Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Flexicurity in crisis: European labour market policies in a time of austerity

This article compares labour market policies implemented by EU member states in response to the economic crisis that erupted in 2008. It also considers the implications of the crisis for the European Commission’s flexicurity agenda. The discussion focuses on Ireland, the UK, Germany and the Czech Republic. The article demonstrates that responses to the crisis have been shaped by established features of national employment regimes in the four countries; but each employment regime is also affected by the implementation of austerity measures, which undermine conditions for implementing those components of flexicurity that have appealed most to trade unions.
Is There an Intrahousehold 'Flypaper Effect'? Evidence from a School Feeding Programme

Are public transfers targeted toward children neutralised by the household, as the theory of altruism implies, or is there an intrahousehold "flypaper effect" whereby such transfers "stick" to the child? This paper studies the impact of a school feeding programme on child caloric intake in the Philippines using a quasi-experimental methodology. The empirical results confirm an intrahousehold flypaper effect; indeed, they indicate virtually no intrahousehold reallocation of calories in response to the feeding programme. In poorer households, however, children"s gains from the programme appear to be "taxed" more heavily. Copyright Royal Economic Society 2002
In the Shadow of Basel: How Competitive Politics Bred the Crisis

ABSTRACT What if global governance mechanisms undermine the capacity of national banking regulators to deal with the deviant activities of their banks? Such was the case, this paper argues with respect to the Basel Accords and the regulation of the bank-based shadow-banking system. Securitization-activities by banks, driven by regulatory arbitrage have been an integral part of the shadow banking sector and a central transmission mechanism during the financial crisis. They have been identified as problematic by the international regulatory community since 1999, motivating reforms in Basel 2. This paper investigates why, nevertheless, regulatory loopholes that allowed banks to engage in these activities without core capital charges persisted in almost all Western jurisdictions pre-crisis. It lays emphasis on the global nature of the securitization business in conjunction with its national regulation, and shows that these national regulations on the fringes of global banking regulation were driven by competitiveness concerns. The Basel Accords were central in this dynamic, as they guaranteed the global nature of this market and gave national banking regulators the leeway to exempt securitization-activities from global regulation. Rather than eliminating competitive inequity concerns, the Basel Accords channelled them to its fringes, where they introduced a regulatory race to the bottom.
Social Enterprise Models and SPO Financial Sustainability: The Case of BRAC

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to assess whether social enterprise practices can contribute to solving financial sustainability problems for social purpose organizations. Using the illustrative case-study of the Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC), and based on a financial ratio analysis for the years of 2005 and 2009, this paper concludes that a revenue structure based on social enterprise initiatives, in opposition to donor grants, generates a more financially sustainable organization.
Education in US Universities Teaching Button-Pushing versus Teaching Thinking: The State of New Media

Using content analysis and survey, this study examines how the teaching of thinking skills and that of technological skills have been balanced in US new media programs to produce both employable graduates and life-long learners. Findings show that most programs have balanced the two skill sets but that more effort should be made to integrate the teaching of both skill sets in individual courses to give students an expedited, holistic learning experience.
Natural Resources Accounting and Sustainable Development: The Challenge to Economics and Accounting Profession

This paper is aimed at examining the role of natural resources accounting in sustainable development. The approach used in achieving this objective is by identifying the present position, limitations and the challenges for the economics and accounting professions. It was found out that the main weakness of GDP as a measure of development is that it does not account for environmental resource damages. Natural resources accounting takes care of this weakness. Also developments achieved in some counties like Nigeria so far cannot be described as sustainable because the various developmental processes have misused or over exploited the natural resources and in the process affected the environment negatively. The accounting and economics professions have the challenge of ensuring interdisciplinary collaboration, development of framework to particularly include the environment, development of credible valuation procedures for the environment and inclusion of various ethical positions advanced by various groups on the value of the environment. The study practically implies that major challenges still lies ahead in further improving these approaches so as to achieve the goal of sustainable development.
SEU induced dynamic current variation of SRAM-based FPGA: A case study

The dynamic current variation property of XC2V1000, a kind of SRAM-based Field Programmable Gate Arrays(FPGA), is presented by heavy ion irradiation. The relationship between dynamic current and the quantity of SEUs (Single Event Upsets) in configuration memory of FPGA is derived from the experimental data, and probable causation of the phenomenon is analyzed with the help of irradiation and fault injection experiment. The current increases gradually in several discrete steps and is probably due to routing resources confliction resulting from SEUs of configuration memory. In general, current increases when more SEUs occur, but it may also drops in some cases. And such increase will return to normal value when the FPGA is reconfigured.
Masking in chrominance channels of natural images — Data, analysis, and prediction

