Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Poverty Correlates and Indicator-Based Targeting in Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union

The authors compare poverty in three Eastern European countries (Bulgaria, Hungary, and Poland) with poverty in three countries of the former Soviet Union (Estonia, Kyrgyz Republic, and Russia). They find striking differences between the post-Soviet and Eastern European experiences with poverty and targeting. Among patterns detected: a) Poverty in Eastern Europe is significantly lower than in former Soviet Union countries. b) Rural poverty is greater than urban poverty. c) In Eastern Europe there is a strong correlation between poverty incidence and the number of children in a household; in the former Soviet Union countries this is less pronounced, except in Russia. d) There is a gender and age dimension to poverty in some countries. In single-person households, especially of elder women, the poverty rate is very high (except in Poland) and poverty is more severe. The same is true in pensioner households (except in Poland). In Poland the pension system has adequate reach. e) Poverty rates are highest among people who have lost their connection with the labor market and live on social transfers (other than pensions) or other nonearned income. But through sheer mass, the largest group of poor people is the working poor -- especially workers with little education (primary education or less) or outdated vocational or technical education. Only those with special skills or university education escape poverty in great numbers, thanks to the demand for their skills from the newly emerging private sector. f) The poverty gap is remarkably uniform in Eastern European countries, especially Hungary and Poland, suggesting that social safety nets have prevented the emergence of deep pockets of poverty. This is much less true in the former Soviet Union, where those with the highest poverty rate also have the largest poverty gap. In the short to medium term, creating employment in the informal sector will generate a larger payoff than creating jobs in the formal (still to be privatized) sectors, so programs to help (prospective) entrepreneurs should take center stage in poverty alleviation programs.
Immediate spectral flexibility in singing chiffchaffs during experimental exposure to highway noise

SUMMARY Sound plays an important role in the life of many animals, including many bird species. Typically, male birds sing to defend a territory and to attract mates. Ambient noise may negatively affect the signal efficiency of their songs, which may be critical to reproductive success. Consequently, anthropogenic noise may be detrimental to individual birds and to populations in cities and along highways. Several bird species that are still common in urban areas have been shown to sing at higher frequency at locations where there is more low-frequency traffic noise. Here we show that chiffchaffs along noisy highways also sing with a higher minimum frequency than chiffchaffs nearby at a quiet riverside. Furthermore, through experimental exposure to highway noise we show that these birds are capable of making such adjustments over a very short time scale. The first 10 songs sung during the noise exposure revealed an immediate shift to higher frequencies, with a return to pre-exposure levels in recordings without noise the following day. In a transmission re-recording experiment we tested the impact of a potential measurement artifact by recording playback of the same songs repeatedly under different controlled noise conditions. We found an upward shift in the minimum frequency measurement associated with more noisy recordings of the same song, but this artifact was not of a scale that it could explain the noise-dependent spectral shifts in chiffchaffs.
A pressurized chemostat for the study of marine barophilic and oligotrophic bacteria

A continuous culture system that allows bacteria to be grown in steady-state populations under pressures of up to 700 atm (71 MPa) was constructed and tested. With readily available or slightly modified high-pressure chromatography equipment, a continuous flow of sterile medium is pressurized and passed through a 500-ml nylon-coated titanium reactor at flow rates of 0.01 to 10 ml min(sup-1). The pressure in the reactor is controlled by a backpressure regulator with greater than 1% accuracy. In test experiments, a culture of a psychro- and barophilic marine isolate from a depth of 4,900 m (strain F1-A, identified as a Shewanella sp.) was grown at 1, 300, and 450 atm (0.1, 30.4, and 40.5 MPa) and dilution rates of 60 and 90% of the organism's maximum growth rate (determined at 1 atm) in the required complex medium at levels of 3.3 and 0.33 mg of dissolved organic carbon per liter in the reservoir. Growth limitation by carbon was assured by an appropriate C/N/P ratio of the medium. The data indicate that barophilic growth characteristics in steady-state cultures of this psychro- and barophilic deep-sea isolate were positively affected by a decreasing growth rate at the higher of two substrate concentrations in the reservoir. After a 10-fold lowering of the substrate concentration, the effect was reversed. Under these conditions, the cell viability increased significantly, especially at the higher of the two pressures tested. The basic design of the system can principally also be used for growth studies on hyperthermophilic bacteria and archaea.
Exploring concepts collaboratively: considering how Wii interact

