Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimizing Incentive Plan Design: A Case Study

We study effects of a firm's attempt to optimize an existing incentive scheme to increase sales growth for direct store delivery workers. Before optimization workers reported Ratchet Effects that lowered productivity. The altered incentive plan offered higher compensation for increased sales relative to a sales growth target, and lower compensation for failing to meet the target. We gathered data on performance and attitudes at pilot and control sites before and after the change. Relative to control sites, sales growth increased in the pilot sites by two percent, a meaningful contribution to firm profits. We find no change in distortion of effort or manipulation of the performance measure. Workers did not substantially change number of hours worked, though allocation of time across tasks changed slightly. Despite increased productivity, workers continued to report Ratchet Effects after the change. We also find that an unplanned price increase midway through a fiscal year affected the extent of Ratchet Effects that year.
Genetic variation analysis of MLP, TFAP2A, and CSK in patients with neural tube defects

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are congenital malformations which arise from incomplete closure of the neural tube during early embryogenesis. The most common types found in humans are spina bifida and anencephaly. These can occur together in a single family and in some cases even in one person.1 About 70–80% of all human NTDs show complex or multifactorial inheritance patterns, indicating that both genetic and environmental factors play a part in the aetiology of this malformation.2 Folic acid supplementation reduces the incidence of human and mouse NTDs.3–7 Furthermore, supplementation of myo -inositol reduces the incidence of NTDs substantially in the NTD mouse model, curly tail.8 In curly tail embryos, supplementary myo -inositol increases the flux through the inositol/lipid cycle, stimulating protein kinase C (Pkc) activity. Protein kinase C phosphorylates and thus activates several proteins that are directly involved in the formation of the neural tube, such as Ap2-α and Mlp (fig 1). 9,10 Ap2-α null as well as heterozygous and chimeric knockout mice have exencephaly.11–13 Mlp knockout mice have exencephaly and spina bifida.14,15 Figure 1 Signal transduction relations between the proteins TFAP2A, MLP, and CSK. PTK, protein tyrosine kinase receptor; DAG, diacylglycerol; PLC, phospholipase C; PIP2, phosphatidylinositol 4,5-biphosphate; IP3, inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate; PKC, protein kinase C; SRC, Src related protein tyrosine kinases. Apart from the genes involved in inositol signalling, NTDs also occur in mice deficient for the Csk gene.16 This gene encodes a negative regulator of Src family tyrosine kinases and acts through phosphorylation of the Src family members at their C-terminal tyrosine residue (fig 1). 17 Csk is involved in the organisation of the cytoskeleton.18 ### Key points
Formation of Inflation Expectations in British Manufacturing Industries

Over the past decade increasing use has been made of direct information on price expectations in empirical studies of the expectations formation process. In the United States, Livingston's inflation expectation series have been extensively analysed by Turnovsky (I970), Turnovsky and Wachter (I972), Pesando (I975), McGuire (I976), Carlson (I977), Mullineaux (I978, I980), Jacobs and Jones (I980), Figlewski and Wachter (I98I) and others. In the United Kingdom, the general public expectations of consumer prices made available in the Gallup polls have been studied by Carlson and Parkin (I975), Holden and Peel (I977), Smith (I982), Severn (1983) and Evans and Gulamani (I984). Similar studies have also been carried out with respect to surveys conducted in Germany, France and most other OECD countries. However, despite the apparent importance of businessmen's expectations for the understanding of the inflationary process, the empirical research on inflation expectations in the United Kingdom has been mainly concerned with the consumers' price expectations. ' The present paper is an attempt to rectify this shortcoming by extending the empirical analysis of the inflation expectation process to British manufacturing industries using the results of the industrial trend surveys conducted by the Confederation of British Industries (CBI). The plan of the paper is as follows: Section I deals with the methodological problems of deriving quantitative inflation expectations series from qualitative responses such as the ones reported in the CBI surveys. The subjective probability method due to Theil, Carlson and Parkin, and the regression method recently proposed by the author (Pesaran, I984) for the conversion of categorical responses to quantitative measures are briefly discussed. Section II sets out the alternative models of inflation expectations formation. Section III describes the data on inflation expectations in British manufacturing industries, and discusses the forecasting value of alternative measures of inflation expectations. Section IV focuses on the issue of measurement errors in expectations and the econometric problems involved. Section V reports the results of estimation of alternative models of inflation expectations, and investigates the quantitative impact of government policy and general economic conditions on inflation
Anomaly detection in aerospace product manufacturing: Initial remarks

