Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Widening participation in higher education: an examination of the factors influencing institutional policy

This article examines the factors influencing the development of widening participation policy in 16 higher education institutions (HEIs). It utilises documentary research, followed by interviews with key policy makers in three of the institutions: an ‘old’ university, a ‘new’ university and a college of higher education. The paper demonstrates that HEIs have some agency, but this is bounded by the need to take account of the external environment within which they operate. The article argues against overly simplistic assumptions about the rationale underpinning HEI policy on widening participation. Instead it contends that policy develops out of a complex combination of economic and political influences, mediated by the organisational culture of HEIs. As such, both agency and structure influence the policy‐making process. The paper discusses the complexities involved in the development of HEI policy on widening participation. It also highlights some of the problems involved in disentangling institutional rhetoric or ‘spin’ from the values that actually underpin institutional policy. The paper concludes by arguing for more institutional autonomy in the determination of widening participation policy.
Pyrethroid tolerance is associated with elevated expression of antioxidants and agricultural practice in Anopheles arabiensis sampled from an area of cotton fields in Northern Cameroon

Spraying of agricultural crops with insecticides can select for resistance in nontarget insects and this may compromise the use of insecticides for the control of vector‐borne diseases. The tolerance of the malaria vector, Anopheles arabiensis to deltamethrin was determined in a field population from a cotton‐growing region of Northern Cameroon both prior to and midway through the 4‐month period of insecticide application to the cotton crop. A 1.6‐fold increase in the median knockdown time was observed. To determine whether this increased tolerance was associated with constitutively elevated levels of genes commonly associated with insecticide resistance, RNA was extracted from F1 progeny from family lines of field‐caught mosquitoes and hybridized to the Anopheles gambiae detox chip. The experimental design avoided the confounding effects of colonization, and this study is the first to measure gene expression in the progeny of gravid, wild‐caught mosquitoes. Several genes with antioxidant roles, including superoxide dismutases, a glutathione S‐transferase and a thioredoxin‐dependent peroxidase, and a cytochrome P450 showed elevated expression in mosquito families collected during the insecticide‐spraying programme. These genes may constitute an important general defence mechanism against insecticides. Intriguingly, the levels of expression of these genes were strongly correlated suggesting a common regulatory mechanism.
Deregulation and operating efficiency: the case of the Greek banks

Outlines the deregulation of banking in Greece and previous research on measuring banking efficiency. Uses 1993‐1998 data to assess the effects of deregulation on both private and state‐controlled banks. Shows that the state banks were less efficient than the private and that the gap widened during the period for both non‐interest and labour expenses as a proportion of operating income, as the private banks increased their efficiency. Finds the relative efficiency measured by data envelopment analysis supports the greater efficiency of private banks although the difference is only significant at the 5 per cent level for 1996. Compares the four most efficient banks and briefly considers the underlying reasons for the findings.
Modulation at multiple anchor positions of the peptide specificity of HLA-B27 subtypes differentially associated with ankylosing spondylitis.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the rules governing peptide binding to HLA-B*2705, and to B*2704 and B*2706, which are 2 subtypes differentially associated with ankylosing spondylitis. METHODS Poly-Ala analogs carrying the HLA-B27 motif Arg-2, and substitutions at anchor positions P1, P3, or Pomega, were used to determine a binding score for each residue at each position. Binding was assessed in a quantitative epitope stabilization assay, where the cell surface expression of HLA-B27 was measured by flow cytometry as a function of peptide concentration. RESULTS Peptide anchor residues contributed additively to B*2705 binding. About 15% of the natural B*2705 ligands used a deficient P3 or Pomega anchor, but never both, indicating that detrimental anchoring at one of these positions is always compensated by a good anchor at the other one. About 50% of the B*2705 ligands used suboptimal P1 residues. However, this was compensated with optimal P3 and/or Pomega anchoring. Peptides that were longer than decamers used good anchor residues at the 3 positions, suggesting more stringent binding requirements. B*2704 and B*2706 differed in their residue specificity at P1, P3, and Pomega. The rules derived for B*2705 also applied to the known ligands of these 2 subtypes. CONCLUSION The B*2705, B*2704, and B*2706 peptide repertoires are limited by the allowed residue combinations described in this study. The differential association of B*2704 and B*2706 with spondylarthropathy correlates with differences in their peptide specificity at multiple anchor positions. However, it is now possible to predict the peptide features that determine this differential binding to both subtypes.
Presurgical Nasoalveolar Molding Therapy for the Treatment of Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate: A Preliminary Study

