Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of information about benefits of biotechnology on consumer acceptance of genetically modified food: evidence from experimental auctions in the United States, England, and France

This study investigates the effect of information about potential benefits of biotechnology on consumer acceptance of genetically modified (GM) foods. Consumer willingness to accept compensation to consume a GM food was elicited using an incentive compatible auction mechanism in three US states (California, Florida, and Texas) and in two European countries (England and France). Results indicate that information on environmental benefits, health benefits and benefits to the third world significantly decreased the amount of money consumers demanded to consume GM food; however, the effect of information varied by type of information and location. Consistent with prior research, we find that initial attitudes toward biotechnology have a significant effect on how individuals responded to new information. Copyright 2004, Oxford University Press.
Locomotor kinetics and kinematics on inclines and declines in the gray short-tailed opossum Monodelphis domestica

SUMMARY Small terrestrial animals continually encounter sloped substrates when moving about their habitat; therefore, it is important to understand the mechanics and kinematics of locomotion on non-horizontal substrates as well as on level terrain. To this end, we trained gray short-tailed opossums (Monodelphis domestica) to move along level, 30° inclined, and 30° declined trackways instrumented with a force platform. Vertical, craniocaudal and mediolateral impulses, peak vertical forces, and required coefficient of friction (μreq) of individual limbs were calculated. Two high speed video cameras were used to simultaneously capture whole limb craniocaudal and mediolateral angles at limb touchdown, midstance and lift-off. Patterns on the level terrain were typical for non-primate quadrupeds: the forelimbs supported the majority of the body weight, forelimbs were net braking and hindlimbs net propulsive, and both limb pairs exerted small laterally directed impulses. M. domestica moved more slowly on sloped substrates in comparison to level locomotion, and exhibited a greaterμ req. On inclines, both limb pairs were more protracted at touchdown and more retracted at lift-off, fore- and hindlimbs had equal roles in body weight support, forelimbs exerted greater propulsive impulse than hindlimbs, and μreq was greater in the forelimbs than in hindlimbs. On declines, only the forelimbs were more protracted at touchdown; forelimbs supported the great majority of body weight while they generated nearly all of the braking impulse and, despite the disparity in fore- vs hindlimb function on the decline, μreq was not significantly different between limbs. These differences on the inclined and declined surfaces most likely result from (1) the location of the opossums' center of mass, which is closer to the forelimbs than to the hindlimbs, and (2) the greater functional range of the forelimbs versus the hindlimbs.
DNA ploidy, proliferative activities, and immunophenotype of malignant lymphoma: Application of flow cytometry

To explore the flow cytometric diagnosis of malignant lymphoma, we examined the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) ploidy, proliferative activities, and immunophenotype of surgical biopsy‐ and fine‐needle aspiration (FNA)–derived materials. Our goal was to determine the possibility of making a diagnosis of malignant lymphoma by flow cytometric analysis of FNA‐derived materials.
Data coherence diagnosis in socially significant behavior model

The purpose of the paper is to offer an instrument for data coherence diagnosis in socially significant behavior model. Problem of initial data coherence is considered. Data coherence diagnosis method is proposed. For more convenient use a software is developed. Examples of its using are shown. Obtained results can be used in different research fields, e.g. sociology and epidemiology.
A Global Optimizing Policy for Decaying Items with Ramp-Type Demand Rate under Two-Level Trade Credit Financing Taking Account of Preservation Technology

An inventory system for deteriorating items, with ramp-type demand rate, under two-level trade credit policy taking account of preservation technology is considered. The objective of this study is to develop a deteriorating inventory policy when the supplier provides to the retailer a permissible delay in payments, and during this credit period, the retailer accumulates the revenue and earns interest on that revenue; also the retailer invests on the preservation technology to reduce the rate of product deterioration. Shortages are allowed and partially backlogged. Sufficient conditions of the existence and uniqueness of the optimal replenishment policy are provided, and an algorithm, for its determination, is proposed. Numerical examples draw attention to the obtained results, and the sensitivity analysis of the optimal solution with respect to leading parameters of the system is carried out.
Can training and career development be considered best practices using the universal and contingency approaches

Because human resource management is a challenge for mostorganizations, many companies seek practices that will enable them to compete with other companies. In our work, we examine the study of training and career development and their consideration as high-performance practices by considering the universal and contingency approaches for a sample of 560 companies. If practitioners know the effects of these practices, they can apply it in their firms. The results show that both training and career development can be considered to be best practices and that they influence organizational performance either as isolated practices or as practices that are aligned with other best practices. Thus, we conclude that both approaches can be used in a complementary manner, depending on the nature of the investigation. Key words: Training, development, high performance, configurational, universal approach.
Economic Returns to Graduate Study in Science, Engineering and Business

