Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Corporate Environmental Reporting: Informal Institutional Chinese Cultural Norms

The significance of global environmental issues have been further propelled to the forefront, with the current public awareness highlighted by the 2007 United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Al Gore's global warming statements and the Stern review. As the most populous nation on earth with one fifth of humanity, coupled with an appetite for raw materials to boost its economic growth, China has a prominent role in solving global environmental challenges.Research in corporate environmental reporting (CER) as an environmental management strategy to communicate with stakeholders has provided a discerning body of knowledge. However, there exists, a glaring 'gap' in the literature in relation to the study of CER in an emerging nation such as China. The main purpose of this paper is to explore the normative assumptions underpinning CER in China focusing on Shanghai. Findings from the data appear to reverberate well with institutional theoretical approach within the Chinese cultural norms (informal institutional rules) in understanding the embryonic progress of CER in China.
Analysis of socio-economic driving forces on built-up area expansion in Xiamen

Based on grey relational analysis and stepwise regression, this study analysed the socio-economic driving forces of Xiamen since the reform and opening of China. The research aimed to explore the deep dynamic mechanism of urban space expansion of Xiamen and provide scientific support for its sustainable development. The results indicate resource consumption factors and population factors have had a significant driving effect on the expansion of built-up area, and have contributed more than the economic development factors. It was revealed that the main urban socio-economic driving forces have gradually changed during the middle and late stage of urbanisation, and the city has also shifted from an original construction and developing city type into a more spatially stable, developed city type.
Differential genetic effects of ESR1 gene polymorphisms on osteoporosis outcomes.

CONTEXT Both bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture risk have a strong genetic component. Estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) is a candidate gene for osteoporosis, but previous studies of ESR1 polymorphisms in this field were hampered by small sample size, lack of standardization, and inconclusive results. OBJECTIVE To generate large-scale evidence on whether 3 common ESR1 polymorphisms (intron 1 polymorphisms XbaI [dbSNP: rs9340799] and PvuII [dbSNP: rs2234693] and promoter TA repeats microsatellite) and haplotypes thereof are associated with BMD and fractures. DESIGN AND SETTING Meta-analysis of individual-level data involving standardized genotyping of 18 917 individuals in 8 European centers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES BMD of femoral neck and lumbar spine; all fractures and vertebral fractures by genotype. RESULTS No between-center heterogeneity was observed for any outcome in any genetic contrast. None of the 3 polymorphisms or haplotypes had any statistically significant effect on BMD in adjusted or unadjusted analyses, and estimated differences between genetic contrasts were 0.01 g/cm2 or less. Conversely, we found significant reductions in fracture risk. In women homozygous for the absence of an XbaI recognition site, the adjusted odds of all fractures were reduced by 19% (odds ratio, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.71-0.93]; P = .002) and vertebral fractures by 35% (odds ratio, 0.65 [95% CI, 0.49-0.87]; P = .003). Effects on fractures were independent of BMD and unaltered in adjusted analyses. No significant effects on fracture risk were seen for PvuII and TA repeats. CONCLUSIONS ESR1 is a susceptibility gene for fractures, and XbaI determines fracture risk by mechanisms independent of BMD. Our study demonstrates the value of adequately powered studies with standardized genotyping and clinical outcomes in defining effects of common genetic variants on complex diseases.
Histidine-rich Glycoprotein Binds to Cell-surface Heparan Sulfate via Its N-terminal Domain following Zn2+ Chelation*

Histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) is an α2-glycoprotein found in mammalian plasma at high concentrations (∼150 μg/ml) and is distinguished by its high content of histidine and proline. Structurally, HRG is a modular protein consisting of an N-terminal cystatin-like domain (N1N2), a central histidine-rich region (HRR) flanked by proline-rich sequences, and a C-terminal domain. HRG binds to cell surfaces and numerous ligands such as plasminogen, fibrinogen, thrombospondin, C1q, heparin, and IgG, suggesting that it may act as an adaptor protein either by targeting ligands to cell surfaces or by cross-linking soluble ligands. Despite the suggested functional importance of HRG, the cell-binding characteristics of the molecule are poorly defined. In this study, HRG was shown to bind to most cell lines in a Zn2+-dependent manner, but failed to interact with the Chinese hamster ovary cell line pgsA-745, which lacks cell-surface glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Subsequent treatment of GAG-positive Chinese hamster ovary cells with mammalian heparanase or bacterial heparinase III, but not chondroitinase ABC, abolished HRG binding. Furthermore, blocking studies with various GAG species indicated that only heparin was a potent inhibitor of HRG binding. These data suggest that heparan sulfate is the predominate cell-surface ligand for HRG and that mammalian heparanase is a potential regulator of HRG binding. Using recombinant forms of full-length HRG and the N-terminal N1N2 domain, it was shown that the N1N2 domain bound specifically to immobilized heparin and cell-surface heparan sulfate. In contrast, synthetic peptides corresponding to the Zn2+-binding HRR of HRG did not interact with cells. Furthermore, the binding of full-length HRG, but not the N1N2 domain, was greatly potentiated by physiological concentrations of Zn2+. Based on these data, we propose that the N1N2 domain binds to cell-surface heparan sulfate and that the interaction of Zn2+ with the HRR can indirectly enhance cell-surface binding.
Effects of low-dose prednisolone on endothelial function, atherosclerosis, and traditional risk factors for atherosclerosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis--a randomized study.

OBJECTIVE To determine the influence of low-dose prednisolone on atherosclerosis, endothelial function, and risk factors for atherosclerosis in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS At start of the first disease modifying antirheumatic drug, 67 patients with early, active RA were randomized to either 7.5 mg prednisolone daily (n = 34) or no prednisolone (n = 33). In the prednisolone group, 21 were treated for 2 years and 13 continuously. After a mean of 5 years intima-media thickness (IMT) and calculated intima-media area (cIMa) of the carotid arteries were determined by B-mode ultrasound. Endothelial function was determined by flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery. RESULTS IMT [median (interquartile range) 0.675 mm (0.58-0.82) vs 0.673 mm (0.0.62-0.80)], cIMa [13.7 mm2 (11.45-20.37) vs 14.1 mm2 (12.34-17.38)], prevalence of atherosclerotic plaques (82.3% vs 81.9%), and endothelial function [FMD% (mean +/- SD) 3.88% +/- 2.8 vs 3.74% +/- 2.9] did not differ between patients treated with and those not treated with prednisolone. There were no differences in lumen diameter of carotid arteries, or levels of lipoproteins, glucose, and blood pressure. Patients treated for at least 4 years (and currently treated) with prednisolone had a trend to higher systolic blood pressure (157 +/- 29 mm Hg) compared with untreated patients (141 +/- 28 mm Hg; p = 0.06) and had higher cholesterol levels (5.6 mmol/L +/- 1.39 vs 4.9 +/- 28; p = 0.03). In the whole cohort, age and HDL were independently associated with IMT; age, HDL, and blood pressure with cIMa; and age and serum creatinine with presence of atherosclerotic plaques. CONCLUSION Low-dose prednisolone did not influence endothelial function and atherosclerosis in patients with RA. However, total cholesterol was higher in patients treated with prednisolone.
ABO blood groups and risk for obesity in Arar, Northern Saudi Arabia.

