were also attempted with primary family members, significant others, or other external observers. Chart audits documenting the unconscious episode, medications, and diagnoses were also carried out. Data were compared, using van Kaam's method, and contrasted. RESULTS Patients experienced one or more of five states: unconsciousness, inner consciousness, perceived unconsciousness, distorted consciousness, and paranormal experiences. They described hearing, understanding, and responding emotionally to what was being said when it was assumed they were not aware. In addition, 23 subjects reported near-death experiences or visits, out-of-body experiences, or some other paranormal experience. CONCLUSION Patients' unconscious experiences can cause long-term effects. Patients often need reassurance that other patients subjected to similar conditions also have these experiences.
An empirical model of marketing strategy and shareholder value

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to examine an empirical model of marketing strategy and shareholder value through customer satisfaction and financial performance by using a value‐based marketing approach on organisations listed in Amman Stock Exchange Market operating in Jordan.Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative methodology was employed through conducting two surveys targeting Jordanian organisations' marketing managers and their customers as well as utilising hard measures for financial performance and shareholder value data analysis. A total of 218 marketing managers were involved in the managers' survey and 1,200 customers were involved in the customers' satisfaction survey. A series of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to assess the research constructs dimensions, unidimensionality, validity and composite reliability. Structural path model analysis was also used to test the hypothesised research model.Findings – The empirical results indicate that external and .
The Impact of Mergers on the Degree of Competition in the Banking Industry

This paper analyses the relation between competition and concentration in the banking sector. The empirical answer is given by testing a monopolistic competition model of bank branching behaviour on individual bank data at county level (departements and provinces) in France and Italy. We propose a measure of the degree of competiveness in each local market that is function also of market structure indicators. We then use the econometric model to evaluate the impact of horizontal mergers among incumbent banks on competition and discuss when, depending on the pre-merger structure of the market and geographic distribution of branches, the merger is anti-competitive. The paper has implications for competition policy as it suggests an applied tool to evaluate the potential anti-competitive impact of mergers.
Investigation of potential gene–gene interactions between apoe and reln contributing to autism risk

Background Several candidate gene studies support RELN as susceptibility gene for autism. Given the complex inheritance pattern of autism, it is expected that gene–gene interactions will exist. A logical starting point for examining potential gene–gene interactions is to evaluate the joint effects of genes involved in a common biological pathway. RELN shares a common biological pathway with APOE, and Persico et al. have observed transmission distortion of the APOE-2 allele in autism families. Objective We evaluated RELN and APOE for joint effects in autism susceptibility. Methods A total of 470 Caucasian autism families were analyzed (265 multiplex; 168 trios with no family history; 37 positive family history but only one sampled affected). These families were genotyped for 11 RELN polymorphisms, including the 5′ untranslated region repeat previously associated with autism, as well as for the APOE functional allele. We evaluated single locus allelic and genotypic association with the pedigree disequilibrium test and geno-PDT, respectively. Multilocus effects were evaluated using the extended version of the multifactorial dimensionality reduction method. Results For the single locus analyses, there was no evidence for an effect of APOE in our data set. Evidence for association with RELN (rs2073559; trio subset P=0.07 PDT; P=0.001 geno-PDT; overall geno-PDT P=0.05), however, was found. For multilocus geno-PDT analysis, the joint genotype of APOE and RELN rs2073559 was highly significant (trio subset, global P=0.0001), probably driven by the RELN single locus effect. Using the extended version of the multifactorial dimensionality reduction method to detect multilocus effects, there were no statistically significant associations for any of the n-locus combinations involving RELN or APOE in the overall or multiplex subset. In the trio subset, 1-locus and 2-locus models selected only markers in RELN as best models for predicting autism case status. Conclusion Thus, we conclude that there is no main effect of APOE in our autism data set, nor is there any evidence for a joint effect of APOE with RELN. RELN, however, remains a good candidate for autism susceptibility.
Inequities in Long-Term Housing Recovery After Disasters

Problem, research strategy, and findings: Disaster impacts result from interactions between hazard exposure, physical vulnerability, and social vulnerability. We report empirical work from 1992′s Hurricane Andrew in Miami-Dade (FL) and 2008′s Hurricane Ike in Galveston (TX) to assess long-term trends in housing recovery. Longitudinal, parcel-level data on housing units along with neighborhood sociodemographic data permit analysis of the pace of recovery for different neighborhoods, populations, and housing types. Housing recovery is highly uneven for different population groups. Unsurprisingly, damage has major consequences; even after four years, the effects of damage are evident in the rebuilding process. Social vulnerability factors play differently in different settings. In Miami, income and race and ethnicity were critical determinants of higher losses and slower recovery rates, while in Galveston income was the more critical factor, with housing in lower-income areas suffering more damage and lagging significantly in the recovery process. Takeaway for practice: Effective land use policy and building codes can reduce physical vulnerability and ultimately damage, thus enhancing resilience for all. Differentials in impact and recovery trajectories suggest that assessment and the monitoring of recovery is critical to target resources to areas that are lagging. Perhaps most important is having an effective plan in place that addresses housing recovery issues to help reduce long-term consequences. Pre-event planning for housing and social change can help support community vision and overcome inequities.
Essays On The Innovation And Intellectual Property System In Vietnam

