Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Why Do Hurdle Rates Differ from the Cost of Capital

This article considers the role of hurdle rates in the analysis of investment decisions, analysing a sample of business units from the PIMS (Profit Impact of Marketing Strategy) databank of North American companies, which provides rarely observed data on hurdle rates. Although the standard literature suggests that firms should only invest if the return exceeds the cost of capital, there are several theories that explain the use of investment hurdle rates that differ from discount rates. In fact, our data show that instances where hurdle rates are either above or below the discount rate are common. In a statistical analysis, we find that this behaviour can be explained by a combination of agency theory and real options theory. We take this as important evidence that a full explanation of capital investment cannot be accomplished without a consideration of behavioural and strategic influences on the investment decision. Copyright The Author 2009. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Cambridge Political Economy Society. All rights reserved. , Oxford University Press.
Examining Estimation Bias and Efficiency for Pseudopanel Data in Travel Demand Analysis

Pseudopanel data have been increasingly applied in travel demand analysis to investigate the long-run travel demand when genuine panel data are unavailable. However, conventional estimation techniques have typically been used without a careful consideration of some unique properties of pseudopanel data. This paper shows that ignoring these properties potentially leads to estimation bias or inefficiency not observed in genuine panel data. The method used is a Monte Carlo experiment with scenarios designed to generate various data possessing pseudopanel data characteristics under conditions of limited observations; the performance of various estimator is evaluated with the use of the simulation results. This research found that the large between-group variation of the exogenous variable and the variance of unobserved group effects in pseudopanel data are the primary causes of estimation bias and inefficiency. Other factors such as cohort sizes and nonspherical errors have a smaller effect on the estimators’ performance. An empirical application using Sydney Household Travel Survey data is also presented to illustrate the simulation findings.
An Insecticide-Bait-Box Method for the Control of Sylvatic Plague Vectors

Field trials were conducted in the San Francisco Bay region to test the effectiveness of 5 and 10% DDT powder in rodent bait-boxes against fleas on native wild rodents and in the rodent nests. The principal species concerned were known flea vectors of sylvatic plague, Malaraeus telchinum and Hystrichopsylla linsdalei, and the meadow vole, Microtus californicus, an important plague reservoir. Preliminary trials with the bait-boxes showed that Microtus and other small native rodents would enter them quite readily and feed upon rolled oats. About 90 g of either 5 or 10% DDT powder, placed on the floor boards of the bait-boxes, was picked up by the rodents and resulted in effective immediate control of all flea species. Residual control of all flea species on Microtus (with the possible exception of Hystrichopsylla linsdalei) was obtained over a period of several months. Analyses of Microtus nests showed considerable amounts of DDT which had been transported to them by the rodents. All flea species in nests were effectively controlled by 5% DDT for at least 132 days after the DDT was removed from the area. The field work was performed by Alva R. Kinney and Robert L. Martin. The fleas were identified by Harold E. Stark. The DDT analyses of rodent nests were done by the personnel of the Technical Development Laboratories, CDC, Savannah, Georgia, under the direction of J. A. Jensen.
Deterring Democracy? Australia's New Generation of Trade Union Officials

This article considers the continued relevance of two key arguments made by Callus (1986) in the mid-1980s as regards Australian trade union officials: first, that the labour market for trade union officials is clearly and sharply segmented; and second, that the growth of expert officer appointments has had a negligible impact on union democracy. Using census and union data, I conclude that the segmentation detected by Callus may be eroding, that union officials as a bloc are becoming increasingly differentiated from the rank-and-file membership, and that, although the growth of the expert officer class is secondary in its effect when compared to the main forces restricting the full play of union democracy, it may nonetheless be having an impact. The article concludes by considering the poten tial for a revival of union democracy.
A kind of cots onboard computer fault-tolerant design

In October 2015, Kaituo-1 double satellites were successfully launched in Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center. In November 2016, MCX satellite was successfully launched in Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. All these satellites mentioned above were designed by Aerospace Dongfanghong Development Ltd, Shenzhen, and running stably on orbit. What's more, the low cost satellite platform which adopted the highly integrated design and the commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products had been fully verified. Utilizing the advantage of the COTS products, a fault tolerant solution was promoted to ensure the reliability of the COTS onboard computer, especially the tolerant ability to Single Event Effect(SEE). The fault-tolerant design was performed in three aspects, the hardware (circuit and FPGA), software and system. And the pulse laser simulation of single particle was introduced to verify the design in the laboratory. Ultimately, the design was successfully applied on orbit. On-orbit memory error detection errors correction is achieved, in the process of data access to a large number of single particle orbit flip.
Solving Task Space Problems with Multi-Step Planning

