Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Corporate Governance, Business Strategy, and the Dynamics of Networks: a Theoretical Model and Application to the British Cotton Industry, 1830–1980

This article develops a theoretical model to explain the variation of network structures and network dynamics according to industry and firm resource characteristics and the extent of resource dependency. It incorporates an accountability and corporate governance dimension and thereby seeks to explain the long-run processes of industrial and corporate change. To verify the theoretical framework, the article examines the long-run evolution of network structures in the British cotton industry. It shows how this industry developed network structures as part of the process of industrialization and then goes on to explain how these structures prevented flexible and timely responses to the later challenges of restructuring and re-equipping. The article also shows that the application of the theoretical model offers an opportunity to reinterpret the history of this archetypal industry.
Broad cross-protection against H5N1 avian influenza virus infection by means of monoclonal antibodies that map to conserved viral epitopes.

BACKGROUND Passive immunization with human H5 antisera or H5-specific monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) has potential as an effective treatment for acute H5N1 influenza virus infection, but its efficacy against antigenically diverse H5N1 viruses is unconfirmed. METHODS Cross-protection against antigenically diverse H5N1 strains with H5-specific MAbs, generated by successive immunization of antigenically distinct strains, was evaluated in mice. RESULTS A panel of 52 broadly cross-reactive H5 specific MAbs were generated and characterized. One of these MAbs, 13D4, has been demonstrated to protect mice against lethal challenge by 4 H5N1 strains representing the current major genetic populations, clades 1, 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3, even at a stage of infection when H5N1 virus has disseminated beyond the pulmonary system. Complete neutralization of virus in lung tissue of infected animals was observed 24 h after treatment with 13D4. Mapping of this MAb with escape mutants showed it to bind to 2 conserved, possibly critical, sites of H5N1 hemagglutinin, 152 and 182. CONCLUSION Generation of broadly cross-protective MAbs against H5N1 influenza virus may be optimized by selecting MAbs that target conserved sites in hemagglutinin. H5 MAbs such as 13D4 may prove to have therapeutic value in controlling infection due to current and future H5N1 variants.
Influence of Temperature and Preserving Agents on the Stability of Cornelian Cherries Anthocyanins

Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) fruits are known for their significant amounts of anthocyanins which can be used as natural food colorants. The storage stability of anthocyanins from these fruit extracts, at different temperatures (2 °C, 25 °C and 75 °C), pH 3.02, in the presence of two of the most widely employed food preserving agents (sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate) was investigated. The highest stability was exhibited by the anthocyanin extract stored at 2 °C without any added preservative, with half-life and constant rate values of 1443.8 h and 0.48 × 10−3 h−1, respectively. The highest value of the degradation rate constant (82.76 × 10−3/h) was obtained in the case of anthocyanin extract stored at 75 °C without any added preservative. Experimental results indicate that the storage degradation of anthocyanins followed first-order reaction kinetics under each of the investigated conditions. In aqueous solution, the food preservatives used were found to have a slight influence on the anthocyanins’ stability.
A robust 43-GHz VCO in CMOS for OC-768 SONET applications

In this paper, we present a 43-GHz LC-VCO in 0.13-/spl mu/m CMOS for use in SONET OC-768 optical networks. A tuned output buffer is used to provide 1.3 V/sub p-p/ (single-ended) into a 90-fF capacitive load as is required when the VCO is used in typical clock and data recovery (CDR) circuits. Phase noise is -90 dBc/Hz at a 1-MHz offset from the carrier; this meets SONET jitter specifications. The design has a tune range of 4.2%. The VCO, including output buffers, consumes 14 mA from a 1-V supply and occupies 0.06 mm/sup 2/ of die area. Modern CMOS process characteristics and the high center frequency of this design mean that the tank loss is not dominated by the integrated inductor, but rather by the tank capacitance. An area-efficient inductor design that does not require any optimization is used.
Corporate Environmental Management: Regulatory and Market-Based Incentives

The corporate approach to environmental protection has been evolving from a regulation-driven reactive mode to a more proactive approach involving voluntarily adopted management systems that integrate environmental concerns with traditional managerial functions. Several hypotheses about the factors explaining the diversity in the environmental management systems adopted by firms are tested using survey data for a sample of S&P 500 firms. The analysis shows that the threat of environmental liabilities, high costs of compliance, market pressures, and public pressures on firms with high on-site toxic emissions per unit output create incentives for adopting a more comprehensive environmental management system. (JEL L5, Q2)
Determining equivalence of expressions in random polynomial time