This abstract describes ongoing research on human to human interaction between early career Computer Scientists as they explore a complex collaborative concept mapping task performed by a collocated group using a large wall-screen projected display. We have investigated the effects of input configuration and mode of input on human to human computer interaction through the use of gesture based controllers. Application of Bales' Interaction Process Analysis (IPA) [1] supports identity trade offs in choosing from a plethora of available input devices and displays when investigating interaction and knowledge discovery. Increasingly, Higher Educational departments are encouraged to plan and deploy technologies that facilitate interaction as a fundamental principle of moving into the Interaction Age, specifically 'new tools are needed to support informal learning activities, in particular processes associated with conceptual development' [2]. This need for new tools resulted in the creation of WiiDraw; software through which single or multiple users could interact with and manipulate conceptual mapping diagrams using gestural interaction concurrently. Gaming interfaces like the Nintendo Wii provide options for creating gesture-based input beyond the move-click capability of a mouse, offering new modes to groups who interact with and create conceptual knowledge with large screens. Other example systems have used mouse input [3] and laser pointers [4] as a means through which to explore large-screen based systems, yet none of these have emerged as a clear choice for a range of applications, and there may not be a single best fit option. However, we now present a study of eleven groups who completed a conceptual mapping task on a shared wall-display to determine how the configuration and mode of input influenced the amount of interaction. The experiment consisted of a single between-groups factor of input configuration of two levels (one controller and two controllers) and a single within-groups factor of interaction style, consisting of two levels (controller with no gestures enabled and controller with gestures enabled). IPA was applied to the data that was obtained from video recordings made of each experiment. ANOVA indicated a main effect of number of controllers, F(1,18)=6.38, p=0.02, with a higher number of interactions when dyads had one controller (M=432, SD=93) than two controllers (M=310, SD=140). A main effect of gestures was evident, F(1,18)=5.08, p=0.04 with more interactions occurring with gestures (M=420, SD=119), than without (M=310, SD=129) (see Figure 1). The interaction effect was not statistically significant. Results indicate that one controller afforded higher levels of human to human interaction, with gestures also increasing the number of interactions seen. Further analysis describes the differences in type of interaction and its impact upon knowledge discovery. However it appears Wii interact more when gesturing with concepts.
A Conserved Calcineurin-binding Motif in Human T Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 p12I Functions to Modulate Nuclear Factor of Activated T Cell Activation*

The PXIXIT calcineurin binding motif or highly related sequences are found in a variety of calcineurin-binding proteins in yeast, mammalian cells, and viruses. The accessory protein p12I encoded in the HTLV-1 pX ORF I promotes T cell activation during the early stages of HTLV-1 infection by activating nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) through calcium release from the endoplasmic reticulum. We identified in p12I, a conserved motif, which is highly homologous with the PXIXIT calcineurin-binding motif of NFAT. Both immunoprecipitation and calmodulin agarose bead pull-down assays indicated that wild type p12I and mutants of p12I that contained the motif-bound calcineurin. In addition, an alanine substitution p12I mutant (p12I AXAXAA) had greatly reduced binding affinity for calcineurin. We then tested whether p12I binding to calcineurin affected NFAT activity. p12I competed with NFAT for calcineurin binding in calmodulin bead pull-down experiments. Furthermore, the p12I AXAXAA mutant enhanced NFAT nuclear translocation compared with wild type p12I and increased NFAT transcriptional activity 2-fold greater than wild type p12I. Similar to NFAT, endogenous calcineurin phosphatase activity was increased in Jurkat T cells expressing p12Iindependent of its calcineurin binding property. Thus, the reduced binding of p12I to calcineurin allows enhanced nuclear translocation and transcription mediated by NFAT. Herein, we are the first to identify a retroviral protein that binds calcineurin. Our data suggest that HTLV-1 p12I modulates NFAT activation to promote early virus infection of T lymphocytes, providing a novel mechanism for retrovirus-mediated cell activation.
The Implications of Dispersion in Analysts' Earnings Forecasts for Future ROE and Future Returns

Dispersion in analysts' forecasts is empirically evaluated by associating dispersion with a firm's future accounting rate of return-on-equity (ROE) and future returns. Forecast dispersion is significantly and negatively associated with future ROE, consistent with the notion that firm disclosures and analysts' information acquisition efforts increase as firm prospects improve. Forecast dispersion is negatively associated with future returns. This appears due to the implications of dispersion for future ROE, and suggests that the market does not immediately assimilate the information contained in forecast dispersion. Dispersion also conveys information about firm-specific risk not captured by beta and firm size. Copyright Blackwell Publishers Ltd 2000.
The impact of design choices and market factors on brokerage firms' efficiency

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore how scale and scope of operations, firm age, and the choice to join a franchise formula influences brokerage firms' efficiency.Design/methodology/approach – Four‐year data of 1,282 Dutch real estate brokerage firms is used to compute a relative efficiency measure for all firms. Consecutively, variation in this efficiency measure is explained from the firm and market characteristics.Findings – The results show that scale and scope have a non‐linear, U‐shaped, relationship with efficiency. A reversed U‐shaped relationship is found between age and efficiency. Finally, being a member of a franchise does not necessarily lead to improved efficiency, but it depends on the franchise formula terms used.Practical implications – Based on these results, managers of real estate brokerage firms are able to reconsider their own organizational design choices.Originality/value – Compared to prior studies, this study uses data from multiple years. Further, the analysis also.
A new method to identify the category of the quality attribute