Rendements de l'enseignement supe'rieur dans les domaines des sciences, de l'inge'nierie et de l'administration des affaires. L'expansion de l'enseignement superieur a ete rapide durant la decennie 1960-9. A l'aide de l'analyse benefices/coOits habituelle, l'auteur fait une evaluation des programmes en sciences, en genie et en administration des affaires. Il calcule des taux de rendement et des valeurs presentes nettes des points de vue prive et social. Les cou'ts retenus sont 'a la fois directs (depenses des institutions et des etudiants) et implicites (amortissement et interet du capital physique, manque a gagner des etudiants). Une estimation des differences des revenus d'une vie par dipl6me, domaine d'etude et secteur d'emploi a ete faite a partir des donnees sur les gains de l'enquete de 1967 sur la main-d'ceuvre de qualification superieure au Canada. L'auteur fait des commentaires sur les principales limitations de son analyse: l'utilisation des salaires pour l'estimation des rendements sociaux marginaux, la fagon de tenir compte des autres facteurs qui influencent les differences de revenus, l'utilisation de donnees de coupe instantanee pour faire l'estimation des differences de revenus sur une vie, l'effet du changement 'a long terme des conditions du marche du travail. Le resultat le plus remarquable est que le rendement social n'excede 5 pour cent que dans le cas d'un seul programme: le MBA. Par contre, il y a des rendements nets negatifs (ou pertes) dans certains cas; pour les trois cas de PhD etudies, environ $30,000 'a $50,000, si on utilise des taux d'escompte de 5 a 10 pour cent. Les rendements prive's ne sont pas aussi faibles que les rendements sociaux, principalement A cause du fait que le gouvernement couvre une grande proportion des couts. Par ailleurs, il y a des differences importantes entre les rendements prives suivant que l'on consid&re des personnes employees dans le secteur prive ou dans le secteur public. Les rendements de l'enseignement superieur au Canada semblent etre plus faibles qu'aux Etats-Unis, principalement a cause des salaires relativement plus faibles au Canada pour les jeunes detenteurs de MSc et de PhD. On peut tirer deux conclusions de l'etude. A moins que les benefices externes marginaux de l'enseignement superieur soient grandement superieurs a ceux de l'enseignement sousgradue, on aurait duf faire un transfert de ressources des programmes d'enseignement superieur vers les programmes de l'enseignement sous-gradue. On aurait du^ aussi faire un transfert de ressources des programmes de science et de genie vers ceux d'administration des affaires.
Th2 cytokine antagonists: potential treatments for severe asthma

Introduction: Asthma is a major disease burden worldwide. Treatment with steroids and long acting β-agonists effectively manage symptoms in many patients but do not treat the underlying cause of disease and have serious side effects when used long term and in children. Therapies targeting the underlying causes of asthma are urgently needed. T helper type 2 (Th2) cells and the cytokines they release are clinically linked to the presentation of all forms of asthma. They are the primary drivers of mild to moderate and allergic asthma. They also play a pathogenetic role in exacerbations and more severe asthma though other factors are also involved. Much effort using animal models and human studies has been dedicated to the identification of the pathogenetic roles of these cells and cytokines and whether inhibition of their activity has therapeutic benefit in asthma. Areas covered: We discuss the current status of Th2 cytokine antagonists for the treatment of asthma. We also discuss the potential for targeting Th2-inducing cytokines, Th2 cell receptors and signaling as well as the use of Th2 cell antagonists, small interfering oligonucleotides, microRNAs, and combination therapies. Expert opinion: Th2 antagonists may be most effective in particular asthma subtypes/endotypes where specific cytokines are known to be active through the analysis of biomarkers. Targeting common receptors and pathways used by these cytokines may have additional benefit. Animal models have been valuable in identifying therapeutic targets in asthma, however the results from such studies need to be carefully interpreted and applied to appropriately stratified patient cohorts in well-designed clinical studies and trials.
Merkle quad-tree based remote sensing image analysis

With the rapid development of remote sensing data, the instant and high-efficient analysis on remote sensing image become a challenge. In our research, we adopt the main idea of Merkle Tree and incorporate it with the regular quad-tree to generate an advanced Merkle Quad-Tree structure to assist the remote sensing image analysis. A series of experiments are conducted to authenticate the advantages of the proposed method. In the experiment, the remote sensing images from “Beijing 1” Micro-satellite Image in 2015 are modified on a different level to examine the comparison time consuming for various methods. It turns out that the Merkle Quad-Tree assisting method exhibits stable advantages with the different levels of modifications and which is around 1 percent of the time consumption of the traditional method. The considerable improvements seem to come primarily from the data-mapping process which results in a small and fixed data size.
The New View of Investment: A Neoclassical Analysis