Objective: To evaluate the outcome of presurgical nasoalveolar molding (PNAM) therapy in the treatment of patients with nonsyndromic unilateral cleft and palate (UCLP). Design: A prospective study with blinded measurements. Patients: Twelve patients with UCLP treated from 1997 to 2003. Interventions: The starting age for PNAM therapy was 26 days and the average length of the therapy was 110 days. Main Outcome Measures: Measurements of intraoral and extraoral casts were made, and statistical analyses were used to compare the differences between pre- and posttherapy measurements. Results: After PNAM therapy, there was a statistically significant decrease in both intersegment alveolar cleft distance and columellar deviation (p < .05). There was also a statistically significant increase in cleft nostril height, maxillary width, and columellar width (p < .05). Moreover, although there was no statistically significant reduction of the affected nostril width, it demonstrated on average 1.7-mm reduction after PNAM therapy. The length of the time the patient utilized the appliance and postmolding nostril height were found to have a statistically significant positive correlation (p < .05). Conclusions: PNAM therapy decreases intersegment alveolar cleft distance while permitting an increase in posterior maxillary arch width. It also increases nasal symmetry by decreasing columellar deviation, increasing nostril height on the affected side, maintaining bialar width of nose, increasing columellar width, and creating more symmetrical nostril heights and widths. The improvement of the height of the cleft nostril was correlated with the time the appliance was applied.
On the Frontline: The Gatekeeper in Statutory Homelessness Services

In light of earlier findings linking resource shortages to the practise of illegitimate gatekeeping in statutory frontline homelessness services, this article draws on an implementation literature to revisit this topic following the recent economic downturn and related political austerity agenda. Following previous research, it was found that unlawful gatekeeping was practised chiefly in response to resource scarcity, alongside related pressures due to higher level performance measures. However, its use was also found, albeit to a lesser extent, to be due to miscomprehension around relevant legislation and the influence of individual or peer-level values. Overall, the findings provided a strong indication that illegitimate gatekeeping has worsened in the current climate due in large part to the twofold challenge of diminishing resources, alongside an increase in service users.
Organization Performance Influenced by the BSD and Consultative Management Style

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship among Balanced Scorecard, consultative management style, participative management style and organization size with organizational performance. All the variables are highly correlated with each other. This is an empirical study and data is collected from 100 respondents of service sector from Azad Kashmir. We used five likert scales to collect data from the respondents and data analyzed through SPSS. The result showed that there is a significant positive correlation among variables. This study also indicates that effective management style is necessary for improving the performance of organization. The result indicates that Balanced Scorecard has significant impact on performance of organization. Organization use BSC to handle the complexity and challenges that management faces during their operations. The collection of data is from small area due to time constraint. In the future comparative study can be done with other organizations for better analysis of results.
The management buy-out arena: differential slip in a tripartite alliance?

The traditional focus on Management Buy-Outs (MBOs) has been upon concluding deals. However, substantial numbers of MBOs fail to exit and this paper suggests that the time is ripe for attention to be redirected towards post-deal evolution. Three phases in the MBO post-deal process are identified. These are depicted as The Spirit of Optimism, The Zone of Indifference and The Spiral of Mistrust, reflecting, respectively, the moment of contractual agreement, subsequent stagnation and downward slide in performance. As the MBO evolves through these phases of decline, this study focuses upon the interactions of three main parties: The Management Team, The Venture Capitalists and The Investment Bankers. The key objective is to capture the difficulties accruing to these parties as the MBO declines. The failures of the three main parties lie in identities, increasing problems of interaction and lack of communication. By linking micro, meso and macro levels of analysis a novel way of looking at MBOs is suggested which helps to avoid the trap of focusing only upon the moment the deal is done.
Regional Impacts of Long-term Climate Change on Rice Production and Agricultural Income: Evidence from Computable General Equilibrium Analysis

Future climate change will affect rice production, but whether these changes will be beneficial or detrimental is unclear. The present study evaluates the effect of climate change on Japanese rice production, rice price, agricultural income, and regional economies by using a recursive-dynamic regional computable general equilibrium (CGE) model, which is associated with crop-growth and crop-quality models. Simulation results demonstrate that future climate change will increase overall Japanese rice production nationwide, but that the price of rice will decrease. As a result, agricultural income will decrease, despite increased production in northern and eastern Japan, such as Hokkaido, Tohoku, and Kanto (including Niigata prefecture). Climate change will not benefit rice farmers in these regions. However, the western region will benefit, despite the decrease in production, and the consumer surplus in most regions will increase. This happens because rice demand is inelastic and an increase in production results in a serious decline in price, which more than offsets the effects of climate change on production. As such, the impacts of climate change are complicated and differ by region, so a CGE model can provide useful information to consider policy countermeasures.
Enterprise architecture models for cyber security analysis

