Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Aspirations on hold? Young lives in the West Bank and Gaza

Seventy percent of West Bank and Gaza's population is under the age of 30, and their share will continue to grow in the years ahead. The aspirations and ambitions of this large and growing population of children and youth have the potential to define the future of the West Bank and Gaza. This assessment seeks to contribute to the understanding of factors driving the choices of young men and women at this critical juncture of their lives, with a particular emphasis on the roles that changing gender norms and the conflict environment are having on their aspirations for education, jobs, and forming families. Young Palestinians are moving into adulthood in a world surrounded by roadblocks and barriers, and gripped by soaring unemployment and uncertainty about what their futures may hold. Still, this generation remains optimistic and ambitious. They are pursuing high school and college degrees, and hanging on to expectations for better jobs and better lives than was possible for their parent's generation. In the face of such bleak prospects, why? What is driving these youth's aspirations for high levels of education and good jobs? To provide a broad context for the youth's testimonies, this report first takes stock of developments affecting the West Bank and Gaza over the past decade. In this period, the Palestinian territories witnessed two major episodes of conflict: the second intifada beginning in 2000 and the crisis in Gaza in 2007. Both episodes had severe and wide-ranging economic repercussions, and were accompanied by restrictions on internal and external mobility of people and goods. As a result, in the last decade, the West Bank and Gaza has witnessed economic volatility without parallel (even in comparison to countries affected by large financial crises), massive spikes in poverty, and some of the highest rates of unemployment in the world. Young people's unemployment rates are even higher, and much more so for young women. The youth's focus groups indicate that traditional gender norms remain very strong in their society, and mainly seem to be reinforced by the difficult conflict environment. Men's status as the breadwinners means that boys, especially from poor families, are likely to withdraw from school sooner than girls in order to take up income earning roles; and the weak economy intensifies these pressures.
“Small Is Indeed Beautiful but…”: The Context of Microcredit Strategies in Nepal

With the recent introduction of the Grameen Bank methodology in microcredit programs, it is hoped that rural development will finally impact poverty alleviation in Nepal. However, extreme poverty and hostile topography, and hence lack of markets, make it very difficult for any microcredit program to have much impact. It is argued here that the government should continue to place heavy emphasis on two key issues in any future program: expansion into the hills and mountain regions and specifically targeting poor women. Without these two elements, no microcredit program is going to have much impact on poverty reduction.
A Healthy Volunteer FDG-PET Study on Annihilation Radiation Non-collinearity

We evaluated the non-collinearity of annihilation radiation photons from the human body for the first time. This is a fundamental but little investigated matter in positron emission tomography (PET). In this paper, the physical cause of the small angular deviation from 180deg is described, and a new methodology is proposed to evaluate it under in vivo conditions of a spatially distributed radiation source and a limited acquisition time. This new method is a physical conversion from the photopeak spectrum shape into the angular distribution based on the conservation laws of momentum and energy. A healthy volunteer study using 18FDG and a Ge semiconductor detector reveals that the angular distribution is approximately a single Gaussian function with the FWHM of 0.54 plusmn 0.02 deg. This is about 10% larger than the value widely used in PET calculations. Finally, the theoretical limits of PET resolution assuming the ideal radiation detectors are estimated by the convolution of a line spread function of the angular deviation with that of the positron range for 18F in water equivalent tissues.
France and the IGC of 1996

Abstract France traditionally attempted to achieve its national objectives via the medium of European integration by means of a strategy of playing a leading role in shaping institutional and policy developments at the European level. Behind this strategy lay a tension between a desire for a strong Europe and an unwillingness to cede national autonomy to European institutions. However, at least until the end of the 1980s, this tension was successfully ignored and France's European policy proved to be relatively successful. Since that time, however, increasing pressures have brought this tension to the fore. Faced with a need to respond to altered circumstances within the European Union (EU), President Chirac has responded uncertainly. As a result, and for the first time since the 1940s, France faces the prospect of losing the leading role it has traditionally played within European integration.
Differences in susceptibility to Mannheimia haemolytica-associated mastitis between two breeds of dairy sheep