The basis of investment pessimism, 549. — The new view, 551. — A simple model of growth, 553. — Investment and productivity in the long run, 555. — Investment and productivity in the short run, 560. — The rate of return on current investment, 563. — Summary, 567.
Performance measurement of organisations: a review of balanced scorecard technique

The balanced scorecard (BSC) is an integrated performance measurement system. A review has been done to determine the significant research work done using BSC in business and not-for profit sectors. Although several advanced computing techniques such as AHP, fuzzy logic have been used to measure the BSC framework, there is no evidence that a unique tool or methodology is suitable for a particular application. In a few cases, in addition to the traditional four perspectives, additional perspectives are formulated to suit individual needs. It is found that extensive research and implementation (type 4) has been done in business sector. Generic models and advanced computing techniques have been deployed widely in business sector. In the not-for profit sector namely service and education sector, there is a wide gap present at the implementation stage both at the functional and unit level. Based on the review a generic BSC and strategy map is proposed for organisations.
Probabilistic Analysis of Resequencing Queue Length in Multipath Packet Data Networks

In multipath packet data networks, packets may reach the receiver out-of-sequence, i.e., packets arrive at the receiver in a sequence different from their egressing order at the transmitter. In practice, however, many applications require an in-sequence packet delivery, meaning that packets need to be delivered to an application on the receiver in their original order at the transmitter. The in-sequence packet delivery is usually implemented through the approach of packet resequencing. In this paper, a multipath data network with packet resequencing is modeled and the asymptotic properties of the steady-state probability distribution of the resequencing queue length are studied. The assumptions used are that the packets sent from the transmitter according to a Poisson process, and the transmission period of a packet along a route follows an exponential distribution. An asymptotic distribution function of the resequencing queue length is derived for a large queue length in the steady state of the network. Numerical and simulation examples are presented to validate the derived result. Through comparisons of large deviation and asymptotic values of the resequencing queue length distribution, we show that the asymptotic result provides a better approximation to the distribution function of the resequencing queue length than the large deviation result reported in the literature.
IMPACT OF INPUT VARIANCE ON POPULATION-BASED MICROSIMULATION RESULTS

Population-based microsimulations often incorporate multiple data sources and modeling techniques. Results from these complex models should include uncertainty from model inputs. This work examines the confidence of reported results from population-based microsimulations using the Future Elderly Model, a dynamic microsimulation that forecasts health and economic outcomes for middle age and older adults. The primary objective is to determine whether systematic inclusion of uncertainty will disrupt the policy conclusions obtained from population-based microsimulation results.
The Profitability of Volatility Spread Trading on ASX Equity Options

Goyal and Saretto (2009) conjecture that deviations of option implied volatility from long‐run historical levels—the volatility spread—provide a signal of option mispricing. This paper re‐examines the profitability of trading the volatility spread, with a particular focus on assessing the authenticity of returns. While, at face value, portfolios of option straddles designed to exploit this mispricing appear highly profitable, our findings cast doubt over whether these profits can be genuinely attained in real‐world settings. Drawing on the tick history of bid–ask quotes, our analysis suggests that transaction costs erode much of the profitability. Further, we demonstrate that ignoring the existence of initial margins dramatically overstates estimated returns to short option positions. Ultimately, the profitability of volatility spread trading appears to hinge on the ability of traders to achieve effective spreads well inside the quoted spreads and to intelligently time their trades. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 36:107–126, 2016
The evolution of left and right in Post‐Soviet Russia