This paper addresses the visual masking that occurs in the chrominance channels of natural images. We present results from a psychophysical experiment designed to obtain local thresholds of just noticeable log-Gabor distortion in the Cr and Cb channels of natural images. We analyzed the data and investigated the correlation between several low-level image features and the collected thresholds. As expected, features like variance, entropy, or edge density were correlated relatively high with the thresholds. We evaluated the performance of linear and non-linear regression (using neural networks and support vector machines) for thresholds prediction from multiple global image features; we also fitted a modified Watson-Solomon's computational model (based on log-Gabor features) for thresholds prediction. The evaluation showed that neural networks and support vector machines are most suitable for thresholds prediction. The computational model performed reasonably well, with further prospects of its improvement.
The Diffusion of Process Innovations: A Selective Review

This paper surveys some of the most noteworthy literature on the diffusion of process technologies from the point of view of economics. It examines the main theoretical approaches to the diffusion phenomenon: epidemic and learning effects, equilibrium models associated with firm characteristics and strategic interaction. It also discusses the role of the supply side. Empirical work modelling inter-firm diffusion is reviewed, and special attention is given to the role of geography and inter-firm networking in the process of knowledge transfer and diffusion. Some suggestions for further research are presented as a conclusion.
IKK phosphorylates RelB to modulate its promoter specificity and promote fibroblast migration downstream of TNF receptors

Significance TNFα induces chemotaxis of inflammatory cells and fibroblasts, but little is known about the signaling mechanisms controlling this action. It is generally accepted that the avian reticuloendotheliosis viral oncogene (v-rel) related B (RelB) NF-κB subunit is not activated downstream of TNF receptors in fibroblasts. Here, we revealed an activating molecular mechanism leading to RelB transcriptional activation that is critical for the control of TNFα-induced fibroblast migration. We show that the IκB kinase (IKK) phosphorylates RelB on serine 472 in response to TNFα, leading RelB to bind to the promoter of critical migration-associated genes, such as the matrix metallopeptidase 3 (MMP3), thereby controlling MMP3 expression and promigration activity. These findings shed light on a crucial regulatory mechanism controlling selective NF-κB target gene expression and cellular response in response to TNFα. TNFα is a potent cytokine that plays a critical role in numerous cellular processes, particularly immune and inflammatory responses, programmed cell death, angiogenesis, and cell migration. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanisms that mediate TNFα-induced cellular responses is a crucial issue. It is generally accepted that global DNA binding activity of the NF-κB avian reticuloendotheliosis viral (v-rel) oncogene related B (RelB) subunit is not induced upon TNFα treatment in fibroblasts, despite its TNFα-induced nuclear accumulation. Here, we demonstrate that RelB plays a critical role in promoting fibroblast migration upon prolonged TNFα treatment. We identified the two kinases IκB kinase α (IKKα) and IκB kinase β (IKKβ) as RelB interacting partners whose activation by TNFα promotes RelB phosphorylation at serine 472. Once phosphorylated on serine 472, nuclear RelB dissociates from its interaction with the inhibitory protein IκBα and binds to the promoter of critical migration-associated genes, such as the matrix metallopeptidase 3 (MMP3). Further, we show that RelB serine 472 phosphorylation status controls MMP3 expression and promigration activity downstream of TNF receptors. Our findings provide new insights into the regulation of RelB activity and reveal a novel link between selective NF-κB target gene expression and cellular response in response to TNFα.
HDR imaging based on region segmentation

In high dynamic range(HDR) imaging, artifacts, generated on the block boundaries, has been a puzzling problem all the time. A novel HDR imaging method is proposed to eliminate the fatal defect in this paper. Firstly, we segmented the low-pass filtered images using the region segmentation method. Secondly, the most informative one in corresponding regions is selected and all the selected regions are mosaiced. Finally, a weighted function is used to eliminating the effect of the artifacts. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can greatly enlarge the dynamic range without losing the details of images, which has a wide application prospect in both civil and military fields.
Social Cognitive Theory as a Predictor of Dietary Behavior and Leisure Time Physical Activity Behavior in Middle-Aged Asian Indian Women Residing in United States

The purpose of the study was to determine to what extent expectations, self-control, and self-efficacy from the social cognitive theory account for variance in the dietary behaviors and leisure time physical activity of middle-aged Asian Indian women residing in Chicago. Dietary behavior was broken down into fruit and vegetable consumption and number of portions consumed. Data was collected from a sample of 200 participants in Chicago over a span of 1 month. Valid and reliable subscales were developed for the study. Descriptive statistics, stepwise multiple regressions, and Pearson correlations were used to analyze the data. Results indicated expectations for leisure time physical activity and self-control as predictive for leisure time physical activity (adjusted R2 = 0.14). No relationships were seen with the constructs of the social cognitive theory with number of portions and fruit and vegetable consumption. Recommendations have been included for future studies.
Pharmacogenetic aspects of the use of tacrolimus in renal transplantation: recent developments and ethnic considerations