We used a Mannheimia haemolytica isolate to study differences in susceptibility to experimental mastitis between two breeds of dairy sheep. The isolate was deposited into the teat duct of Karagouniko (K, n=8) or Frisarta (F, n=8) ewes. The animals were monitored by means of clinical, bacteriological, cytological and pathological methods. K ewes did not develop any systemic or mammary clinical signs, whilst F ewes became ill and developed acute clinical mastitis 12 h later (P<0·001). Bacteria were isolated from 34/48 samples from K ewes and from 46/46 samples from F ewes. Positive California mastitis test (CMT) results were 17/24 samples from K ewes and 23/23 samples from F ewes; leucocytes were seen in Giemsa-stained films. Total pathology score summed over all group K ewes was 41 (maximum possible: 128); Man. haemolytica was isolated from 12/24 tissue samples. Total pathology score summed over all group F ewes was 93; Man. haemolytica was isolated from 24/24 tissue samples. Hyperplastic lymphoid nodules consisting of lymphocytes and plasma cells with germinal activity were characteristically present at the border between teat duct–teat cistern of group K ewes; no such structures were observed in teats of group F ewes. The results identified differences in susceptibility/resistance to a mastitis pathogen among animals of the two breeds. Defence mechanisms of the teat appeared to be inadequate against the invading organisms; as lymphoid nodules have been considered important defensive mechanisms of the ovine teat, their observed lack in Frisarta ewes might have predisposed them to development of mastitis.
Over the Counter Bulletin Board Exchange

This study was motivated by the lack of empirical research performed on securities traded on the over the counter bulletin board exchange (“OTC-BB” or the “Exchange”). It extends prior research on this market by studying the impact of market capitalization and liquidity to return, volatility and components of the bid-ask spread. The time period analyzed runs from January 1, 1996 through December 31, 2000. The authors calculate return, volatility, Sharpe ratio, spread, and turnover for 10 equal-size deciles exclusively using OTC-BB traded securities. They find that an investment strategy that focuses on the largest OTC-BB firms provides relatively the highest risk-return trade-off in this market during the period January 1996? December 2000. These findings are consistent with an earlier article by the authors that suggests that a trading strategy of OTC-BB securities will not yield an appropriate risk-return trade-off as measured by the Sharpe ratio. In addition, they find that competition appears to be increasing as the relative bid/ask spread for OTC-BB securities declines. Finally, they observe that the behavior of the market participants trading OTC-BB securities (“traders”) is consistent with the behavior exhibited by New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) specialists.
Salivary IgA Response and Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Symptoms During a 21-Week Competitive Season in Young Soccer Players

Abstract Moreira, A, Mortatti, AL, Arruda, AFS, Freitas, CG, de Arruda, M, and Aoki, MS. Salivary IgA response and upper respiratory tract infection symptoms during a 21-week competitive season in young soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 28(2): 467–473, 2014—Sports training and competition are significant sources of stress, especially for young athletes. It is well known that physiological and psychological stressors induce neuroendocrine responses that could modulate immune system function. However, to date, little is known about the immune responses of young soccer players during a competitive season. Therefore, this study examined the effects of a 21-week competitive season divided into preseason, competitive season, and detraining on salivary immunoglobulin A (SIgA), upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) symptoms, and salivary cortisol in preadolescent male soccer players. Thirty-four young soccer players agreed to participate, and 26 (12.9 ± 0.2 years) completed the entire study. The investigation period was structured as follows: a 12-week preparatory training phase (preseason training), a 7-week competitive and a 2-week detraining phase. Resting saliva samples were taken to determine cortisol and SIgA responses. The players were required to complete a weekly log during the entire investigation reporting every sign or symptoms consistent with URTI. A significant increase in SIgA secretion rate and a decrease in URTI symptoms were observed after the 2-week detraining period (p < 0.05). No change was observed for cortisol during the study. These results indicate that training and competition demands affect the mucosal immune responses of young athletes. In addition, a short-prophylactic period (2-week detraining period) after a competitive period may attenuate mucosal immunosuppression related to URTI symptoms. Sport coaches should monitor markers of mucosal immune function to minimize illness that ultimately might lead to a decrease in performance.
Gaussian Mixture Model with Markov Random Field for MR Image Segmentation

In this paper, we propose a powerful fully automated classification method, which is based on Gaussian-mixture model with Markov random field (MRF). First, anisotropic diffusion is performed on the MR image to improve the signal noise ratio while keeping the edge; second, skull-stripping technique is applied to separate brain/non-brain tissue; third, histogram analysis is used to get the initial classification; finally, GMM-MRF is used to get the final classification. The method has been validated on simulated and real MR images for which gold standard segmentation is available. The experimental results show that the proposed method is more accurate and robust than currently available models.
Corporate Knowledge‐based Systems: Implication and Impact

The application of information technology (IT) to corporate environments is now widespread. Recent years have seen IT successfully applied to a wide range of corporate activities. Artificial intelligence, in the guise of knowledge‐based systems is on the point of delivering its long awaited potential. With many successful systems developed over the past three or four years, the time is now ripe for the corporation to develop a coherent strategy to investigate and exploit this technology. In this, the second of two articles looking at knowledge‐based systems, we examine how the corporation can exploit this technology for strategic and competitive advantage. It discusses the organisational implications of KBS as well as the impact and pay‐off that can be expected.
Early Child Education: Making Programs Work for Brazil's Most Important Generation