IN MOST WESTERN DEMOCRATIC SOCIETIES the terms 'left-wing' and 'right-wing' are established as central terms of political discourse and identity. Scholars from diverse perspectives regard them as useful concepts with which both to characterise and account for mass political behaviour and party strategies. ' This does not mean, however, that the meaning of left and right is immutable. The emergence of such left-right orientations, their programmatic and social character and their association with partisanship varies across countries and time. An understanding of their character must therefore be based on historical patterns of politicisation, especially as new political actors seek to build relationships to new social forces. This process of establishing the character of left and right may be particularly volatile in conditions of democratic transitions such as those underway in post-Soviet Russia as the party system and democratic politics develop. Empirical studies of left-right orientations in the West point to the existence of two distinct core concepts of left and right, each of which may be more or less prevalent in any given society or found in varying degrees of association.2 The first of these core concepts is connected to the economy and, in particular, to egalitarian distribution and state intervention on the left versus free market principles and justified inequality on the right. This ideological orientation to left-right is, moreover, underpinned by social divisions along lines of social class, though again the extent of this may vary and in some countries is supplemented by ethnic and denominational characteristics. However, this economic conception of left and right competes with another that is fundamentally social and political in character, emphasising political and social rights and freedoms and democracy on the left, and order, custom and discipline on the right. The social basis of this conception is more strongly related to education, age and religion.3 Once fixed, the particular ideological character and social basis of left and right may be relatively enduring in a given culture and political system, sustained by multiple institutional and informal mechanisms whereby meanings are transmittedsuch as parties, unions, mass media, family and local networks. Thus, the issues salient at the time of party system formation, which are-to varying degrees-associated with the terms 'left-wing' and 'right-wing', will remain linked with them over time, often on the basis of continuing social alignments. Nonetheless, the meaning of left and right in Western democracies has been challenged in recent years, not least because of the rise of new programmatic notions of left and right and new social
The Market Reaction To Stock Splits — Evidence From India

Stock splits are a relatively new phenomenon in the Indian context. This paper examines the market effect of stock splits on stock price, return, volatility, and trading volume around the split ex-dates for a sample of stock splits undertaken in the Indian stock market over the period 1999–2005.The traditional view of stock splits as cosmetic transactions that simply divide the same pie into more slices is inconsistent with the significant wealth effect associated with the announcement of a stock split. However, the empirical evidence confirms a negative effect on price and return of stock splits. The overall cumulative abnormal returns after the split are negative. These results suggest that stock splits have induced the market to revise its optimistic valuation about future firm performance, rejecting signaling hypothesis to which splits convey positive information to markets. Hence, stock splits have reduced the wealth of the shareholders. The results also show that presence of a positive effect on volatility and trading volume following the split events, thus suggesting that split events enhance liquidity.
Democracy and the Public Space in Latin America

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS v INTRODUCTION 3 ONE. Democratic Theory and Democratization 11 TWO. Democratic Theory and the Formation of a Public Sphere 36 THREE. Democracy and the Latin American Tadition 55 FOUR. The Transformation of the Latin American Public Space 77 FIVE. Democratization in Latin America The Conflict between Public Practices and the Logic of Political Society 103 SIX. Participatory Publics in Brazil and Mexico The Compatibility of Public Deliberation and Complex Administration 135 SEVEN. Concluding Remarks on the Democratizing Role of Participatory Publics 165 NOTES 171 REFERENCES 185 INDEX 199
New and emerging pharmacologic strategies in the management of chronic heart failure

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a complex syndrome involving activation of multiple cellular, metabolic, and neurohumoral pathways following the initial myocardial insult. Recently, there have been considerable advances in the pharmacologic management of CHF. The current approach to treatment recognizes the need to target neurohormonal activation, and the use of angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and beta blockers should now be regarded as part of standard therapy in many patients with CHF. However, because of the complexity of the disease, blockade of additional pathways is likely to be required to maximize the therapeutic benefit of intervention. To this end, there are several agents under active late‐phase clinical evaluation. The most advanced of these new strategies (beyond renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone blockade) is inhibition of the endothelin system. There is a substantial body of evidence that this system is intimately involved in CHF disease progression. Early‐phase clinical data are very encouraging and support the potential utility of long‐term endothelin inhibition. Other novel approaches involve the use of cytokine antagonists (e.g., agents that block tumor necrosis factor‐α activity) and the augmentation of natriuretic peptides. If all these potential agents prove to be of benefit in CHF, the question of which agent or combination of agents to use in which patients will arise. There is therefore a need to develop scientific approaches in order to be able to identify more accurately patients who will obtain benefit from specific classes or combinations of drugs.
Surface decomposition accompanying the perception of transparency.

At the retina, each location can have only one value of luminance or color. When transparency is perceived, however, different surface qualities can be redistributed to two or more apparently superimposed layers. The experiments described here explored the characteristics of this surface decomposition. It is shown that the surface decomposition occurs rapidly, it affects even early stages of visual processing, and it involves attributes such as texture and motion as well as color and brightness. In the first experiment, the recognition advantage for transparent overlapping digits demonstrated that the surface decomposition accompanying transparency occurs within 60 ms. In the second, the separation of overlying orthogonal grids due to surface decomposition was found to influence the strength of the McCollough effect, an effect attributed to early cortical processing. Finally, when a transparent surface appears to extend over areas that are physically identical to the background, qualities of the transparent overlay such as texture and motion, as well as color or brightness (e.g., the neon color effect) appear to spread to the illusory overlay.