We devise several procedures based on signatures (or hashing functions) to determine equivalence of expressions in Random Polynomial Time (also called Probabilistic Polynomial Time) (RPT). These procedures return as result: “equivalent” or “not-equivalent”. The result “not-equivalent” is always correct, while the result “equivalent” is correct with probability at least 1-ε. This probability depends on a random number generator and is independent of the problem being solved. In all our procedures, the value ε can be made arbitrarily small. This method works for determining equivalence over an important class of functions as well as answering other questions like linearity, polynomial dependence, squareness, independence, etc.
Fractal Based Space Vector PWM for Multilevel Inverters—A Novel Approach

A space vector pulsewidth-modulation (SVPWM) technique based on fractal approach for multilevel inverters is presented. This paper proposes a view that the space vector locations of multilevel inverters possess a fractal structure, and the properties of fractal structure together with the simplicity of fractal arithmetic are exploited to generate the SVPWM. The proposed method does not use any lookup tables for sector identification. The switching space vectors are also directly determined without using any lookup tables. The proposed scheme can be extended to an n-level inverter, and a generalized algorithm is also presented. The proposed scheme for generating SVPWM for multilevel inverters is explained for a five-level inverter, and experimental results are presented for a three-level inverter.
Environmental triggers and avoidance in the management of asthma

Identifying asthma triggers forms the basis of environmental secondary prevention. These triggers may be allergenic or nonallergenic. Allergenic triggers include indoor allergens, such as house dust mites (HDMs), molds, pets, cockroaches, and rodents, and outdoor allergens, such as pollens and molds. Clinical observations provide support for the role of HDM exposure as a trigger, although avoidance studies provide conflicting results. Molds and their metabolic products are now considered to be triggers of asthma attacks. Pets, dogs, and especially cats can undoubtedly trigger asthmatic symptoms in sensitized subjects. Avoidance is difficult and rarely adhered to by families. Cockroach allergens contribute to asthma morbidity, and avoidance strategies can lead to clinical benefit. Mouse allergens are mostly found in inner-city dwellings, but their implication in asthma morbidity is debated. In the outdoors, pollens can induce seasonal asthma in sensitized individuals. Avoidance relies on preventing pollens from getting into the house and on minimizing seasonal outdoor exposure. Outdoor molds may lead to severe asthma exacerbations. Nonallergenic triggers include viral infections, active and passive smoking, meteorological changes, occupational exposures, and other triggers that are less commonly involved. Viral infection is the main asthma trigger in children. Active smoking is associated with higher asthma morbidity, and smoking cessation interventions should be personalized. Passive smoking is also a risk factor for asthma exacerbation. The implementation of public smoking bans has led to a reduction in the hospitalization of asthmatic children. Air pollution levels have been linked with asthmatic symptoms, a decrease in lung function, and increased emergency room visits and hospitalizations. Since avoidance is not easy to achieve, clean air policies remain the most effective strategy. Indoor air is also affected by air pollutants, such as cigarette smoke and volatile organic compounds generated by building and cleaning materials. Occupational exposures include work-exacerbated asthma and work-related asthma.
LOW-COST ADSORBENTS USED IN HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATED WASTE WATER TREATMENT

In this review, adsorbents used in wastewater treatment and their technical feasibilities are reviewed. Adsorbents are classified as natural adsorbents, and the adsorbents obtained from industrial and agricultural wastes. They all were compared with each other condensing the metal binding capacities, costs and metal removal performances in waste water treatments. Although commercial activated carbon is widely used in wastewater treatment applications, it has high costs. Instead of activated carbon, we focused on the inexpensive materials like chitosan, zeolite, and clay as natural adsorbents; waste slurry and ash as industrial waste; and, rice husk and coconut shell as agricultural waste. It was shown that these alternative adsorbents had sufficient binding capacity to remove heavy metals from wastewater.
Comparison of Data Envelopment Analysis Methods Used in Airport Benchmarking

Airport efficiency has been shown to contribute to the overall performance efficiency of the air transportation network. Airport performance efficiency is benchmarked annually and widely published. These benchmarks use several techniques, including several Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) methods. This paper examines the differences in results using three DEA methods (Cooper-Charnes-Rhodes (CCR), Banker-CharnesCooper (BCC), and Slacks-Based Measure of efficiency (SBM)) on data from 45 airports from 1996 to 2000. The results from the three DEA methods yielded wide variation in results. For example, the CCR analysis showed that efficiencies degraded from small to medium to large airports. The BCC analysis showed no significant difference in efficiency among the three classes of airports. The SBM analysis yielded degraded efficiency from large to medium to small airports. The implications of these results on the use of DEA in benchmarking and the need for guidelines for selection of DEA models and the interpretation of DEA results is discussed. Keywords-Data Envelopment Analysis; CCR; BCC; SBM; airport efficiency
An Accessory to the ‘Trinity’: SR-As Are Essential Pathogen Sensors of Extracellular dsRNA, Mediating Entry and Leading to Subsequent Type I IFN Responses