This report draws deeply on the extraordinary efforts and innovations demonstrated by early child development policy makers around Brazil. This report draws on background papers about innovations in early child education in Rio de Janeiro and in caregiver training and supervision in two municipalities within Sao Paulo state. The year 2011 marked the beginning of a new administration in Brazil. The Ministry of education clearly identified early child education (ECE) as one of the top priorities of the new administration, along with secondary school and improving the reputation of the teaching profession. Early child development interventions are essential to both increasing the productivity of Brazil as a whole and to providing equitable opportunities for the disadvantaged. These programs benefit the poor more than other populations, and the poor are most in need of these benefits. Education interventions are crucial. Creches and preschools provide opportunities for stimulation and development that can wire children for future success. Therefore, early child education can particularly benefit the poor, helping to close the gap in cognitive development across income groups. A World Bank study compares adults from two regions of Brazil (the Northeast and the Southeast) who attended preschool to those who did not and found that pre-school attendance is associated with additional total years of education.
Pico Gauges for Minimally Invasive Intracellular Hydrostatic Pressure Measurements1[C][W][OPEN]

Pico gauges allow fast, minimally invasive intracellular pressure measurements in cells of all sizes and over all ranges of pressure. Intracellular pressure has a multitude of functions in cells surrounded by a cell wall or similar matrix in all kingdoms of life. The functions include cell growth, nastic movements, and penetration of tissue by parasites. The precise measurement of intracellular pressure in the majority of cells, however, remains difficult or impossible due to their small size and/or sensitivity to manipulation. Here, we report on a method that allows precise measurements in basically any cell type over all ranges of pressure. It is based on the compression of nanoliter and picoliter volumes of oil entrapped in the tip of microcapillaries, which we call pico gauges. The production of pico gauges can be accomplished with standard laboratory equipment, and measurements are comparably easy to conduct. Example pressure measurements are performed on cells that are difficult or impossible to measure with other methods.
Ongoing Crisis Communication: Planning, Managing, and Responding

1. A Need for More Crisis Management Knowledge Crisis Management Defined Importance of Crisis Management Discussion Questions 2. Outline for an Ongoing Approach to Crisis Management Initial Crisis Management Framework Outline of the Three-Staged Approach Discussion Questions 3. Prevention: Finding Warning Signs Contributing Organizational Functions Sources to Be Scanned Information Collection Information Analysis/Knowledge Creation Crisis Sensing Mechanism Conclusion Discussion Questions 4. Taking Preventative Measures Basic Crisis Prevention Process Issues Management Risk Management Reputation Management Conclusion Discussion Questions 5. Crisis Preparation Part One Diagnosing Crisis Vulnerabilities Crisis Types Crisis Management Teams Special Considerations The Spokesperson Conclusion Discussion Questions 6. Crisis Preparation Part Two The Crisis Management Plan Preparation of the Crisis Communication System Conclusion Discussion Questions 7. Crisis Recognition Selling the Crisis Crises and Information Needs Conclusion Discussion Questions 8. Crisis Response Form and the Crisis Response Content and the Crisis Response Follow-up Communication Conclusion Discussion Questions 9. Post-Crisis Concerns Crisis Evaluation Institutional/Organizational Memory Post-Crisis Actions Conclusion Discussion Questions 10. Final Observations and Lessons Crisis Management is Ongoing Knowledge, Skills, and Traits Crisis Management Procedures New Communication Technologies Final Thoughts Discussion Questions
Publication bias in the social sciences: Unlocking the file drawer

The file drawer is full. Should we worry? Experiments that produce null results face a higher barrier to publication than those that yield statistically significant differences. Whether this is a problem depends on how many null but otherwise valid results might be trapped in the file drawer. Franco et al. use a Time-sharing Experiments in the Social Sciences archive of nearly 250 peer-reviewed proposals of social science experiments conducted on nationally representative samples. They find that only 10 out of 48 null results were published, whereas 56 out of 91 studies with strongly significant results made it into a journal. Science, this issue p. 1502 Fully half of peer-reviewed and implemented social science experiments are not published. We studied publication bias in the social sciences by analyzing a known population of conducted studies—221 in total—in which there is a full accounting of what is published and unpublished. We leveraged Time-sharing Experiments in the Social Sciences (TESS), a National Science Foundation–sponsored program in which researchers propose survey-based experiments to be run on representative samples of American adults. Because TESS proposals undergo rigorous peer review, the studies in the sample all exceed a substantial quality threshold. Strong results are 40 percentage points more likely to be published than are null results and 60 percentage points more likely to be written up. We provide direct evidence of publication bias and identify the stage of research production at which publication bias occurs: Authors do not write up and submit null findings.
Responsiveness of the Impact on Participation and Autonomy questionnaire.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the responsiveness of a newly developed generic questionnaire, the Impact on Participation and Autonomy (IPA), which focuses on 2 aspects of participation: perceived participation and the experience of problems. DESIGN Preliminary study of questionnaire responsiveness compared with transition indices. Participants completed 2 assessments, 3 months apart. To measure change, they completed 9 transition indices at the second assessment. One transition index assessed perceived change in general, the other 8 addressed 1 of the specific problem experience items in the IPA. SETTING Outpatient clinic of the rehabilitation department of an academic hospital. PARTICIPANTS Fifty-seven consecutive persons admitted for multidisciplinary rehabilitation treatment, with various diagnoses, were enrolled in the study; 49 persons completed both assessments. INTERVENTIONS Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Standardized response mean (SRM) and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for participation domain scores and problem scores. RESULTS SRMs and AUCs for the participation domains ranged from 0.1 to 1.3 and from 50% to 92%, respectively. The SRMs of the items on the experience of problems ranged from 0.4 to 1.5, whereas their AUCs ranged from 56% to 74%. CONCLUSIONS The IPA detected within-person improvement over time, but its responsiveness must be confirmed in a larger study sample.
Cost of equity capital and country risk: an econometric analysis of the expected rate of return for four Latin American countries