INTRODUCTION ABO blood groups are associated with some important chronic diseases. Previous studies have observed an association between ABO blood group and risk for obesity. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine whether there is an association between ABO blood groups and obesity in apparently healthy attendees of primary healthcare (PHC) centers in Arar city, Northern Saudi Arabia. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS This cross-sectional study included 401 participants aged 15 years and older attending three randomly selected PHC centers in Arar city. Data were collected by means of personal interview using a predesigned questionnaire. Anthropometric examination included height and weight measurements with calculation of BMI. ABO and Rh blood groups were determined. RESULTS The majority of the participants were female (70.8%). The mean±SD age was 28.6±9.1 years. Only 5.7% were underweight. Both normal and overweight participants were equal in number and constituted 28.4%, whereas obese individuals constituted 37.4% with a mean BMI of 28.56±8.0. Blood group O was the most common (44.1%), followed by A (30.9%), B (18.7%), and AB (6.2%). Rh-positive cases constituted 87.0%. Blood group O was the most common type among the obese individuals (44.7%), followed by A, B, and AB groups (30, 20, and 5.3%, respectively). BMI was highest (28.8±9.2) in blood group O. There were no statistically significant differences between different ABO blood groups as regards BMI, Rh, and sex. Moreover, there was no statistically significant difference between Rh type and BMI. CONCLUSION The prevalence of obesity and overweight is high in the population attending PHC centers of Arar city, Northern Saudi Arabia. There is no association between overweight, obesity, and ABO blood groups or Rh.
Management of Operative Staff in a Labour-scarce Economy: The Views of Human Resource Managers in the Hotel Industry in Singapore

This article explores the views of HR managers on the management of oper ative staff in the hotel industry in Singapore at a period of acute labour short age. Using a case-study qualitative methodology, it examines how external and internal environmental factors affect the HRM of operative staff. In the view of the HR managers, the labour shortage has resulted in recruitment and retention problems, high labour turnover, decline in discipline at the work place, along with other difficulties. The HR managers indicated that the exter nal environment dictates how operative staff should be managed.The study reveals that the problems in the HRM of operative staff, as a result of the labour shortage, have been compounded by the lack of coherent and systematic HR practices and strategies in the hotels. The main argument, there fore, is that to mitigate the effects of the external environment successfully, HR managers should pay more attention to the development of internal HRM prac tices and strategies. It is sug.
Sources and Consequences of Distinctive Familiness: An Introduction

Family firms are unique organizational forms as a result of the interactions between family members, the family, and the business. Distinctive familiness has been used as a notion to encompass these interactions and the consequent systemic synergies that could lead to competitive advantages. This introduction discusses the notion and reviews the papers and commentaries in this special issue within the context of their contributions to our understanding of the possible sources and consequences of distinctive familiness.
Sources of Deep Coal Mine Productivity Change, 1962-1975

The purpose of this article is to investigate the causes of labor productivity decline in bituminous deep mines during the 1970s. Prior to 1970, coal mining was a leading industry in productivity growth: average deep mine labor productivity increased from 5.8 tons per miner per shift in 1950 to 15.6 tons per miner per shift in 1969. Since 1969, average labor productivity has fallen every year to a 1977 level of 8.7 tons per miner per shift.
An improved droop control strategy of three-phase inverter for grid voltage unbalance compensation

In this paper, an improved control strategy for three-phase inverter is proposed, which ensures three-phase output voltage symmetry under unbalanced grid voltage. Firstly, the positive and negative sequence separation module is used to obtain unbalance output voltage and current during the grid faults. By calculating output power of the inverter, an improved P-ƒ, Q-U and Q-G droop control strategy is designed to adjust droop curve real-timely. Then three-phase symmetrical voltage reference could be generated. In order to improve the stability of parallel three-phase inverter system, the virtual impedance is further applied. The simulation results presented verify the feasibility of the improved control scheme. Experimental tests and analysis have been provided in this paper.
Intelligent Train Operation Models Based on Ensemble Regression Trees

Traditional control algorithms in Automatic Train Operation (ATO) system have some drawbacks, such as high energy consumption and low riding comfort. Combined with data mining methods and driving experience, two Intelligent Train Operation (ITO) model s for the subway train control are proposed. Firstly the training data set was sorted out and sieved out from the real train operation data set by drivers in Beijing subway line Yizhuang to establish the standard database. By using Classification and Regression Trees (CART) algorithm and Bagging ensemble learning method which base on CART algorithm , two ITO model s are dug out to represent the output of controller with limited speed, running time and gradient. In the train control simulation platform, ITO models were compared with the traditional PID (Proportional Integral Derivative) control algorithm of ATO systems . The simulation results indicate the proposed ITO models are better than PID control in energy consumption, riding comfort and switching times of controller ’s output. Furthermore, the ITO model with bagging ensemble learning method is better especially in energy consumption and riding comfort.
Crime and the Business Cycle