This dissertation provide not only a comprehensive overview on concepts and models of innovation, but it also provide critical analysis on the intellectual property system with an emphasize on the patent system and enforcement system in Vietnam. The empirical findings have suggested that legal business types, firm's age are amongst the determinant characteristics that indicate manufacturing innovation. Furthermore, a number of factors including rewarding scheme,average employee education,collaboration, training are the factors that influence manufacturing innovation. Moreover, an in depth study on the patenting cost system of the fast developing ASEAN countries and China explore the impact of FDI and the patenting cost on the growth of resident patent registration ,which is observed following the traditional demand curve. With poor infranstructure and lack of competent IP personnel, the quality of patent granted is in questionaire. Finally, this research explore in depth the enforcement systems in Vietnam, which need further reform.
Mechanical stimulation releases nucleotides that activate P2Y1 receptors to trigger neural reflex chloride secretion in guinea pig distal colon

Stroking the mucosal lining of the guinea pig colon with a brush elicits an intestinal neural reflex, and an increase in short‐circuit current (Isc) indicative of chloride secretion. We tested whether endogenous and exogenous nucleotides are physiologic regulators of mucosal reflexes that modulate chloride secretion. The basal Isc was augmented by 6‐N,N‐diethyl‐β,γ‐dibromomethylene‐D‐adenosine‐5′‐triphosphate (ARL67156) inhibition of nucleotide breakdown or adenosine A1 receptor blockade and reduced by apyrase inactivation of nucleotidases, P2 receptor antagonists, tetrodotoxin (TTX), or piroxicam. ARL67156 augmented, and apyrase inhibited, stroking‐evoked Isc responses. TTX and atropine inhibited nucleotide‐evoked Isc responses. The agonist potency profile for Isc, 2‐methylthioadenosine‐diphosphate (2MeSADP) = 2‐methioadenosine‐triphosphate ≫ 5′adenosine‐triphosphate (ATP) ≥ 5′adenosine‐diphosphate > 5′uridine‐triphosphate ≥ 5′uridine‐diphosphate, supports a P2Y1 receptor (R). The P2 receptor antagonists suramin and pyridoxalphosphate‐6‐azophenyl‐2′4′‐disulfonic acid, reduced stroking responses (36%) and their effects were additive. The selective P2Y1 R antagonist, 2′deoxy‐N6‐methyl adenosine 3′,5′‐diphosphate diammonium salt, reduced stroking (54%) and 2MeSADP (70%) responses at P2Y1 Rs. The P2X1/3 R agonist, α,βMeATP, increased Isc. A desensitizing dose of α,βMeATP reduced stroking Isc responses but did not prevent the 2MeSADP‐evoked Isc response. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed mRNAs for P2Y1 R, P2Y2 R, P2Y4 R, P2Y6 R, and P2Y12 R in submucosa. The expression of P2Y R immunoreactivity (ir) in cell bodies of submucous neurons followed the order of P2Y1 = P2Y2 ≫ P2Y4 R ir; P2Y1 Rs and P2Y2 R ir were abundant (21–50% of neurons). P2Y1 R ir was abundant in cholinergic secretomotor neurons and fewer than 2% of neuropeptide Y (NPY)/choline acetyltransferase secretomotor neurons, and P2Y2 R ir was expressed in virtually all NPY secretomotor neurons and approximately 30% of calbindin/intrinsic primary afferent neurons. P2Y4 R ir was present in NPY‐positive neurons. P2Y ir was rare or absent in varicose nerve fibers. The functional data support the hypothesis that mechanical stimulation with a brush releases nucleotides that act predominantly at P2Y1 Rs and to a lesser extent on P2X1/3 Rs to mediate reflex chloride secretion. A separate P2Y2 R neural circuit pathway exists that is not activated by mechanical forces. Other receptors including P2Y4, P2Y6, P2Y12, or P4 Rs cannot be excluded. J. Comp. Neurol. 469:1–15, 2004. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Business succession planning: a review of the evidence

Purpose – This article aims to review business and academic literature on the topic of business succession planning (BSP). The purpose is to allow the vast quantity of evidence and opinion to be contextualised, and enable a better understanding of the key themes within BSP, particularly with respect to small, family‐owned businesses.Design/methodology/approach – An extensive literature search of business magazines, journal databases, textbooks, and relevant reports and citations was carried out. A categorisation of the evidence, involving over 400 articles, allowed informed discussions on the key themes surrounding BSP.Findings – Key findings include family succession, legal, financial, and fiscal components, barriers against implementation, and methods for managing the process. A detailed summary of these and other topics is given, which together constitute the critical themes which should be borne in mind by businesses facing BSP.Research limitations/implications – The main weakness of this paper is the.