Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Country size, aggregate fluctuations, and international risk sharing

Country size, measured by either population or gross domestic product (GDP), is shown to be negatively related to the variances of aggregate output, consumption and investment and positively related to the contemporaneous correlations of consumption and investment with output in a sample of fifty-six countries. These results, however, hold primarily for the high income countries of the sample. A subsample consisting of the twenty countries with the lowest per capita GDP exhibits a significant negative relationship only between investment volatility and country size- these empirical regularities are shown to be consistent with the implications of international risk sharing among counties of asymmetric sizes in an international real business cycle model. Shocks in relatively large countries constitute world-wide risk to a greater extent than do similar shocks in smaller countries. Thus foreign shocks have a greater impact on small countries, causing their aggregates to fluctuate more and their consumption and investment to be less highly correlated with domestic output.
Are Benchmark Beaters Doing Anything Wrong?

Prior research has documented the empirical regularity that more firms than expected (i) report small positive earnings and (ii) have zero forecast errors. It appears that management avoid reporting negative earnings or disappointing analysts. We investigate how and why firms beat these benchmarks (benchmark beaters). We document that benchmark beaters have high accruals and unusual levels of special items relative to other firms. We find that a strong motivation for reporting small profits is to delay reporting bad news. We find that small profit firms show a decline in earnings and exhibit poor stock price performance over the following year. In contrast, we find that firms with zero forecast errors do well in the future. These firms have positive abnormal returns over the following year. We document that zero forecast error firms are high growth, high market capitalization firms. We argue that these firms want to avoid disappointing analysts since they are most likely to suffer from the "torpedo effect": small earnings disappointments lead to large stock price declines.
Improving Nearest Neighbour Search in 3D Spatial Access Method

Nearest Neighbour (NN) is one of the important queries and analyses for spatial application. In normal practice, spatial access method structure is used during the Nearest Neighbour query execution to retrieve information from the database. However, most of the spatial access method structures are still facing with unresolved issues such as overlapping among nodes and repetitive data entry. This situation will perform an excessive Input/Output (IO) operation which is inefficient for data retrieval. The situation will become more crucial while dealing with 3D data. The size of 3D data is usually large due to its detail geometry and other attached information. In this research, a clustered 3D hierarchical structure is introduced as a 3D spatial access method structure. The structure is expected to improve the retrieval of Nearest Neighbour information for 3D objects. Several tests are performed in answering Single Nearest Neighbour search and k Nearest Neighbour (kNN) search. The tests indicate that clustered hierarchical structure is efficient in handling Nearest Neighbour query compared to its competitor. From the results, clustered hierarchical structure reduced the repetitive data entry and the accessed page. The proposed structure also produced minimal Input/Output operation. The query response time is also outperformed compared to the other competitor. For future outlook of this research several possible applications are discussed and summarized.
Defining the Hospitality Discipline: a Discussion of Pedagogical and Research Implications

Hospitality is one of the oldest professions and is regarded as a powerful economic activity that touches many aspects of human life. On the other hand, hospitality is a relatively new academic discipline that has no consensus on its scope and exposure. This obvious absence of consensus on the scope of the hospitality field has been a limiting factor in advancing the discipline-specific research agenda and teaching practices that affect this field. In response to this lack of clarity in definition or understanding of the field of hospitality, this article discusses a variety of definitions for hospitality and presents how a variety of researchers have classified hospitality in earlier research. The author argues that the term hospitality is a broad term or a construct, consisting of a diverse group of industries. This situation creates substantial issues in terms of the external validity of empirical studies in the hospitality literature, and raises the question of whether unique and identifiable dimensions of hospitality exist that separates it as an independent field of study from the other social sciences. In fact, it is argued that the lack of definitional consensus on the term hospitality significantly impairs the pedagogical integrity, thus, affecting the ability to establish the epistemological roots of the new and emerging hospitality discipline. In the current study, a conceptual classification of the term hospitality is suggested, and research issues in assessment of the multidimensional nature of the hospitality construct are described.
EF-P Is Essential for Rapid Synthesis of Proteins Containing Consecutive Proline Residues