ABSTRACT Introduction: Tacrolimus (Tac) is effective in preventing acute rejection but has considerable toxicity and inter-individual variability in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Part of this is explained by polymorphisms in genes encoding Tac-metabolizing enzymes and transporters. A better understanding of Tac pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics may help to minimize different outcomes amongst transplant recipients by personalizing immunosuppression. Areas covered: The pharmacogenetic contribution of Tac metabolism will be examined, with a focus on recent discoveries, new developments and ethnic considerations. Expert opinion: The strongest and most consistent association in pharmacogenetics is between the CYP3A5 genotype and Tac dose requirement, with CYP3A5 expressers having a ~ 40–50% higher dose requirement compared to non-expressers. Two recent randomized-controlled clinical trials using CYP3A5 genotype, however, did not show a decrease in acute rejections nor reduced toxicity. CYP3A4*22, CYP3A4*26, and POR*28 are also associated with Tac dose requirements and may be included to provide the expected improvement of Tac therapy. Studies focusing on the intracellular drug concentrations and on calcineurin inhibitor-induced nephrotoxicity also seem promising. For all studies, however, the ethnic prevalence of genotypes should be taken into account, as this may significantly impact the effect of pre-emptive genotyping.
Using message framing to promote acceptance of the human papillomavirus vaccine.

OBJECTIVE Use of message framing for encouraging vaccination, an increasingly common preventive health behavior, has received little empirical investigation. The authors examined the relative effectiveness of gain-versus loss-framed messages in promoting acceptance of a vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV)-a virus responsible for virtually all cases of cervical cancer. DESIGN Undergraduate women (N = 121) were randomly assigned to read a booklet describing the benefits of receiving (gain-framed message) or the costs of not receiving (loss-framed message) a prophylactic HPV vaccine. After reading the booklet, participants indicated their intent to obtain the HPV vaccine. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE A 5-item composite representing intentions to obtain the HPV vaccine. RESULTS The effect of message framing on HPV vaccine acceptance was moderated by risky sexual behavior and approach avoidance motivation. A loss-framed message led to greater HPV vaccination intentions than a gain framed message but only among participants who had multiple sexual partners and participants who infrequently used condoms. The loss-frame advantage was also observed among participants high in avoidance motivation. CONCLUSION Findings highlight characteristics of the message recipient that may affect the success of framed messages promoting vaccine acceptance. This study has practical implications for the development of health communications promoting vaccination.
Alternate methods for laparoscopic management of adnexal masses greater than 10 cm in diameter.

PURPOSE We describe alternate laparoscopic methods for inspection and removal of large adnexal masses, and report our experience with 18 cases in which these methods were used. PATIENTS AND METHODS Between April 1994 and January 2000, the first author performed operative laparoscopy on 18 patients, each of whom had at least one adnexal mass with maximum diameter greater than 10 cm. Mean patient age was 32 years (range 11 to 82). Seventeen of the 18 patients were premenopausal. All procedures were performed at one of two community hospitals in Seattle or at Yuan's General Hospital in Taiwan. Preoperative screening included pelvic exam, tumor markers, and ultrasound. RESULTS One 82-year-old patient underwent planned laparoscopic bilateral oopherectomy. In the other 17 cases the operative goal was cystectomy or unilateral oopherectomy with conservation of reproductive function. Cystectomy was successfully performed in five of these cases (29.4%). The remaining 12 patients underwent either unilateral oopherectomy (10 cases, 58.8%), or unilateral salpingo oopherectomy (2 cases, 8.8%) due to the extent of their mass. Sixteen of the 18 cases in this series were successfully managed by a single laparoscopic surgery, one case required a second-look laparoscopy, and in one case a malignancy was found by histological analysis of permanent section, which required a second laparoscopy for staging and debulking. CONCLUSIONS Large adnexal masses can be successfully managed with minimal hospital stay using laparoscopic techniques, when care is taken to avoid rupture and spillage of cyst contents, and thorough inspection of the mass and abdominal cavity is made possible. The probability of finding an unexpected malignancy is low. In those cases where a malignancy is found, appropriate cytoreductive staging surgery can be performed immediately.
Critical success practices (CSP) toward implementing lean production among international companies in Malaysia

With emerging globalization and adverting huge competition among the companies, all participants are looking towards improving their core competency, and follow a way to make a better profit margin for them, through the elimination of waste and increase in their productivity which can be achieve through a concept of lean production and especially just-in-time (JIT) practices. In Malaysia, it is still a new concept and many local companies are not as good as their international counterpart, which are active in Malaysia. As a result, in this paper we are going to examine critical success practice (CSP) for implementing lean production among international firms, which are active in Malaysia and through a survey on leaders in lean production in Malaysia extract a general pattern for other Malaysian companies for improving their lean practices.
Comparison between Oral and Written Spelling in Alzheimer's Disease

