Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Middle School Teachers' Perceptions about the Degree at Which Middle School Principals Perform Their Duties Related to Supervising Teachers

The purpose of the research is to determine the perceptions of middle school teachers about the degree at which middle school principals perform their duties related to supervising teachers. In this descriptive research, a general scanning model is used. The population of the research includes 5346 teachers who work in the middle schools of Mersin Province and who are in the status of civil servant. In this research, the sample is determined by means of simple random sampling. The sample includes 1069 teachers. 1069 teachers have given their answers to the questions in the scale. The data are analyzed by performing descriptive statistics, t-test and One-Way ANOVA. The teachers’ perceptions are compared in terms of variables of tenure, level of education, career ladders and the higher education institute from which the participants graduated. The results of the research shows that the degree at which middle school principals perform their duties related with the supervision of teachers is at a level of “rarely” according to perceptions of middle school teachers. In terms of the variables of tenure, education level, career ladder and the variable of the higher education institution from which the participants graduated, there is a meaningful difference between the perceptions of teachers about the degree at which middle school principals perform their duties related with supervision of teachers
Global Liquidity Through the Lens of Monetary Aggregates

This paper examines how the financial activities of non-financial corporations (NFCs) in international markets potentially affects domestic monetary aggregates and financial conditions. Monetary aggregates reflect, in part, the activities of NFCs, who channel capital market financing into the domestic banking system, thereby influencing funding conditions and credit availability. Periods of capital inflows are also those when the domestic currency is appreciating, and such periods of rapid exchange rate appreciation coincide with increases in the central bank’s foreign exchange reserves, increasing the stock of narrow money. The paper examines economic significance of cross-country panel data on monetary aggregates and other measures of non-core bank liabilities. Non-core liabilities that reflect the activities of NFCs reflect broad credit conditions and predict global trade and growth.
Thailand: The Road to Sustained Growth

Since the mid-1960s, Thailand's growth performance has been exceptional. Although hard hit by the external shocks fo the late 1970s and the early 1980s that proved severely destabilizing to many developing countries, Thailand showed remarkable reslience: price stability was quickly restored, and the Thai economy emerged from this period with strong recovery in growth and investment, in an environment of overall macroeconomic stability. This study examines the evolution of investment and growth and Thailand's macroeconomic and structural policies, with a view to understanding the main factors that have led to this impressive economic performance.
Factors Determining Capital Structure: A Case study of listed companies in Sri Lanka

The most debatable topic in capital structure revolves around the optimal capital structure. This article investigates the factors determining capital structure in Sri Lankan context during 2002 to 2006 (five years). In an attempt, the present study examined the determinants of capital structure such as tangibility, size, growth rate, profitability, liquidity and dividend payout with samples of 50 companies including 13 sectors representing 21% of the mean number of companies listed in Colombo Stock Exchange Ltd as of 2006. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the analysis of data using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Results revealed that the use of debt capital is relatively low in Sri Lanka and size, growth rate and profitability are statistically significant determinants of capital structure. According to regression analysis, above six factors have an impact on capital structure at the rate of 77 % which is significant at 0.05 levels. Keywords: Capital Structure, Determinant(s), Colombo Stock Exchange.
Moving Toward Unity

Conventional wisdom suggests that presidential nomination campaigns are inherently divisive and that the intraparty division fostered during the nomination campaign continues into the general election contest. Division occurs within the party between those preferring a nomination winner, the in-group, and those preferring a nomination loser, the out-group. This study examines in-group/out-group relations during the 1980 presidential nomination and general election campaigns. The author found clear evidence of intraparty division during the nomination period. However, during the general election the in-group/out-group relationship is ameliorated The author suggests that the institutional process, moving from a nomination to a general election campaign, helps to reduce factional division among the party's rank-and-file membership.
Facing the European challenge: Finnish parties adjust to the integration process

Membership in the European Union (EU) has introduced a new significant cleavage to the Finnish political system. The membership referendum held in 1994 showed that most parties were internally divided over integration. This article analyses the positions of Finnish parties on European integration. The empirical material consists primarily of party documents issued up to June 1998. Particular attention is paid to party positions on the future development of the EU. The analysis highlights the elite‐led nature of intra‐party opinion formation on integration, and argues that EU issues have the potential of destabilising the Finnish party system.
Virtual currencies : Real opportunities?