Extracellular RNA is becoming increasingly recognized as a signaling molecule. Virally derived double stranded (ds)RNA released into the extracellular space during virus induced cell lysis acts as a powerful inducer of classical type I interferon (IFN) responses; however, the receptor that mediates this response has not been identified. Class A scavenger receptors (SR-As) are likely candidates due to their cell surface expression and ability to bind nucleic acids. In this study, we investigated a possible role for SR-As in mediating type I IFN responses induced by extracellular dsRNA in fibroblasts, a predominant producer of IFNβ. Fibroblasts were found to express functional SR-As, even SR-A species thought to be macrophage specific. SR-A specific competitive ligands significantly blocked extracellular dsRNA binding, entry and subsequent interferon stimulated gene (ISG) induction. Candidate SR-As were systematically investigated using RNAi and the most dramatic inhibition in responses was observed when all candidate SR-As were knocked down in unison. Partial inhibition of dsRNA induced antiviral responses was observed in vivo in SR-AI/II-/- mice compared with WT controls. The role of SR-As in mediating extracellular dsRNA entry and subsequent induced antiviral responses was observed in both murine and human fibroblasts. SR-As appear to function as ‘carriers’, facilitating dsRNA entry and delivery to the established dsRNA sensing receptors, specifically TLR3, RIGI and MDA-5. Identifying SR-As as gatekeepers of the cell, mediating innate antiviral responses, represents a novel function for this receptor family and provides insight into how cells recognize danger signals associated with lytic virus infections. Furthermore, the implications of a cell surface receptor capable of recognizing extracellular RNA may exceed beyond viral immunity to mediating other important innate immune functions.
The highways and country roads to continuous deployment

As part of a Finnish research program, researchers interviewed 15 information and communications technology companies to determine the extent to which the companies adopted continuous deployment. They also aimed to find out why continuous deployment is considered beneficial and what the obstacles are to its full adoption. The benefits mentioned the most often were the ability to get faster feedback, the ability to deploy more often to keep customers satisfied, and improved quality and productivity. Despite understanding the benefits, none of the companies adopted a fully automatic deployment pipeline. The companies also had higher continuous-deployment capability than what they practiced. In many cases, they consciously chose to not aim for full continuous deployment. Obstacles to full adoption included domain-imposed restrictions, resistance to change, customer desires, and developers' skill and confidence.
Israel: Challenges to Identity, Democracy and the State

Often regarded as the only true manifestation of political pluralism in the contemporary Middle East, the state of Israel has dominated the history and politics of the region for over fifty years. Yet despite its position as a regional superpower, Israel continues to struggle with the whole issue of its own identity, the complexities of which have exposed deep clefts throughout Israeli society that threaten to undermine the collective ideal of a viable Jewish polity in the Middle East. This book explores the complex challenges facing Israel, and the extent to which its present state structures and institutions can adapt and accommodate themselves to the diversity of security threats that it now faces. This book will be of interest to those who wish to understand the dynamics that have shaped and continue to shape the state of Israel, and the extent to which these have influenced its search for security in the modern Middle East.
Migration as an adaptive response to ethnic nationalism in Russia

Abstract In this paper, I argue that migration responses to push factors can differ along ethnic lines. To arrive at migration as an adaptive response in which minorities engage, two processes are necessary. First, an individual making the decision to migrate must interpret ethnic tensions as a threat to her life chances, and she must evaluate her future prospects in this ethnically charged framework. Second, the option of migration must be a viable one. That is, an individual must consider them self the plausible target of the threat of diminishing life chances, conclude that an adaptive response is required, and determine that the benefits of migrating outweigh the costs. In order to explain these processes, the relational theory of ethnic politics (Hale 2008) and demographic theories of migration are employed. To test this hypothesis, an event history model is estimated using regional, household, and individual-level data from Russian censuses and the Russia Longitudinal Monitoring Survey. The relationship between out-migration and regional nationalist vote share is examined as well as regional hate crimes. The findings suggest that political push factors affect minority groups differently from the ethnic majority, supporting the hypothesis that the success of ethno nationalist politics in a region signals vulnerability to ethnic minorities, influencing migration decisions.
State-of-the Art Motion Estimation in the Context of 3D TV