Enterprise architecture is a rising discipline that is gaining increasing interest in both industry and academia. It pays attention to the fact that effective management of business and IT needs take a holistic view of the enterprise. Enterprise architecture is based on graphical models as a vehicle for system analysis, design, and communication. Enterprise architecture is also a potential support for control systems management. Unfortunately, when it comes to security analyses, the architectural languages available are not adapted to provide support for this. This presentation focus on research performed as part of the EU seventh framework program VIKING (Vital Infrastructure, Networks, Information and Control Systems Management) and the Swedish Centre of Excellence in Electric Power Engineering, EKC2. The research is focusing on developing and adapting security analyses frameworks to architectural languages on a level where information about control systems' configuration is scarce and thus incomplete and partly unreliable.
Interrelationship between optic disc edema, spontaneous venous pulsation and intracranial pressure

areas corresponding to the hypopigmented patches which densely fluoresced in late phase [Figs. 2, 3a, 3b]. Optical coherence tomography showed increased reflectivity and thickness of the inner retina and a corresponding decrease of reflectivity in the outer retinal layers. The retina was thin over the hypopigmented lesions [Fig 4a, 4b]. Investigations done were normal except for raised triglycerides 700 mg/dL (ref: 40140), decreased high-density lipoprotein 12 mg/dL (ref: 30-60) levels and elevated serum homocysteine levels 27.47 mcmol/L (ref: 5.90-16.0). Echocardiography was normal. Carotid Doppler showed complete occlusion of left distal internal carotid artery (ICA).
Capital budgeting decisions: evidence from India

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to understand current practices in capital budgeting (including real options) in Indian companies and provide a normative framework (guidelines) for practitioners (based on our findings and literature reviewed). Design/methodology/approach - A questionnaire survey was administered to 166 non-financial companies of the BSE 200 index. Secondary data were also collated from 2001-2011. Findings - Trends towards sophisticated techniques and sound capital budgeting decisions have continued in India. All sample respondent firms used discounted cash flow (DCF) techniques in conjunction with non-DCF techniques. Internal rate of return (IRR), used by more than three quarters of the sample companies, is favored over net present value (NPV), used by half of the sample companies. Real options are used by half of the sample companies. Permanent (long-term) capital has been used to finance fixed assets (net) and working capital (net). Research limitations/implications - The limitations of the study are that it is country specific and a detailed sectoral analysis of the constituent sectors of the sample companies could have perhaps provided deeper insight into the subject. Practical implications - The findings of this research, decades of teaching experience of the authors and the literature reviewed have been utilized to evaluate current practices and suggest possible improvements in decision making (through a normative framework). Originality/value - The findings show that there still remains a theory-practice gap in the usage of IRR over NPV. The usage of permanent (long-term) capital to fund fixed assets (net) and permanent working capital requirements, although sound, could be an indication of surplus funds which could be used to repay long-term debt or finance more asset building.
Influence of physical inactivity on the prevalence of hay fever

Background: Atopic diseases constitute a major public health problem, increasing constantly in frequency and severity. While treatments are improving, the main cause for an increasing trend of hay fever and its definite triggers remain unclear. The aim of our study was to assess whether physical inactivity could be a risk factor for hay fever.
A prospective study of unexplained visible abdominal bloating.

AIMS To investigate the relationship between irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, obesity and abdominal muscle strength in patients whose primary complaint is visible abdominal bloating. METHODS Over two years 46 patients with the primary problem of nonorganic, visible abdominal bloating were seen. The details of their bloating as well as other symptoms were recorded. Body mass index and abdominal muscle strength were measured. Sixty-two sex matched patients with a primary complaint other than bloating served as controls. Twenty-four patients recorded changes in their weight and girth during episodes of bloating; 24 age and sex matched volunteers served as controls. RESULTS The patients with bloating did not differ from the other patients with regard to age, sex, body mass index, or the prevalence of constipation or the irritable bowel syndrome. They were more likely to have recently gained weight (p < 0.003) and to have weak abdominal muscles (p < 0.012). During episodes of bloating the increases in girth but not weight were greater than the daily fluctuations seen in the normal volunteers (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION Patients whose primary complaint is visible abdominal bloating have greater increases in girth but not weight during bloating episodes than the normal daily fluctuations seen in healthy controls. They have weak abdominal muscles and frequently have recently gained weight. They are not more likely to have constipation, irritable bowel syndrome or obesity than patients whose primary complaint is something other than bloating.
3D Drift-Diffusion Simulation with Quantum-Corrections of Tri-Gate MOSFETs