AbstractThe European Central Bank defines virtual currencies as ”unregulated, digital money, which is issued and usuallycontrolled by its developers, and used and accepted among the members of a specific virtual community. ”(European Central Bank, 2012, p. 5) The interest in virtual currencies has increased immensely over the last fewyears as they become increasingly prevalent in our society across many different industries. Up until now, the field ofvirtual currencies has been mainly uncharted land and despite interest in specific currencies, few attempts havebeen made at understanding or structuring the entire landscapeThe main research question in this thesis is related to the previously mentioned dilemma: understanding andstructuring the virtual currency ecosystem, today and in the future. How can the virtual currency landscape currentlybe analyzed in a structured manner and what framework can be used to reflect and make predictions on the futuredevelopment? The thesis is based on four different sources of information: a literature study of existing material, corporateinterviews with companies dealing with virtual currencies and consumer interviews with potential early adopters, anonline survey and a case study performed at Ericsson M-Commerce. The case study of Ericsson M-Commerce hasprovided valuable insight into understanding how companies reason when considering adopting virtual currenciesinto their product portfolio and greatly helped the process of structuring the virtual currency market in acomprehensive manner. In return, the thesis has also provided decision material for the department concerningvirtual currencies.This thesis divides virtual currencies into five groups: Prepaid Value, Loyalty Points, Monetization Currencies, GamingCurrencies and Value Encoded Currencies. This model has been developed as a framework for the analysis of thecurrent situation in this thesis. However, the analysis in the thesis has shown that as virtual currencies evolve, it willprobably become more relevant to instead consider their functions. It is likely that virtual currencies will consolidateinto three distinct functional types: virtual currency as a unit of account, virtual currency as a business model formonetization, and virtual currencies as a product that can be sold.As virtual currencies evolve, the future is not only filled with many challenges, but also many new opportunities. Inthis thesis, an attempt to gain an abstract understanding of how the field is developing has been made, but it remains to be seen what the real impacts of virtual currencies will be as they continue to gain traction.
Long-term anteroposterior and vertical maxillary changes in skeletal class II patients treated with slow and rapid maxillary expansion.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate a 10-year follow-up of anteroposterior and vertical maxillary changes in skeletal Class II patients treated with slow and rapid maxillary expansion methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS The sample consisted of 70 patients divided into two groups: (1) treated with a cervical headgear with expansion of the inner bow (CHG) and (2) using a Haas-type rapid maxillary expansion appliance in conjunction with cervical headgear (RME-CHG). The CHG group consisted of 40 patients (18 males and 22 females; average age 10.6 years at pretreatment [T1], 13.6 years at posttreatment [T2], and 23.6 years at postretention [T3]). The RME-CHG group consisted of 30 patients (14 males and 16 females; average age 10.4 years at T1, 14.0 years at T2, and 24.6 years at T3). The profiles of SNA and SN-PP angles showed no significant differences in either group at T1, T2, and T3 phases. RESULTS For the entire sample, the profile analysis between the phases showed reduction in the SNA angle from T1-T2 and an increase from T2-T3. The SN-PP angle showed an increase from T1-T2 and a decrease from T2-T3. Treatment of skeletal Class II patients with slow and rapid maxillary expansions was efficient and stable over the long-term. CONCLUSIONS The profiles of SNA and SN-PP at T1, T2, and T3 achieved with slow and rapid maxillary expansions were clinically equivalent.
Why Leaders Lose their Way

Purpose – The authors sought the answer to the question, “Why do so many developing leaders either fail to reach their full potential or cross the line into destructive or even unethical actions? ”Design/methodology/approach – To find out, they interviewed many successful leaders of major organizations and studied the case histories of failed top leaders. The study of unsuccessful leaders revealed a pattern: the failed leaders couldn't lead themselves. On their leadership journey these high potential managers adopted a set of personal behaviors that worked temporarily but were unsustainable in the long run.Findings – The heroic model of leadership turns out to be merely an early stage – one with risks, temptations, misbehaviors – and one that needs to be outgrown. In contrast, successful leaders who move beyond the hero stage learn to focus on others, gain a sense of a larger purpose, foster multiple support networks, and develop mechanisms to keep perspective and stay grounded.Research limitations/implica.
Intestinal arteriolar responses to mucosal and serosal applications of adenosine analogues.

Adenosine or its synthetic analogues were topically applied to the intestinal jejunum while steady-state blood flow was calculated in submucosal arterioles using video microscopy. Blood flow increased (220 or 130% of control) with the serosal application of 10(-6) M N-ethyl carboxamido adenosine (NECA, A2-selective agonist) or 2-chloro adenosine (2CA, nonselective agonist) but not with cyclohexyl adenosine (CHA, A1-selective agonist). The nonselective competitive antagonist, 8-phenyl theophylline, attenuated the response evoked by NECA. The mucosal application of 10(-6) M CHA caused blood flow decreases (81% of control), but neither NECA nor 2CA evoked a response. These observations suggest a mucosal diffusion barrier, so the concentrations of the analogues were raised one hundredfold. Serosal 10(-4) M CHA or NECA caused blood flow increases, but the effects were negligible with mucosal application, suggesting that the mucosa was indeed impermeable to these compounds. The responses evoked by 10(-4) M 2CA were similar on the serosa or mucosa (200-220% of control), submaximal (maximum = 400% of control at 10(-3) M), and not antagonized by 8-phenyl theophylline or by the cellular uptake inhibitor, nitrobenzyl-6-thio guanosine. In context with earlier studies, greater than 10(-6) M 2CA probably evokes vasodilation that is not entirely mediated by extracellular receptors. Serosal adenosine (10(-4) M) caused submaximal blood flow increases (200% of control) that were not potentiated by nitrobenzyl-6-thio guanosine or another transport inhibitor, dipyridamole. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Quantitative magnetization transfer imaging in Alzheimer disease.