Manufacturing companies need to acquire, analyze and share large amounts of information and data to sustain competitive advantage in complex environments. In the context of complex manufacturing, an increasing number of devices, sensors and people are connected to internal networks dramatically changing the ability to generate, communicate, share and access data. Therefore, the data volume has become so large that it cannot be processed using conventional methods. Many companies have dramatically boosted profits and have met consumer demands more proactively, by utilizing automated data collection to feed information into a big data analytics program. In the aerospace manufacturing sector, there is a growing need to consider Big Data solutions to add value to their business services and to optimize their internal production processes. Manufacturing data are an important source of knowledge that can be recorded from different data sources such as sensors and enterprise. The majority of this data are stream processed i.e., they are produced by analytics performed on “in-motion” data. A real-time predictive analysis can help detecting manufacturing anomalies thus improving the production processes and the quality of product. This paper aims to shortly describe the initial findings of an action research study performed in the aerospace industry pilot of the TOREADOR European project.
Striving towards strategic alignment in SMEs: an empirical analysis

Purpose – Despite general awareness and acceptance of the benefit of strategic planning/alignment of IS strategy with business strategy, few efforts have been made to define and study the relationship. A review of literature has revealed that past studies have largely neglected the specific consideration of small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) especially IT/software developing SMEs in India. The purpose of this research is to investigate the prevalence of strategic planning activity in Indian IT SMEs and its decisive influence on business performance.Design/methodology/approach – A survey‐based approach was adopted to understand the prevalence of strategic planning activity in Indian IT SMEs and its crucial influence on business performance at all three levels of management. A short survey instrument was designed by reviewing the literature on strategic planning activity in software developing SMEs. A sample of 23 software developing SMEs in India was used.Findings – A response rate of 88.8 per cent w.
Prenatal and Adult Growth Hormone Gene Expression in Rat Lymphoid Organs

Growth hormone (GH) exerts its immune effects on mature lymphocytes through an autocrine/paracrine mechanism. We investigated the prenatal synthesis of GH mRNA in rat lymphoid organs using the sensitive in situ RT-PCR methodology. We show that GH transcripts are detectable in the thymus and liver of the 18-day fetus. At this stage, all thymocytes are immature and express the GH gene. In fetal liver, GH gene expression was localized in circulating lymphocytes and in hematopoietic cells surrounding GH mRNA-negative hepatocytes. In situ GH gene expression in fetal lymphoid organs was confirmed by in vitro RT-PCR showing that the amplified product from fetal lymphoid tissues was similar to the product obtained from the pituitary. Moreover, GH gene expression was detected in the thymus, spleen, and ileum Peyer's patches of adult rat, with a localization restricted to the lymphocytes and endothelial and smooth muscle cells of blood vessels. The autocrine/paracrine expression of the GH gene by lymphoid and hematopoietic cells during fetal growth might influence the generation of regulatory cells involved in immunity and hematopoiesis.
Low basal and persistent pulsatile growth hormone secretion are revealed in normal and hyposomatotropic men studied with a new ultrasensitive chemiluminescence assay.

Serum GH concentrations assessed by conventional RIA and immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) are often undetectable in healthy fed and awake humans. Serum GH concentrations are also low in obese, hypothyroid, middle-aged, and older individuals. Accordingly, to better investigate the pathophysiology of GH release in relatively hyposomatotropic states, we compared a new and putatively ultrasensitive GH chemiluminescence (CL) assay with a conventional IRMA. We report that the sensitivity of the CL assay is approximately 0.005 microgram/L, with a median intraassay coefficient of variation over more than 3 logarithms of serum GH concentrations of 5.2% (range, 3.6-8.3%). In each of 2 normal young men and 4 categories of hyposomatotropic adults studied (2 obese, 2 hypothyroid, 2 middle-aged, and 3 older men), we observed detectable serum GH concentrations by CL assay of all samples collected at 10-min intervals for 24 h. In the same sera analyzed by IRMA, 22-98% of the daytime sample values fell below IRMA sensitivity (0.10 microgram/L). Within the IRMA-detectable range, the correlation between the 2 assays ranged between r = 0.893 to 0.989 (P < 0.001 in each subject). In the CL assay, serum GH concentrations declined to 0.018-0.030 microgram/L, but were never undetectable during the awake fed state. Deconvolution analysis of 11 GH series assayed by CL disclosed basal GH release and superimposed GH secretory bursts. In the low GH series, there was a mean frequency of 12 +/- 1.4 secretory events/24 h, a mass of GH secreted per burst of 1.0 +/- 0.35 microgram/L, a secretory burst half-duration of 21 +/- 3.3 min, and an apparent endogenous GH half-life of 14 +/- 0.85 min. Compared to the GH IRMA, the CL assay detected approximately 50% more GH secretory events, and GH secretory burst frequency was increased significantly at night vs. the daytime. Cosinor analysis revealed significant 24-h serum GH concentration rhythms in both assays, but an earlier mean acrophase (time of maximum) and lower mesor (mean values) were estimated in the CL assay than the IRMA. We conclude that within the IRMA-detectable range, the correlation between serum GH concentrations measured by CL and IRMA techniques is high. However, unlike the IRMA, the GH CL assay can detect serum GH concentrations consistently in the awake and fed state not only in young individuals but also in subjects with obesity, hypothyroidism, and middle and older age. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Facilitating gender inclusive agri-business.