THE business cycle has a pervasive effect on the structure of economic opportunity and hence on behavior. The effect is reflected in social indicators as diverse as school enrollments, birthrates, and labor force participation. ' It would be surprising indeed if crime rates were immune to general business conditions, and certainly the conventional wisdom asserts that "street" crime is countercyclical. A recession always provides police chiefs with a comfortable explanation for their failure to prevent increases in the crime rate.
Instrument Rules in Monetary Policy under Heterogeneity in Currency Trade

We embed different instrument rules into a New Keynesian model for a small open economy that is augmented with technical trading in currency trade to examine the prerequisites for monetary policy. Specifically, this paper focuses on conditions for a determinate, least-squares learnable rational expectations equilibrium (REE). Under an interest rate rule with only contemporaneous macroeconomic data, the intensity of technical trading or trend-seeking in currency trade does not affect these conditions, except in the case of an extensive use of trend-seeking. On the other hand, if the central bank uses only forward-looking information in its interest rate rule, a determinate and learnable REE is a less likely outcome when trend-seeking in currency trade becomes more popular. The interest rate rule followed by the central bank in the model incorporates interest rate smoothing. Keywords: determinacy, DSGE model, interest rate rule, least-squares learning, technical trading JEL classification numbers: C62, E52, F31, F41
A Shift in Employees’ Perception towards Leadership Practice: An Egyptian Case Study under Cross-Cultural Settings

Employees’ work related values change as their cultural values change over time, specially as their societies experience unusual social changes. Changes in employees work related values may increase the need for remarkable modifications in companies’ leadership practices and approaches. This research takes Egypt as an example of a host-country that is undergoing unusual social changes. The study aims to explore the impact of changes on employees’ perception towards best leadership practices, in cross-cultural settings. Two case studies were conducted with replication logic. The researcher conducted semi-structured interviews with Egyptian employees working in two multinational companies, operating in Egypt. The study findings regarding best leadership styles and practices contradict with literature’s classification for Egypt as high power distance and masculinity culture. This indicates that companies should reconsider employees’ cultural values that impact workplace. However, further researches should be conducted on such cultural aspects to reach more generalizable findings. This paper is among the few studies that tackled Egypt business environment from a cross-cultural perspective. Egypt presents a good example for cultural changes, since it has undergone major social changes since the year 2011. The research not only presents the recommended leadership practices but also emphasizes on their managerial implications. Further, the research is among the few studies that addressed the impact of national culture on leadership with reference to other contextual factor. Keywords: l eadership, national culture, Egypt, power distance, masculinity, contextual factors
Psychometric properties of a modified version of the Roland-Morris disability questionnaire (M-RMDQ).

BACKGROUND Chronic pain can be associated with limitations in patient function. Assessment of pain-related limitations is one of the important outcome domains that should be considered when designing chronic pain clinical trials. Although a validated instrument for the assessment of pain-related disability in Iranian chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients exists, to date there is no psychometrically sound instrument to measure pain-related physical disability amongst Iranian chronic pain patients suffering from pain in other parts of their bodies. METHODS Six hundred chronic pain patients completed the Modified version of the Roland-Morris disability questionnaire (M-RMDQ) in addition to questionnaires on demographic variables, pain intensity and depression. RESULTS Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and concurrent and predictive validity were calculated for the M-RMDQ. Internal consistency of the M-RMDQ items was acceptable (Cronbach's alpha=0.88). Test-retest reliability with a mean 36-day interval between assessments in 76 chronic pain patients was high (ICC=0.90). Concurrent validity was confirmed via significant correlations between the scores of M-RMDQ, depression and pain intensity. Predictive validity of the M-RMDQ was confirmed as it successfully differentiated pain clinic chronic pain patients from the non-pain clinic chronic pain population. CONCLUSION The M-RMDQ has adequate reliability and validity and can be used as a sound measure of physical disability associated with chronic pain among the Iranian population.
Pricing multivariate options under stochastic volatility lévy processes