Modern robotics research has developed a mature family of planners for solving robot motion planning problems, but task space problems (where we want to reason about objects) remain difficult. Other approaches for solving what are often referred to as combined task and motion planning problems rely on bringing logical problem structure into the design of the high level planner. While programming assumptions around logical problem structure cannot be avoided, we propose the multistep planning approach which maintains high level generality while pushing these logical assumptions to a lower level of the program. Through experiments on a real robot and in simulation we demonstrate the ability of this architecture to solve real (though small) problems. We also demonstrate how carefully chosen heuristics can be key to making this approach faster. Note to Practitioners: This paper proposes techniques for using multi-step planning to solve problems defined in the way we would like objects to move in the space, rather than how we would like the robot to move. Successful applications of this technique will depend of the ability of the practitioner to define useful families of planning spaces, and provide algorithms that can plan and sample states in those families. Additionally, in order to get good performance, particularly on larger problems, the practitioner should provide an informative heuristic that matches the cost function used in the planning process. Our results suggest that with good heuristics, multi-step planning could be a practical technique for problems with relatively small search complexity, and suggest the potential for developing stronger heuristics to target larger problems.
Information and profitability estimates: modelling the firm's decision to adopt a new technology

This paper uses a response surface based on catastrophe theory to examine the interaction of information and profitability estimates on the firm's adoption of a new technology or innovation. As such, the paper builds on the conceptual ideas behind McCardle's (1985) work. An illustrative example using simulated data is presented to indicate how one might operationalize the key constructs for the purpose of estimating the model.
Strategic Delay in Market Entry

Two firms are contemplating entry into a market that is viable for only one firm in a good state. We show that even if each firm receives a signal that perfectly reveals a good state, both might strategically delay entry, owing to the fear that the other firm might enter in the same period as well. We also find the conditions where the informed firm will let the rival firm know about the market's profitability and the two will merge to enter the market. We discuss the applications of this model to the oil industry and the generic drug industry.
Determinants of Academic Performance in Japan

This article gives an overview of the empirical studies of the determinants of students' academic performance in Japan. Recent development in the availability of achievement data have enabled researchers, including economists, to identify the determinants of education outcomes. Economists have great curiosity about the determinants of students' academic achievement because achievement gaps among school-age children result in future income inequality. Education production functions are estimated using student-level achievement data for Japanese students, with emphasis on estimating the effect of ability grouping. The empirical results show that students' test scores are strongly affected by family backgrounds, whereas school resource variables have a more limited impact. We cannot reject the hypothesis that the effect of reducing class size is zero. On the other hand, the effects of family backgrounds become small when students are grouped according to their ability, suggesting a possibility that schools can succeed in reducing the gaps in opportunities among students from different family backgrounds.
Assessing Exclusive Breastfeeding Knowledge and Practices among Breastfeeding Mothers at Kajiado County of Kenya: A Community-Based Study

The purpose of the study was to find out the extent to which breastfeeding knowledge and awareness of the mothers at Kajiado County of Kenya correlates positively with their practice. The World Health Organization recommends that every country should promote, protect and support breast-feeding program for infants and the mother’s health. The study employed descriptive-correlational and participatory action research approach employing data collection techniques such as individual interviews using structured questionnaire. A Sample size of 200 breastfeeding mothers was used for the study. The study showed the mothers have high knowledge in exclusive breastfeeding with a total mean score of 4.27 on a five-point scale. The high exclusive breast-feeding knowledge did not correlate positively with their breastfeeding practice. Even though, 70% of the mothers had a normal delivery, 97% had their babies delivered at the hospital, and 92.5% delivered their babies healthy without any problem. The study showed that only 42% were able to exclusively breastfed for six months. Spearman Rho showed a strong positive correlation between motivation and breastfeeding (R = .421**, P > 0.01). This study is important in devising strategies that will help mothers increase and adopt better exclusive breastfeeding practices at Kajiado County of Kenya.
Interactions between Light and Melatonin on the Circadian Clock of Mice