Since Kano et al. (1984) proposed the two-dimension quality model, it was widely accepted and applied. Yet there are still arguments raised, especially the identification method of its attribute. Later on some scholars proposed some corrective methods, but there were still some defaults in application. Therefore, the research proposed a new identification method for quality attribute to improve the accuracy of the identification. The method was not only easy to use, but also effective through difference comparison with traditional method by real cases.
, Population Cultures from an At-Risk Community Detection of MRSA in Nasal Surveillance Use of BBL CHROMagar MRSA for ( MRSA ) PCR Assay to Culture by aureus Staphylococcus Methicillin-Resistant Comparison of the BD GeneOhm

Published Ahead of Print 5 December 2007. 10.1128/JCM.02071-07. 2008, 46(2):743. DOI: J. Clin. Microbiol. Sharon Speser and Karen C. Carroll Jason E. Farley, Paul D. Stamper, Tracy Ross, Mian Cai, Population Cultures from an At-Risk Community Detection of MRSA in Nasal Surveillance Use of BBL CHROMagar MRSA for (MRSA) PCR Assay to Culture by aureus Staphylococcus Methicillin-Resistant Comparison of the BD GeneOhm
Housing Policy Matters for the Poor: Housing Conditions in Latin America and the Caribbean, 1995-2006

This paper discusses the evolution of housing conditions in urban areas of Latin America and the Caribbean from 1995 to 2006 based on data from household surveys done in 18 countries that comprise 95 percent of the urban population of the region. The results indicate that, on average, the proportion of urban households facing housing shortages is declining. This decline holds for households of all income levels, particularly those in the lower quintiles of the income distribution structure. The estimates made in this study indicate that in 2006 lack of infrastructure affected almost 19 million households. Further, about seven million households needed a new shelter and nine million needed significant improvements to their houses due to poor construction materials or overcrowding. Cross-country analysis shows that each country was facing a different combination of problems and was improving its housing conditions at a different pace, which indicates that it is highly unlikely that a ¿one-size-fits-all¿ solution exists.
The international debt situation

This paper examines several aspects of the problem of international debt that has been a feature of the world economy of the 1980s. First, the paper considers the sources or causes of these problems. It goes on to consider responses to those problems, the outlook for international lending, and the criteria that might be used to conclude that they have been dealt with effectively. The paper concludes by examining some of the risks to continued progress in dealing with the problem of international debt.
Effect of elimination games on physical activity and psychosocial responses in children.

BACKGROUND This study evaluated the effect of elimination and nonelimination games on objectively measured physical activity and psychosocial responses in children. METHODS A total of 29 children in grades 4 to 6 (65.5% male; 10.5 +/- 1.0 years old) wore an accelerometer while participating in 2 elimination and 2 nonelimination games. Activity counts were collected using a 30-second epoch and converted to METs to determine minutes spent in sedentary behavior and light, moderate, vigorous, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Self-efficacy, enjoyment, and peer-victimization were assessed on 4 occasions (before and after 2 elimination and 2 nonelimination games). RESULTS Overall, girls spent more time in sedentary behavior compared with boys. Children engaged in significantly more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity during nonelimination games compared with elimination games. Furthermore, children significantly increased self-efficacy after playing both game sessions. A significant interaction between type of game and time of measurement in the prediction of enjoyment showed that enjoyment modestly increased after elimination games and slightly decreased after nonelimination games. There were no differences in peer-victimization. CONCLUSION This study provides preliminary evidence that nonelimination games provide more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity compared with elimination games, but elimination games may be more enjoyable.
Commentary: Discount Rates in Disarray – Evidence on Flawed Goodwill Impairment Testing

Carlin and Finch (2009)compare the reported goodwill impairment discount rates to their own ‘independent’ estimate for a sample of 105 Australian firms. On the basis of this comparison they claim (but do not show) that the discretion in determining the discount rate ‘could be used opportunistically’ and ‘fundamental questions must be asked about the quality of reported earnings … produced in conformity with the IFRS regime’. This commentary points out that the research design does not permit the assessment of either of these claims.
The use of sputum eosinophils in the evaluation of occupational asthma