Two recent phenomena related to sustainable agricultural development converge to frame this article, namely the prioritization of gender and the expanding role of the private sector. The first speaks to the current re-thinking of gender in sustainability discourse and practicegender equity and womens empowerment are gaining traction and priority on the mainstream sustainable development agenda. The second refers to the emerging and growing place of the private sector in sustainable development initiatives, strategies and funding. These two entry points are very different: gender coming from a rights-based and social transformation perspective, and the private sector focus on business, economic viability and profit. We argue that when creatively combined the synergies are tremendous. However, the combining process requires facilitation. We distinguish three arrangements used by large private sector players that operate in international agricultural value chains to link business to sustainable development goals: corporate social responsibility (CSR), certification to social and environmental standards, and public-private partnerships (PPPs). These arrangements are analyzed as different ways to trigger change that combine instrumental, economic and facilitative aspects of human coordination. This article focuses on the nexus of gender, private sector involvement in agricultural development and facilitation: otherwise stated, facilitating interaction to trigger change towards more gender inclusive agri-business.
Aspects of information processing in valuation judgement and choice

Summary Relatively little research has been conducted into the way in which valuers process the evidence they use in producing valuations. This paper reports upon an investigation to explore the applicability to valuers of aspects of information‐processing theory. Three phenomena which may lead to distortions in the use of evidence are considered. These are anchoring, and two ‘presentational’ effects, namely recency and dilution. The findings lend support to the presence of anchoring, and to the significance of the presentation order for positive evidence. The results point to the importance of recognizing the possible influence of these phenomena when formulating expectations about valuation accuracy, and of reviewing valuation procedures so as to minimize their possible effects.
Results of the GYNECO 02 study, an FNCLCC phase III trial comparing hysterectomy with no hysterectomy in patients with a (clinical and radiological) complete response after chemoradiation therapy for stage IB2 or II cervical cancer.

BACKGROUND Concomitant chemoradiation (CRT) (including brachytherapy) is considered the standard management for stage IB2 or II cervical cancer in many countries. Nevertheless, some of them discuss completion surgery (hysterectomy [HT]) after CRT. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic impact of such surgery. METHODS A randomized trial was opened in France in 2003 to evaluate the interest in HT after CRT. Inclusion criteria were: (a) stage IB2 or II cervical cancer without extrapelvic disease on conventional imaging; (b) pelvic external radiation therapy (45 Gy with or without parametrial or nodal boost) with concomitant cisplatin chemotherapy (40 mg/m2 per week) followed by uterovaginal brachytherapy (15 Gy to the intermediate risk clinical target volume); and (c) complete clinical and radiological response 6-8 weeks after brachytherapy. Patients were randomized between HT (arm A) and no HT (arm B). Unfortunately this trial was closed because of poor accrual: 61 patients were enrolled (in 2003-2006) and are reported on here. RESULTS Thirty one and 30 patients were enrolled, respectively, in arm A and arm B. Twelve patients recurred (five of them died): respectively, eight and four in arm A and arm B. The 3-year event-free survival rates were 72% (standard error [SE], 9%) and 89% (SE, 6%) (not significant [NS]) in arm A and arm B, respectively. The 3-year overall survival rates were 86% (SE, 6%) and 97% (SE, 3%) (NS) in arm A and arm B, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Results of the current trial seem to suggest that completion HT had no therapeutic impact in patients with clinical and radiological complete response after CRT (but this conclusion is limited by the lack of power).
FORMULATING A HOLISTIC MODEL TO DESCRIBE INTERNATIONAL DIVERSIFICATION OF CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES

Several scholars have analysed the internationalization of construction companies by using various available models. These models are the Eclectic Paradigm, Stage Growth Theory, and Diamond Framework. Each model has its respective strengths and weaknesses. This paper proposes that a holistic approach combining the various models, not only the ones mentioned above but others as well (International Entrepreneurship, Network Approach, etc.), is a more appropriate portrayal of the complexities and realities of international diversification of construction companies. For example, the Eclectic Paradigm, which is primarily focused on foreign direct investment, excludes other forms of international involvement such as strategic alliance but is compensated by the network theory which illuminates how a variety of network relationships can influence internationalization. The disregard of the decision-maker or top management by most of the models is compensated by the international entrepreneurship school of thought. By unifying the various models, the shortcomings of one is compensated by the merits of another. In this paper, the extant internationalization models are presented individually before the holistic model, which combines all of them, is presented. The scholastic community should be prompted to examine construction companies in a holistic, rather than uni-model, manner.
Securitization of Longevity Risk Using Percentile Tranching