Progress in image sensors and computation power has fueled studies to improve acquisition, processing, and analysis of 3D streams along with 3D scenes/objects reconstruction. The role of motion compensation/motion estimation (MCME) in 3D TV from end-to-end user is investigated in this chapter. Motion vectors (MVs) are closely related to the concept of disparities, and they can help improving dynamic scene acquisition, content creation, 2D to 3D conversion, compression coding, decompression/decoding, scene rendering, error concealment, virtual/augmented reality handling, intelligent content retrieval, and displaying. Although there are different 3D shape extraction methods, this chapter focuses mostly on shape-from-motion (SfM) techniques due to their relevance to 3D TV. SfM extraction can restore 3D shape information from a single camera data.
Proteomic profiling of primary retinal Müller glia cells reveals a shift in expression patterns upon adaptation to in vitro conditions

Cultured primary retinal Müller glia cells (RMG), a glia cell spanning the entire neuroretina, have recently gained increased attention, especially with respect to their presumed in vivo role in supporting photoreceptor function and survival. Cultured RMG cells, however, are at risk to lose much of their in vivo features. To determine the conditions of isolated primary RMG cells best corresponding with their physiological role in the intact retina, we profiled the respective proteomes of RMG freshly isolated from intact pig eye, as well as from cultured material at different timepoints. Protein samples were separated by high‐resolution two‐dimensional electrophoresis (2‐DE), and isolated proteins were identified by matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐ flight (MALDI‐TOF) peptide mass fingerprint. Compared with freshly isolated RMG, the in vitro protein expression patterns remain relatively stable for the first 3 days in culture but change dramatically thereafter. Proteins involved in specific RMG physiological functions, such as glycolysis, transmitter recycling, CO2 siphoning, visual pigment cycle, and detoxification, are either downregulated or absent. In contrast, cytoskeletal proteins, as well as proteins involved in motility and in proliferation, are upregulated during culture. In the present report, we show for the first time, on a systematic level, that profound changes in the RMG proteome reflect transdifferentiation from a multifunctional, highly differentiated glial cell to a dedifferentiated fibroblast‐like phenotype in culture. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The role of the neuropeptides PACAP and VIP in the photic regulation of gene expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus

Previously, we have shown that mice deficient in either vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) or pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide (PACAP) exhibit specific deficits in the behavioral response of their circadian system to light. In this study, we investigated how the photic regulation of the molecular clock within the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is altered by the loss of these closely‐related peptides. During the subjective night, the magnitude of the light‐induction of FOS and phosphorylated mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p‐MAPK) immunoreactive cells within the SCN was significantly reduced in both VIP‐ and PACAP‐deficient mice when compared with wild‐type mice. The photic induction of the clock gene Period1 (Per1) in the SCN was reduced in the VIP‐ but not in the PACAP‐deficient mice. Baselines levels of FOS, p‐MAPK or Per1 in the night were not altered by the loss of these peptides. In contrast, during the subjective day, light exposure increased the levels of FOS, p‐MAPK and Per1 in the SCN of VIP‐deficient mice, but not in the other genotypes. During this phase, baseline levels of these markers were reduced in the VIP‐deficient mice compared with untreated controls. Finally, the loss of either neuropeptide reduced the magnitude of the light‐evoked increase in Per1 levels in the adrenals in the subjective night without any change in baseline levels. In summary, our results indicate that both VIP and PACAP regulate the responsiveness of cells within the SCN to the effects of light. Furthermore, VIP, but not PACAP, is required for the appropriate temporal gating of light‐induced gene expression within the SCN.
Use Of Econometric Instruments In Determining The Financial Resources Needed For Professional Skills Development Projects

The market shows no signs of sustainable recovery after the crisis that hit the world economy in 2007, and therefore public intervention in the area of professional re-conversion is highly desirable. Public spending on training programs needs to be economically justified and closely monitored. We describe an econometric method to evaluate needed costs for training programs for professional skills development, based on a sample of pair values extracted from training projects implemented between 2008 and 2009. We find that, although the unitary value as resulted after applying the econometric model corresponds to the national available amount, by applying other types of indicators, such hour of training, can determine more efficient (less resources needed), cost-effective and effective (increased number of trained individuals for less costs) values in what regards the process of delivering training programs.
Chinese-English transliteration using weighted finite-state transducers

This paper proposes a novel method for Chinese-English transliteration based on multiple models by using weighted finite-state transducers (WFST). WFST provide a unified framework for integrating the various components of a speech-to-speech translation system, such as speech recognition and machine translation, motivated by their flexibility in integrating multiple sources of information and other interesting properties. We built a grapheme-based model, a phoneme-based model, an extended phoneme-based model and so on. Combining those models with unified framework of WFST, we can build a combining transliteration model for Chinese-English. The advantage of this method lies in that we can better account for such behavior by combining those information sources from different model to maximize the use of the data available. Our experiments show that the resulting system outperforms single-model systems with the model directly trained with Chinese-English name pairs for Chinese-English translation.