Written and oral spelling were compared in 33 patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and 25 control subjects. AD patients had poorer spelling results which were influenced by orthographic difficulty and word frequency, but not by grammatical word class. Lexical spelling was also more deteriorated than phonological spelling. Moreover, oral spelling was more impaired than written spelling in AD patients, whereas no difference was present between oral and written spelling of controls. Analysis of spelling errors showed that, for controls, errors were predominantly phonologically accurate in both spelling tasks. Significantly, AD patients produced more phonologically accurate than inaccurate errors in written spelling, whereas these errors did not differ in oral spelling. In contrast to controls who produced more constant than variable responses in oral and written spelling, AD patients made more variable responses (words correctly spelled in one task but incorrectly in the other) and they showed many instances of variable errors (different misspellings from one spelling task to the other). Two stepwise regression procedures showed that written misspellings were specifically correlated with language impairment, whereas oral spelling errors were correlated with attentional and language disorders. These results suggest that AD increases the attentional demands of oral spelling process as compared to written spelling. This dissociation argues, either for a unique Graphemic Buffer in which oral spelling requires more attentional resources than written spelling or for the hypothesis of separate buffers for oral and written spelling.
Racial variation in the use of coronary-revascularization procedures. Are the differences real? Do they matter?

BACKGROUND Studies have reported that blacks undergo fewer coronary-revascularization procedures than whites, but it is not clear whether the clinical characteristics of the patients account for these differences or whether they indicate underuse of the procedures in blacks or overuse in whites. METHODS In a study at Duke University of 12,402 patients (10.3 percent of whom were black) with coronary disease, we calculated unadjusted and adjusted rates of angioplasty and bypass surgery in blacks and whites after cardiac catheterization. We also examined patterns of treatment after stratifying the patients according to the severity of disease, angina status, and estimated survival benefit due to revascularization. Finally, we compared five-year survival rates in blacks and whites. RESULTS After adjustment for the severity of disease and other characteristics, blacks were 13 percent less likely than whites to undergo angioplasty and 32 percent less likely to undergo bypass surgery. The adjusted black:white odds ratios for receiving these procedures were 0.87 (95 percent confidence interval, 0.73 to 1.03) and 0.68 (95 percent confidence interval, 0.56 to 0.82), respectively. The racial differences in rates of bypass surgery persisted among those with severe anginal symptoms (31 percent of blacks underwent surgery, vs. 45 percent of whites, P<0.001) and among those predicted to have the greatest survival benefit from revascularization (42 percent vs. 61 percent, P<0.001). Finally, unadjusted and adjusted rates of survival for five years were significantly lower in blacks than in whites. CONCLUSIONS Blacks with coronary disease were significantly less likely than whites to undergo coronary revascularization, particularly bypass surgery - a difference that could not be explained by the clinical features of their disease. The differences in treatment were most pronounced among those predicted to benefit the most from revascularization. Since these differences also correlated with a lower survival rate in blacks, we conclude that coronary revascularization appears to be underused in blacks.
A Balance between Tel1 and Rif2 Activities Regulates Nucleolytic Processing and Elongation at Telomeres

ABSTRACT Generation of G-strand overhangs at Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast telomeres depends primarily on the MRX (Mre11-Rad50-Xrs2) complex, which is also necessary to maintain telomere length by recruiting the Tel1 kinase. MRX physically interacts with Rif2, which inhibits both resection and elongation of telomeres. We provide evidence that regulation of telomere processing and elongation relies on a balance between Tel1 and Rif2 activities. Tel1 regulates telomere nucleolytic processing by promoting MRX activity. In fact, the lack of Tel1 impairs MRX-dependent telomere resection, which is instead enhanced by the Tel1-hy909 mutant variant, which causes telomerase-dependent telomere overelongation. The Tel1-hy909 variant is more robustly associated than wild-type Tel1 to double-strand-break (DSB) ends carrying telomeric repeat sequences. Furthermore, it increases the persistence at a DSB adjacent to telomeric repeats of both MRX and Est1, which in turn likely account for the increased telomere resection and elongation in TEL1-hy909 cells. Strikingly, Rif2 is unable to negatively regulate processing and lengthening at TEL1-hy909 telomeres, indicating that the Tel1-hy909 variant overcomes the inhibitory activity exerted by Rif2 on MRX. Altogether, these findings highlight a primary role of Tel1 in overcoming Rif2-dependent negative regulation of MRX activity in telomere resection and elongation.