Purpose of reviewThe diagnosis of occupational asthma needs to be made objectively using as many criteria as possible. These include laboratory exposure tests with occupational agent(s), which are only available in specialized centres. Another approach is to monitor peak expiratory flow or methacholine airway responsiveness during periods at work and away from work. However, these measurements are open to misinterpretation when they are not performed optimally. Airway inflammation is one of the main characterisitics of occupational asthma, but is not often assessed during its investigation. The purpose of this work was to review recent studies that have investigated and characterized the changes in sputum cell counts occurring in patients with occupational asthma, in order to evaluate the role of the analysis of sputum cell counts. Recent findingsThere is evidence that monitoring sputum eosinophils can help in the management of asthma. In the majority of cases of occupational asthma, the percentage of sputum eosinophils increases after exposure to occupational agents in the laboratory compared with baseline, but an increase in sputum neutrophils has also been observed. The changes in airway inflammation occurring at the workplace have been less investigated, but indicate that there are significant changes in airway inflammation and especially sputum eosinophils when workers are exposed to a sensitizer at their workplace compared with periods away from the workplace. SummaryInduced sputum has successfully been used to manage patients with mild to moderate asthma. Its use is promising in occupational asthma, and its role in the investigation of occupational asthma needs to be better defined.
The Relationships among Quality, Cost, Value, and use of Export Market Information: An Empirical Study

Building on prior research in export market information use, consumer behavior, and industrial marketing, this study tests relationships among quality, cost, value, and use of export market information. The results show that perceived value of information is the main impetus for use of export market information, whereas perceived quality and cost function best as indicators of value. This implies that value of information captures the essence of the assessment of information-specific factors, which again provides guidelines for predictive purposes as well as clues for increasing the perceived value of information for customers.
A cellular-band CDMA 0.25-/spl mu/m CMOS LNA linearized using active post-distortion

The theory of a linearization method using active post-distortion (APD) is explained for low-frequency and high-frequency applications. The low-frequency cancellation is explained in power series format and the high-frequency cancellation is explained in Volterra series format. The method is utilized for a cellular band (869-894 MHz) CDMA low-noise amplifier (LNA), which is implemented in 0.25-mum CMOS process. The LNA achieves 1.2 dB NF, 16.2 dB power gain, and +8 dBm IIP3 while consuming 12 mA current from 2.6 V supply voltage. It shows 13.5 dB of IM3 product reduction with 0.15 dB NF penalty in comparison with an LNA which does not use the APD method
European governance and the transfer of ‘new’ environmental policy instruments (NEPIs) in the European Union

This article examines the use of 'new' environmental policy instruments (NEPIs), particularly market-based instruments (for example, eco-taxes) and voluntary agreements, in the European Union (EU). It focuses on the actor motivation behind the recent increase in the adoption of new and innovative instruments in EU (and member state) environmental policies while also taking account of the external international arena. The article assesses whether new ideas put forward by policy entrepreneurs, such as member governments, EU institutions, expert groups and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), are main motivation behind the EU adoption of NEPIs, or whether market and harmonization pressures are the main driving forces. It concentrates on eco-taxes, voluntary agreements and eco-labels, using the following three theoretical perspectives: (1) policy learning and transfer/ideational; (2) garbage can; and (3) institutional approaches.
Taylor, Black and Scholes: series approximations and risk management pitfalls

Risk managers make frequent use of finite Taylor approximations to option pricing formulas, particularly of first and second order (delta and gamma). This paper shows that for a plausible range of parameter values, the Taylor series for the Black-Scholes formula diverges. Using a numerical technique developed in the paper, it is also shown that even when the series converges, finite approximations of very large order are generally necessary to achieve acceptable levels of accuracy. Implications for risk management and stress testing are discussed.
Passive smoking in the home: plasma cotinine concentrations in non-smokers with smoking partners

BACKGROUND Risks of lung cancer and of heart disease attributable to passive smoking have been evaluated mainly in non-smokers married to smokers, but there has been little quantitative assessment of the extent of exposure in marriage partners as indicated by markers of inhaled smoke dose. OBJECTIVE To relate plasma cotinine concentrations in non-smoking English adults to the smoking behaviour of their partners and to demographic and other factors. DATA Population survey. Data from two years (1994 and 1996) of the Health Survey for England. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Plasma cotinine concentrations in non-smoking adults married to or cohabiting with a partner. RESULTS There was a strong dose–response relation between cotinine concentrations in non-smoking adults and the smoking behaviour of their partners, rising from a geometric mean of 0.31 ng/ml in those with non-smoking partners to 1.99 ng/ml in those whose partners smoked 30 or more cigarettes per day. In addition, exposure was greater in men, in the autumn and winter, and in those living in more disadvantaged circumstances, and there was an increasing gradient of exposure from the south to the north of the country. On average, cotinine concentrations in non-smokers with a smoking partner were 0.6–0.7% of those in cigarette smokers. CONCLUSIONS If cotinine is taken as a measure of risk relevant dose, the implied increase in risk of lung cancer in non-smokers with smoking partners is consistent with the risk observed in epidemiological studies. Smoking by partners in the home is a major source of non-smoking adults' exposure to passive smoking.