PURPOSE To prospectively measure magnetization transfer (MT) parameters, along with established atrophy parameters, in patients with Alzheimer disease (AD) and in age- and sex-matched control subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS Participants provided informed consent, and additional assent was obtained from next of kin of all patients with AD. The study was approved by the local ethics committee. Fourteen patients with AD (seven men; mean age, 67.2 years+/-6.5 [standard deviation]) and 14 control subjects (nine men; mean age, 65.5 years+/-9.4) underwent volumetric T1-weighted magnetic resonance and MT imaging. Whole-brain and total hippocampal volumes were adjusted for total intracranial volume. MT images were processed to derive four fundamental parameters in the hippocampal region by using the two-pool model of the MT phenomenon. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to assess the association between volumetric and MT parameters and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) results. Logistic regression models were used to investigate whether combinations of parameters associated with MMSE could help provide better group discrimination. RESULTS Patients with AD had significantly reduced whole-brain (P=.001) and total hippocampal (P<.001) volumes compared with those of control subjects. Two MT parameters were significantly reduced in the hippocampal region of patients: 1/(RAT2A)--that is, ratio of relaxation times of free proton pool, where RA equals 1/T1A and is the inverse of the longitudinal relaxation time of the free proton pool (P=.01)--and f*b, which equals fb/[RA(1-fb)], where fb is the restricted proton fraction (P<.001). Among patients with AD, whole-brain volume and hippocampal were correlated with MMSE results. When both parameters were included in a logistic regression model, only hippocampal was significantly associated with case-control status (P=.03). CONCLUSION Certain MT parameters may serve as useful biomarkers of AD.
Exuberant Neuronal Convergence onto Reduced Taste Bud Targets with Preservation of Neural Specificity in Mice Overexpressing Neurotrophin in the Tongue Epithelium

A mouse fungiform taste bud is innervated by only four to five geniculate ganglion neurons; their peripheral fibers do not branch to other buds. We examined whether the degree or specificity of this exclusive innervation pattern is influenced by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a prominent lingual neurotrophin implicated in taste receptoneural development. Labeled ganglion cells were counted after injecting single buds with different color markers in BDNF-lingual-overexpressing (OE) mice. To evaluate the end-organs, taste buds and a class of putative taste receptor cells were counted from progeny of BDNF-OE mice crossbred with green fluorescent protein (GFP) (gustducin) transgenic mice. Fungiform bud numbers in BDNF-OE mice are 35%, yet geniculate neuron numbers are 195%, of wild-type mice. Neurons labeled by single-bud injections in BDNF-OE animals were increased fourfold versus controls. Injecting three buds, each with different color markers, resulted in predominantly single-labeled ganglion cells, a discrete innervation pattern similar to controls. Thus, hyper-innervation of BDNF-OE buds involves many neurons innervating single buds, not increased fiber branching. Therefore, both wild-type and BDNF-OE mice exhibit, in fungiform buds, the same, “discrete” receptoneural pattern, this despite dramatic neurotrophin overexpression-related decreases in bud numbers and increases in innervation density. Hyperinnervation did not affect GFP positive cell numbers; proportions of GFP cells in BDNF-OE buds were the same as in wild-type mice. Total numbers of ganglion cells innervating buds in transgenic mice are similar to controls; the density of taste input to the brain appears maintained despite dramatically reduced receptor organs and increased ganglion cells.
Inequality Within and Between Families

Between-family differences in expenditures and output reflect the effect of simultaneous increases in children's ability on the willingness of parents to transfer resources to them. Within-family differences also reflect the attitudes of parents toward disparity among children. In this paper we characterize the conditions on parents' preferences that determine whether between-family differences exceed within-family differences. For additive utility, within-family differences in expenditures always exceed between-family differences. This may also be true for the max-min utility function if an increase in ability reduces the marginal utility of income. Within-family differences in output (utility or income) can also exceed between-family differences. In this case, the implication for income distribution is that equality is enhanced by a higher correlation of ability between brothers.
Prostaglandins, but not tumor‐derived IL‐10, shut down concomitant tumor‐specific CTL responses during murine plasmacytoma progression