Accurate physical modelling of the carrier transport as well as a correct description of complex 3D geometries of advanced devices are needed in order to predict their behaviour and to optimise design. A parallel 3D drift-diffusion (D¿D) simulator with quantum corrections using the density gradient approach designed to work on unstructured tetrahedral elements has been developed for the simulations of nano-MOSFETs. The 3D D¿D code is applied to the simulation of a 40 nm gate length TriGate MOSFET with a HfO2 gate stack. The simulated ID-VG characteristics are in an excellent agreement with experimental data. The results from simulations with the density gradient show a quantum confinement threshold voltage shift, a deterioration of sub-threshold slope and lowering of the on-current.
Dualistic Consumption Behaviour in Mainland China

Examines empirically the effects of the rationing system, open inflation and budget deficits on rural and urban consumption behaviour in mainland China. Employs a dynamic error-correction model. Estimates the model by ordinary least squares (OLS) based on annual data for the period 1952-1991. Employs a Chow test to test for structural changes in rural and urban consumption. The empirical results show that an income variable captures the distribution effect of rationing and has a significant impact on rural and urban consumption. Open inflation tends to underestimate inflationary pressure and has no impact on consumption in rural and urban areas, whereas per capita budget deficits show a significant influence on rural consumption. The results of the Chow test indicate that economic policies and reforms have significantly changed the structure of consumption since 1979. One such change is the shift in the relative importance of consumer durable goods in total consumption than equal to, or smaller than that under the tariff. This conclusion holds for both price-setting and quantity-setting duopoly with heterogeneous goods as well as quantity-setting duopoly with homogeneous goods.
Ethiopia, the Sudan, and Egypt: The Nile River Dispute

The Nile flows for 6,700 kilometres through ten countries in north-eastern Africa – Rwanda, Burundi, Zaïre/Congo, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Eritrea, Ethiopia, the Sudan, and Egypt – before reaching the Mediterranean, and is the longest international river system in the world – see Map 1. Its two main tributaries converge at Khartoum: the White Nile, which originates from Burundi and flows through the Equatorial Lakes, provides a small but steady flow that is fed by the eternal snows of the Ruwenzori (the ‘rain giver’) mountains, while the Blue Nile, which suffers from high seasonal fluctuations, descends from the lofty Ethiopian ‘water tower’ highlands. They provide 86 per cent of the waters of the Nile – Blue Nile 59 per cent, Baro-Akobo (Sobat) 14 per cent, Tekesse (Atbara) 13 per cent – while the contribution from the Equatorial Lakes region is only 14 per cent.
Strategic Prudence in the Colombian Constitutional Court, 1992-2006

This paper discusses the strategic interplay of high courts with the other branches of government in abstract constitutional review cases. Based on the empirical implications derived from a formal theoretical model I develop elsewhere (Rodriguez-Raga 2008), I test the conditions under which the Colombian Constitutional Court defers to the Executive in cases related to ordinary legislation or executive decrees. The analysis provides empirical evidence supporting a strategic account of the Court’s behavior. More concretely, the paper shows that, based on its assessment of the political context in which it makes a decision and of signals sent by the Executive regarding the salience of the issue, the Court tends to strategically defer to the government when reviewing cases that are salient for a politically strong administration.
Competing with Multinationals: Strategies of the Portuguese Alcohol Industry

This study looks at the formation of multinationals and relates that process to the emergence of institutions favorable to economic growth. It compares the development of such institutions from 1960 in four European countries: the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, and Portugal. The focus of the study is a global industry—alcoholic beverages—in which brands, marketing knowledge, and distribution channels have been critical. In order to understand why some nations succeed in developing multinationals and others do not, different views of the determinants of national wealth, such as trade, institutions and organizations, and corporate governance, are examined. Whereas three of the countries developed leading multinationals in alcoholic beverages, Portugal did not succeed in doing so. The study concludes that, in marketingbased industries, both the type of product and the institutional environment influence the ability of firms to become leading multinationals.
Evaluating effectiveness of stimulus control, time management and self-reward for weight loss behavior change

Behavior change strategies have been found to be effective for weight loss. Over 20 strategies exist but only 4 are commonly included in smartphone weight loss apps. Other strategies such as stimulus control address common reasons users relapse and therefore may help improve the success of weight loss apps. My work focuses on implementing and evaluating the effectiveness of 3 additional interventions, stimulus control, time management and self-reward, for users in different stages of the change process. Here, I present results from a preliminary study on how to design feedback and goal setting to assist users in implementing the stimulus control strategy. I use the findings to present a concept for the inclusion of stimulus control in weight loss apps. Implementation of stimulus control is currently underway.