Melatonin and light synchronize the biological clock and are used to treat sleep/wake disturbances in humans. However, the two treatments affect circadian rhythms differently when they are combined than when they are administered individually. To elucidate the nature of the interaction between melatonin and light, the present study assessed the effect of melatonin on circadian timing and immediate-early gene expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) when administered in the presence of light. Male C3H/HeN mice, housed in constant dark in cages equipped with running wheels, were treated with either melatonin (90 μg, sc) or vehicle (3% ethanol-saline) 5 min prior to exposure to light (15 min, 300 lux) at various times in the circadian cycle. Combined treatment resulted in lower magnitude phase delays of circadian activity rhythms than those obtained with light alone during the early subjective night and advances in phase when melatonin and light were administered during the subjective day (p < .001). The reduction in phase delays with combined treatment at Circadian Time (CT) 14 was significant when light exposure measured 300 lux but not at lower light levels (p < .05). When light preceded melatonin administration, the inhibition of phase delays attained significance only when the light exposure reached 1000 lux (p < .05). Neither basal nor light-induced expression of c-fos mRNA in the SCN was modified by melatonin administration at CT 14 or CT 22. Together, these results suggest that combined administration of melatonin and light affect circadian timing in a manner not predicted by summing the two treatments given individually. Furthermore, the interaction is not likely to be due to inhibition of photic input to the clock by melatonin but might arise from a photically induced enhancement of melatonin's actions on circadian timing.
Nanoparticle-on-mirror cavity modes for huge and/or tunable plasmonic field enhancement

We present a careful numerical study of nanoparticle (NP) faceting, highlighting the great influence of small morphological changes of NP-mirror cavities on near-field enhancement in the nanoparticle-on-mirror (NPOM) system. Using a 3D finite element method (FEM) plasmon mapping method, the active transverse cavity modes can be confirmed. For the dominant mode, we have found that, by increasing the facet width, the resonance can be tuned linearly to the red with little decrease of the peak near-field intensity. It is further demonstrated that by increasing the NP size, the near-field intensity can be strongly enhanced. Understanding of such extreme optics benefits significantly both the optimized design of potential plasmonic devices and the fundamental understanding of nano-optics. Collaborative experimental considerations are expected with the rapid development of nanotechnology.
Isolation and characterization of pso mutants sensitive to photo-addition of psoralen derivatives in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

We have isolated mutants sensitive to photo-addition of bi-functional and mono-functional derivatives of psoralen in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Three of these pso mutants were analyzed in detail. They segregate in meiosis like Mendelian genes and complement each other, as well as existing radiation-sensitive (rad and rev) mutants. The study of heterozygous diploid strains (PSO+/pso) indicates that the three pso genes are recessive. The mutant pso1--1 demonstrates a cross-sensitivity to UV and gamma-rays, whereas mutants pso2--1 and pso3--1 are specifically sensitive to photo-addition of psoralen derivatives. The comparison of exponentially growing cells to stationary-phase cells demonstrates that for the three mutants the defect in repair capacity of DNA cross-links and monoadducts concerns G1 and early S-phase cells. The pso2--1 mutant is, however, also defective in G2 repair and loses diploid resistance when it is in the homozygous state. --The block in repair capacity in these novel mutants is discussed in relation to the three other repair pathways known to be involved in the repair of furocoumarins photo-induced lesions in yeast DNA.
Carbon nanotube interconnects for low-power high-speed applications

This paper investigates the prospects of mixed bundle of Carbon Nanotubes (CNT) as low-power high-speed interconnects for future VLSI applications. The power dissipation and delay of CNT bundle interconnects are examined and compared with that of the Cu interconnects at the 32-nm technology node. We evaluated and compared various performance metrics of interconnects with both CMOS and Carbon Nanotube Field Effect Transistor (CNFET) driver and FO4 load using transmission line model. The results show that CNT bundle consumes 1.5 to 4 folds smaller power than Cu for intermediate and global interconnects. The CNT bundle interconnects are also faster than Cu except for local interconnects. It is concluded that the mixed bundle of CNTs is a promising candidate for intermediate and global interconnects in future technologies.
Significance of the Pulmonary Vascular Bed in Congenital Heart Disease: V. Lesions of the Left Side of the Heart Causing Obstruction of the Pulmonary Venous Return

A microscopic study was made of the lungs of 18 patients with congenital malformations of the heart in which there was obstruction of pulmonary venous drainage. Alterations in various components of the pulmonary vascular bed and of the lung parenchyma were described and correlated with the clinical course and the type of malformation present. A quantitative evaluation of the pulmonary arterial thickening was made by determining the lumen:wall ratio of small vessels. The anatomic alterations found in these children were compared to those of adults with acquired mitral stenosis.
Environmental Concern and Responsibility among Nature Tourists in Oulanka PAN Park, Finland