The aim of this article is to study the valuation of multivariate options based on correlated multidimensional time-changed Lévy processes, where two time changes are used to describe diffusion part and jump part stochastic volatilities as well as assets correlation structures. The main contribution of this article is two-folds: First, we build a flexible enough framework to model assets' dependent structure and volatility clustering; second, by employing extended Esscher transform to reduce the problem's dimension, and generalized Fourier transform to simplify the integration involving the terminal payoff , we dramatically reduce the complexities of this problem, and get very accurate solutions in a relatively short computation time.
Entrepreneurship as a Strategic Development Intervention to Accelerate Rural Development: The Case of Drishtee

This case narrates the success story of Drishtee, a for-profit company with the vision of spreading the benefits of ICT to rural India, where technology can bring long-awaited solutions for rural development. Drishtee is innovative in its concept and implementation and has been successful in facilitating the conception of a rural networking infrastructure through a tiered franchise and partnership model, which has led to the creation of entrepreneurs spread across various villages in rural India. It has an existing network of over 4100 Franchisee Entrepreneurs and 700 RRPs across 10 states in India. It also has the first mover advantage with expertise in rolling out a unique last mile distribution network, built on both Information and Communication Technology (ICT) application and ‘ground level entrepreneurship’. One of the key highlights of the company is its ability to develop products and services specifically designed to cater to the rural market through its subsidiary Quiver Info Services Ltd. With its unique distribution network of existing rural retail points and franchisees, lowering costs and margin expectations, it has succeeded in generating employment opportunities for rural entrepreneurs, with equal gender focus. For its laudable efforts, it has won many accolades including awards from World Bank, Schwab Foundation, WEF and Clinton Global Initiative and is already backed by Institutional investors including IFC, Acumen fund, Grameen foundation.
The P-type ATPase CATP-1 is a novel regulator of C. elegans developmental timing that acts independently of its predicted pump function

During postembryonic stages, metazoans synchronize the development of a large number of cells, tissues and organs by mechanisms that remain largely unknown. In Caenorhabditis elegans larvae, an invariant cell lineage is tightly coordinated with four successive molts, thus defining a genetically tractable system to analyze the mechanisms underlying developmental synchronization. Illegitimate activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) by the nicotinic agonist dimethylphenylpiperazinium (DMPP) during the second larval stage (L2) of C. elegans causes a lethal heterochronic phenotype. DMPP exposure delays cell division and differentiation without affecting the molt cycle, hence resulting in deadly exposure of a defective cuticle to the surrounding environment. In a screen for DMPP-resistant mutants, we identified catp-1 as a gene coding for a predicted cation-transporting P-type ATPase expressed in the epidermis. Larval development was specifically slowed down at the L2 stage in catp-1 mutants compared with wild-type animals and was not further delayed after exposure to DMPP. We demonstrate that CATP-1 interacts with the insulin/IGF and Ras-MAPK pathways to control several postembryonic developmental events. Interestingly, these developmental functions can be fulfilled independently of the predicted cation-transporter activity of CATP-1, as pump-dead engineered variants of CATP-1 can rescue most catp-1-mutant defects. These results obtained in vivo provide further evidence for the recently proposed pump-independent scaffolding functions of P-type ATPases in the modulation of intracellular signaling.
Modified Shockley-Queisser limit for quantum dot solar cells

We discuss the fundamental limits affecting the conversion efficiency of quantum dot solar cells. We demonstrate using a modified detailed balance analysis that the existence of an extended tailing density of states fundamentally enhance the dark saturation current density and lead to a degradation of the open circuit voltage. We predict how the open circuit voltage (Voc) changes with the tail width and find agreement with the general trend observed experimentally. In practice, the existence of non-radiative recombination would further reduce Voc.