IL‐10 is assumed to be a major immunosuppressive factor produced by most B‐cell tumors. The immunosuppressive role of tumor‐derived IL‐10 was analyzed using the MHC class II‐negative BALB/c plasmacytoma ADJ‐PC‐5 as a model tumor. Immune monitoring of tumor‐bearing mice was based on the measurement of tumor burden, tumor‐specific CTL cytotoxicity and intracellular cytokine staining using FACS. ADJ‐PC‐5 tumor progression in syngeneic recipients is associated with strong, concomitant, tumor‐specific CTL responses during early stages of tumor progression which are sufficient to cause rejection of small s.c. autologous test tumors. These initial CTL responses gradually decline during later tumor stages. Blocking of IL‐10 in vivo did not abolish CTL suppression or retard tumor growth. More strikingly, application of anti‐IL‐10 antibodies during early tumor stages abrogated CTL induction and markedly accelerated tumor growth. In contrast to anti‐IL‐10 treatment, application of cyclo‐oxygenase inhibitors to ADJ‐PC‐5 tumor‐bearing mice led to enhanced tumor‐specific CTL responses throughout all stages of tumor progression, paralleled by retarded tumor growth and a significantly delayed onset of suppression. Both findings contradict a dominant immunosuppressive role of IL‐10 during B‐cell tumor progression. Tumor‐derived IL‐10 must therefore be considered an immunostimulating factor, which accounts for the high immunogenicity of B‐cell tumors, whereas prostaglandins, which are not produced by the tumor cells themselves, are the dominant immunosuppressors in this system. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optimized distributed control and network topology design for interconnected systems

This paper considers optimized network topology design and distributed control for linear discrete-time systems consisting of subsystems interconnected through states, inputs, and a cost function. By using a distributed control law, which makes use of the communicated states of other subsystems, closed-loop performance is increased at the expense of communication costs. This raises the question of how to find a topology and associated distributed control law with optimal trade-off between communication costs and closed-loop performance. As an answer to this question, we propose an approach to simultaneous optimization of network topology and control law with respect to a cost function which combines a quadratic performance criterion with costs associated to the presence of communication links. The problem is formulated as mixed-integer semi-definite problem (MISDP) where the discrete optimization of the network topology subject to communication constraints and embedded subproblems for structured controller synthesis lead to an upper bound for the combined cost. An example is used to illustrate the method.
Functional cooperation between the non-paralogous genes Hoxa-10 and Hoxd-11 in the developing forelimb and axial skeleton.

The Abdominal B-related Hoxa-10 gene displays similar expression patterns in the differentiating forelimbs and hindlimbs of the mouse, with preferential expression around the humeral and femoral cartilages and more diffuse expression in distal regions. We found that a targeted disruption of Hoxa-10 has almost no effect in the forelimbs, while it affects the proximal hindlimb skeleton. The alterations were located along the dorsolateral side of the femur (labium laterale), with an enlargement and distal shift of the third trochanter, a misshapen lateral knee sesamoid, a supernumerary 'ligament' connecting these structures and an occasional duplication of the femoral trochlea. Some Hoxa-10-/- mutant mice developed severe degenerative alterations of the knee articulation upon ageing. Viable Hoxa-10/Hoxd-11 double mutant mice were produced by genetic intercrosses. The compound mutation resulted in synergistic forelimb phenotypic alterations, consisting of: (i) an exacerbation of Hoxd-11-/- phenotypic traits in the carpal and digital region, e.g. more pronounced truncations of the ulna styloid, pyramidal and pisiform bones and of some metacarpal and phalangeal bones and (ii) marked alterations in a more proximal region which is nearly unaffected in Hoxd-11-/- single mutants; the entire radius and ulna were truncated and thickened, with deformations of the ulna proximal extremity. Thus, functional redundancy can occur even between non-paralogous Abdominal B-related Hox genes. The double Hoxa-10/Hoxd-11 mutation also conferred full penetrance to the sacral and caudal vertebrae transformations which are approximately 50% penetrant in Hoxd-11-/- single mutants, revealing that functional cooperation can also occur between non-paralogous Hox gene products in axial skeleton patterning.
An Analysis of Sustainable Consumption by the Waste Input‐Output Model

The extension of the waste input‐output (WIO) model to analyze households' sustainable consumption patterns is presented in this article. We estimate direct and indirect emission loads induced by household consumption by the WIO model. The WIO model is much more suitable for the analysis of sustainable consumption than the conventional input‐output model because it can deal with the disposal stage of consumed goods as well as the purchase and use stages. A simple method for evaluating income rebound effects is also introduced. As indicators of environmental loads, we estimate carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and landfill consumption induced by household consumption. The model is applied to some typical sustainable consumption scenarios: shifting transportation modes from a private car to public transportation, the longer use of household electric appliances, and eating at restaurants instead of cooking at home. We found that the income rebound effects should be considered to evaluate environmental loads induced by different consumption patterns.