Securitizations that transfer risk to the financial markets are a potential solution to longevity risk in the annuity business. The classical Lee–Carter model is applied to generate the future stochastic survival distribution. A method to design inverse survivor bonds using percentile tranches and to calculate the security prices is presented. The percentile tranche method is a simple and practical way for the issuer to design and price the security. This method can serve to identify the risk–yield relationship, which can provide investors with clear insight regarding the appropriate choice of tranches.
The Scotish National Party and the Italian

As European regional autonomy parties, the Scottish National Party and the Italian Lega Nord present important similarities in the way they appeal to voters. Both parties, too, have recently been favoured by very similar social and political changes. Yet, of the two parties’ recent electoral advances, that of the Lega has been by far the more striking. This can be explained in terms of the relative inability of the Lega's main rival, the Democrazia Cristiana, to adapt to its challenge. The Scottish National Party's main rival, the Labour Party, is better able to adapt owing to the long-standing institutionalisation of regional conflict in Britain.
A randomized controlled trial of home telerehabilitation for post-knee arthroplasty

We compared the effectiveness of home telerehabilitation with conventional rehabilitation following knee replacement surgery (total knee arthroplasty, TKA). Forty-eight patients (mean age 66 years) who received TKA were recruited prior to discharge from hospital after surgery and were randomly assigned to telerehabilitation or usual care. Telerehabilitation sessions (16 per participant over two months) were conducted by trained physiotherapists using videoconferencing to the patient's home via an Internet connection (512 kbit/s upload speed). Disability and function were measured using standardized outcome measures in face-to-face evaluations at three times (prior to and at the end of treatment, and four months after the end of treatment). Clinical outcomes improved significantly for all subjects in both groups between endpoints. Some variables showed larger improvements in the usual care group two months post-discharge from therapy than in the telerehabilitation group. Home telerehabilitation is at least as effective as usual care, and has the potential to increase access to therapy in areas with high speed Internet services.
Commitment of Leadership Teams: A District-Wide Initiative Driven by Teacher Leaders

Professional learning communities allow groups of colleagues to unite by their interest in common topics about their school operations, functions, and practice. Recently, traditional top-down management styles have been overshadowed by shared leadership models, such as professional learning communities, which stress collaboration through the distribution of leadership. This autoethnographic study uses personal narratives to chronicle one district’s journey toward full implementation of a teacher-led, districtwide initiative. Through the use of professional learning communities as a standard practice for engaging school professionals in problem-solving, all teachers are vested in collaboration and joint problem solving using a shared knowledge base about students, teaching, and learning. From the perspective of teacher leaders immersed in the effort, the authors trace the school reform process from its inception sharing the challenges, successes, obstacles, and joys that emerged. Based on their work, the authors also provide suggestions for future practice and research.
Efficient Take‐Back Legislation

Product and waste take‐back is becoming more regulated by countries to protect the environment. Such regulation puts an economic burden on firms, while creating fairness concerns and potentially even missing its primary target: environmental benefits. This research discusses the economic and environmental impacts of extended producer responsibility type of legislation and identifies efficiency conditions. It is shown that the right policy would (i) make producers responsible for their own waste to avoid fairness concerns and (ii) favor eco‐design producers to create stronger environmental benefits. Furthermore, the efficiency of take‐back systems is also driven by environmental classification of products, industry structure, and end‐user willingness to participate in take‐back programs.
ADAM 9 INHIBITION INCREASES MEMBRANE ACTIVITY OF ADAM 10 AND CONTROLS α − SECRETASE PROCESSING OF AMYLOID PRECURSOR PROTEIN

Marcia L. Moss, Gary Powell, Miles A. Miller, Qi Bin, Qing-Xiang Amy Sang, Bart De Strooper, Ina Tesseur, Stefan F. Lichtenthaler, Mara Taverna, Julia Li Zhong, Colin Dingwall, Taheera Ferdous, Uwe Schlomann, Pei Zhou , Linda Griffith, Douglas Lauffenberger, Robert Petrovich, and Jörg W. Bartsch From BioZyme Inc, 1513 Old White Oak Church Road, Apex, NC 27523; NIEHS, 111 TW Alexander Dr. RTP, NC 27709, USA; Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4390, USA; Center for Human Genetics, Catholic University Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; DZNE-German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany; College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China; King’s College London, Institute of Pharmacy, 150 Stamford Street, London, SE1 9NH, United Kingdom; Department of Biochemistry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710 USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Marburg University, University Hospital, Baldingerstr. , 35053 Marburg, Germany. Running head: ADAM9 affects cellular ADAM10 activity