Translating Polyproline Translation of messenger RNA into protein is carried out by the ribosome, together with a variety of accessory factors, which offer the potential for regulation of this critical step in gene expression (see the Perspective by Buskirk and Green). Ude et al. (p. 82, published online 13 December), using bacterial genetics and an in vitro reconstituted translation system, and Doerfel et al. (p. 85, published online 13 December), using a model assay for peptide bond formation, find that the universally conserved bacterial elongation factor P (EF-P) (which is orthologous to the archaeal and eukaryotic initiation factor 5A) is required for the efficient translation of polyproline-containing polypeptides. Such short polyproline stretches (with runs of two, three, or more proline residues) would otherwise cause ribosomal stalling. A universally conserved translation factor facilitates synthesis of peptides that would otherwise cause ribosome stalling. [Also see Perspective by Buskirk and Green] Elongation factor P (EF-P) is a translation factor of unknown function that has been implicated in a great variety of cellular processes. Here, we show that EF-P prevents ribosome from stalling during synthesis of proteins containing consecutive prolines, such as PPG, PPP, or longer proline strings, in natural and engineered model proteins. EF-P promotes peptide-bond formation and stabilizes the peptidyl–transfer RNA in the catalytic center of the ribosome. EF-P is posttranslationally modified by a hydroxylated β-lysine attached to a lysine residue. The modification enhances the catalytic proficiency of the factor mainly by increasing its affinity to the ribosome. We propose that EF-P and its eukaryotic homolog, eIF5A, are essential for the synthesis of a subset of proteins containing proline stretches in all cells.
Does Diffusion Tensor Tractography of the Corticospinal Tract Correctly Reflect Motor Function?

Objective: To investigate the consistency of diffusion tensor tractography of the corticospinal tract on motor function. Clinical Presentations and Intervention: Three patients with brain tumor were admitted to our hospital with impaired motor function. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and tractography were performed in these patients to assess their affected corticospinal tract. The corticospinal tract showed interruption with moderately impaired motor function in 2 patients. The third case had significantly weakened muscle strength on the left upper limb but an intact right corticospinal tract. Conclusion: These cases showed that the corticospinal tracts obtained by DTI with tractography were inconsistent with motor function. Hence, DTI should be interpreted with caution.
Strategic steering of research by new public management in German universities: a looming state—science conflict?

This article investigates whether the recently established new public management reforms in Germany are coherent, that is, do they confront the individual researchers with unambiguously expressed expectations about their task profile? Using a large micro-dataset from four different disciplines, we show that an institutionalised state-science conflict may exist, where the state authorities use their powers to push the researchers in a transfer-oriented direction, while the science managers (e.g.deans) urge them instead to cut down transfer and increase publication activities, measured by bibliometric data. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.
Assessing the impact of NERICA on income and poverty in central and western Uganda

Persistent food shortage and poverty in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) are major development issues. New Rice for Africa (NERICA) was developed to boost crop yield and income of rural households in SSA. Although its high‐yielding traits have become fairly well known, there is no empirical analysis of its impact on income and poverty. By taking the case of Uganda where a NERICA promoting program was initiated as one of the major poverty eradication measures, this study attempts to compare actual income with the hypothetical income without NERICA. We found that introduction of NERICA decreases poverty to a significant extent without deteriorating income distribution.
The impact of destination attributes on Muslim tourist's choice

The success of marketing destinations for Muslim tourists could be guided by observing Islamic teachings in tourism activities. This study is a trial to explore which Islamic attributes of destinations could be used a base for tailoring Halal tourist packages. Qualitative data were collected by conducting two focus group discussions and fifty three interviews in Malaysia. Two major aspects are identified which may attract Muslim tourists. Some suggestions are also presented to satisfy Muslim tourists. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative axial morphology in pinnipeds and its correlation with aquatic locomotory behaviour

Regional variation in the axial skeleton of pinnipeds (seals and walruses) and its correlation with aquatic locomotory behaviour is examined using vertebral functional profiles. The results demonstrate clear morpho‐functional differences in the thoracolumbar region of modern pinnipeds (Phocidae, Otariidae, Odobenus) that can be strongly linked to swimming style. Phocid seals have a rigid thoracic region attached to a highly flexible lumbar region with long muscular lever arms providing the necessary mobility and leverage to perform pelvic oscillations. Conversely, otariid seals have extremely flexible inter‐vertebral joints along the length of the column which should enhance manoeuvrability and turning performance. They also have greater muscular leverage in the anterior thoracic region to support pectoral oscillations. Odobenus (walrus) shows vertebral characteristics most similar to phocids, but with some otariid qualities, consistent with an intermediate or mixed form of aquatic locomotion, with pelvic oscillation dominating over pectoral oscillation. Comparison of the vertebral functional profiles in the fossil taxon Allodesmus kernensis with those of modern pinniped clades reveals that this extinct pinniped may also have used a combination of pectoral and pelvic oscillatory movements during swimming, but in a manner opposite to that of Odobenus, with pectoral oscillatory movements dominating. This study raises questions about the evolution and diversification of pinniped locomotory behaviours, but also provides the necessary framework to begin to examine axial mechanics and locomotory stages in other fossil pinnipedimorphs and their relatives in more detail.
Gendered Opportunities for Work