Abstract Following the growth of nature‐based tourism, “pristine” and remote areas, such as national parks, attract tourists in Scandinavia. Various international initiatives and certification programs, such as PAN Parks in Europe, have been introduced to promote sustainable nature‐based tourism. Often tourists are also given responsibility to prevent negative environmental impacts of their travel. This paper examines the role of nature tourists in developing sustainable tourism: what expectations do tourists have on nature and sustainability in national parks, how do they consider environmental aspects when travelling, and how do they respond to ecolabels and certifications? Thirty interviews of mainly Finnish tourists were conducted in Oulanka National Park, one of PAN Parks certified parks in Finland. The results show that these nature tourists do not form a homogenous group, yet they have various views on environmental issues, which differentiate them from other nature tourists and have an influence on their travelling behavior. Thus, four types of tourists were identified on the basis of their environmental concern and responsibility. The results emphasize the role of regulation, incentives and guidance in developing sustainability in tourist destinations and companies; tourists do not necessarily set high demands as long as negative impacts do not ruin their perception of pristine nature.
Changes in the apparent half life of gentamicin and tobramycin without detectable changes in creatinine clearance.

graphic analysis of cimetidine, a histamine H2-receptor antagonist, in blood and urine. J. pharn. Sci., 66, 1148-1150. RASMUSSEN, F. (1971). Excretion of drugs in milk. In Concepts in Biochemical Pharnacology, Part 1, Handb. exp. Pharmac. , ed. Brodie, B.B. & Gillette, J.R. , N.S. , 28, pp. 390-402. Berlin, Heidelberg, New York: Springer Verlag. WAGNER, J.G. (1975). Introductory material. In Fundamentals of Clinical Pharrnacokinetics, pp. 1-52. Hamilton: Drug Intelligence Publications. WALKENSTEIN, S.S. , DUBB, J.W. , RANDOLPH, W.C. WESTLAKE, W.J., STOTE, R.M. & INTOCCIA, A.P. (1978). Bioavailability of cimetidine in man. Gastroenterology, 74, 360-365. YURCHAK, A.M. & JUSKO, wJ. (1976). Theophylline secretion into breast milk. Pediatrics, 57, 518-520.
Rotifers Ingest Oocysts of Cryptosporidium parvum

Abstract Six genera of rotifers including Philodina, Monostyla, Epiphanes, Euchlanis, Brachionus, and Asplanchna were exposed to oocysts of Cryptosporidium parvum cleaned of fecal debris. Unstained oocysts and those stained with fluorescein-conjugated monoclonal antibody were added to suspensions of viable rotifers and were examined by phase-contrast, differential interference contrast, and fluorescence microscopy. Rotifers of all six genera were observed ingesting oocysts. A maximum of 25 oocysts was observed in the stomachs of Euchlanis and Brachionus. Euchlanis and Epiphanes were observed excreting boluses containing up to eight oocysts. It was not determined whether rotifers digested or otherwise rendered oocysts nonviable.
Update on Zinc Biology

Zinc has become a prominent nutrient of clinical and public health interest in the new millennium. Functions and actions for zinc emerge as increasingly ubiquitous in mammalian anatomy, physiology and metabolism. There is undoubtedly an underpinning in fundamental biology for all of the aspects of zinc in human health (clinical and epidemiological) in pediatric and public health practice. Unfortunately, basic science research may not have achieved a full understanding as yet. As a complement to the applied themes in the companion articles, a selection of recent advances in the domains homeostatic regulation and transport of zinc is presented; they are integrated, in turn, with findings on genetic expression, intracellular signaling, immunity and host defense, and bone growth. The elements include ionic zinc, zinc transporters, metallothioneins, zinc metalloenzymes and zinc finger proteins. In emerging basic research, we find some plausible mechanistic explanations for delayed linear growth with zinc deficiency and increased infectious disease resistance with zinc supplementation.
The Economics of the 'European Neighbourhood Policy': An Initial Assessment

This paper describes the general framework of the EU’s emerging relationship with its new neighbours and investigates the potential economic impact of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), both for the EU itself and for its neighbours. In particular, it seeks to develop an answer to the question of whether the ENP is sufficiently attractive so as to induce the governments in neighbourhood countries to adopt (or accelerate the adoption of) the types of economic and governance reforms that were implemented in the new member states during their accession processes. Although the specifics of the ENP are still being developed, the lack of incentives as regards to unclear accession to the EU is identified as the main weakness of the ENP. Economically, the ENP seeks to ease trade restrictions through the implementation of legislative approximation and convergence with EU standards, before accessing the EU’s single market can become a reality. Positively though, is that the access to the single market could improve significantly under the ENP. As experienced by the Central European states, FDI is instrumental to transform the economies of the Western CIS and the Caucasus. The ENP can be a supportive framework for improving investor confidence. Likewise, the new European Neighbourhood Instrument can add more coherence in technical assistance, and provide more financial support for creating capacities for trade infrastructures and institutional and private sector development. Finally, measures to promote increased labour migration between the new neighbours and the enlarged EU may be worth to put on the agenda for the future development and impact of the ENP.