Expected returns and risk assessment are important issues when evaluating capital investment projects. We use VARX-MGARCH models and asset pricing theory to model the expected rate of return in Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and Peru for late 2006. The main objective of this paper is to present an econometric study of the cost of equity1 capital based upon Erb, Campbell, Harvey, and Viskanta (1996) modelling in emerging markets through country risk. We use MSCI's DTR for measuring market performance and J.P. Morgan's EMBI+spread to proxy country risk and then construct conditional mean and variance models in a univariate and multivariate context
Does the Balanced Scorecard Add Value? Empirical Evidence on its Effect on Performance

Since its emergence at the beginning of the 1990s, numerous companies have adopted the Balanced Scorecard (BSC). This paper tackles two research questions: (1) whether the BSC adds value to companies and (2) if so, how does it contribute to organisational performance. In contrast to previous literature that does not separate these two questions, we rely on an established methodology (Foster and Swenson, 1997) to separate and quantify both the BSC contribution to performance and the way that the contribution is achieved, by applying a unique cause-and-effect scheme to the BSC. Our empirical results are based on survey data collected from 76 business units. They indicate first that the Balanced Scorecard has a positive impact on organisational performance. More specifically, the BSC improves the integration of the management processes and empowers people. Using the Strategy-Focused-Organisation (SFO) model (Kaplan and Norton, 2001), we empirically find that the sources of performance derived from the BSC are primarily of three types: (1) a better translation of the strategy into operational terms, (2) the fact that strategising becomes a continuous process, and (3) the greater alignment of various processes, services, competencies and units of an organisation.
Uniaxial strain effects on silicon nanowire pMOSFET and single-hole transistor at room temperature

In this paper, uniaxial stress effects on silicon nanowire pMOSFET (NW pFET) and single-hole transistor (SHT) are described. For the first time, it is found that stress technology is still effective as mobility booster even at extremely narrow NW pFET but the effects are gradually diminished as NW becomes narrower because effective mass modulation decreases. In case of SHT, oscillation current modulation, attributed to altered tunneling probability and energy level spacing by strain, is observed for the first time. In drift region of the SHT, strain effect of SHT approaches to the NW pFET case.
The Feasibility and Clinical Utility of Conducting a Confidential Inquiry Into Suicide in Southwestern Ontario

Background and Aims: Given the effectiveness of the National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Homicide by People with Mental Illness (NCI) in the UK, the present study evaluated this approach in Southwestern Ontario. A systematic confidential examination of suicides in Ontario was developed to guide quality improvement of services and suicide prevention. Method: A 3-year case series of consecutive suicides in Southwestern Ontario identified by the Office of the Chief Coroner was compiled. Clinicians who provided care to suicide decedents completed an online confidential suicide questionnaire offered through a secured portal. Results: A total of 476 suicide cases were analyzed. In all, 270 invitations to clinicians were sent, 237 (87.8%) responded to the invitation and 187 (69.3%) completed the online questionnaire. The majority of the suicide decedents (54.6%, n = 260), were between the ages of 40 and 64 (x = 47.2, SD = 17.1), White (91.4%, n = 416), single (34.2%, n = 439), and male (74.4%, n = 476). Of the 86 cases of self-poisoning, prescription medications were used in 66.3%. Almost two thirds of decedents visited the clinician in the month prior to their death. Limitations: The results of the survey were drawn from suicides in Southwestern Ontario and generalizing these findings should be done with caution. Conclusion: This study highlights (a) the value of the clinicians' survey to identify gaps in clinical services and (b) the necessity of improvements in suicide risk assessment/management and restriction of prescription medications.