Gender differences in employment rates in later life, although still substantial, have narrowed dramatically in the past four decades. The authors hypothesize that some of the gender variation in employment rates results from gendered differences in the demand for labor independent of individuals’ characteristics. The authors use multilevel models to investigate variation across local-area labor markets in gender differences in employment among 56- to 66-year-olds. The demand for female labor is measured as the degree to which the occupational structure of a local labor market is skewed toward typically female occupations. Areas with relatively more female occupations have lower gender differentials in full-time employment than areas where occupations are overwhelmingly male. This would suggest that some of the convergence in employment rates among the elderly in the past half century might be traced to the larger historical shift from traditionally male industrial employment to more typically female service and office employment.
Reasons for Not HIV Testing, Testing Intentions, and Potential Use of an Over-the-Counter Rapid HIV Test in an Internet Sample of Men Who Have Sex With Men Who Have Never Tested for HIV

Background: Correlates of main reasons for not HIV testing, HIV testing intentions, and potential use of an over-the-counter rapid HIV test (OTCRT) among men who have sex with men who have never tested for HIV (NTMSM) are unknown. Methods: We evaluated these correlates among 946 NTMSM from 6 US cities who participated in an internet-based survey in 2007. Findings: Main reasons for not testing were low perceived risk (32.2%), structural barriers (25.1%), and fear of testing positive (18.1%). Low perceived risk was associated with having fewer unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) partners and less frequent use of the internet for HIV information; structural barriers were associated with younger age and more UAI partners; fear of testing positive was associated with black and Hispanic race/ethnicity, more UAI partners, and more frequent use of the internet for HIV information. Strong testing intentions were held by 25.9% of all NTMSM and 14.8% of those who did not test because of low perceived risk. Among NTMSM who were somewhat unlikely, somewhat likely, and very likely to test for HIV, 47.4%, 76.5%, and 85.6% would likely use an OTCRT if it was available, respectively. Conclusions: Among NTMSM who use the internet, main reasons for not testing for HIV vary considerably by age, race/ethnicity, UAI, and use of the internet for HIV information. To facilitate HIV testing of NTMSM, programs should expand interventions and services tailored to address this variation. If approved, OTCRT might be used by many NTMSM who might not otherwise test for HIV.
Trends in cause-specific mortality in oxygen-dependent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

RATIONALE Since the introduction of long-term oxygen treatment (LTOT) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with chronic hypoxia, the proportion of women and the age of patients starting LTOT have increased markedly. We hypothesize that this might have led to shifts in the causes of death over time. OBJECTIVES To test for time trends in cause-specific mortality in COPD with LTOT. METHODS Patients starting LTOT for COPD in Sweden between January 1, 1987 and December 31, 2004 were included in a national prospective study and monitored until withdrawal of LTOT, death, or December 31, 2004. The primary end point was cause of death obtained from the Swedish Causes of Death Register. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS A total of 7,628 patients (53% women) were monitored for a median of 1.7 years (range, 0-18.0 yr). No patient was lost to follow-up and 5,457 patients died during the study. The crude overall mortality increased by 1.6%/year (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.9-2.2%/yr; P < 0.001). The absolute risk of death increased for circulatory disease by 2.8%/year (95% CI, 1.3-4.3%/yr; P < 0.001) and for digestive organ disease by 7.8%/year (95% CI, 1.9-14.0%/yr; P = 0.009). The absolute risk of death decreased for respiratory disease by 2.7%/year (95% CI, 2.0- 3.3%/yr; P < 0.001) and for lung cancer by 3.4%/year (95% CI, 1.1-5.7%/yr; P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS In oxygen-dependent COPD, mortality has increased over time both overall and of nonrespiratory causes, including cardiovascular disease. This highlights the importance of optimized diagnostics and treatment of comorbidities to decrease morbidity and mortality.
Wideband and High-Gain Composite Cavity-Backed Crossed Triangular Bowtie Dipoles for Circularly Polarized Radiation

A composite cavity-backed antenna excited by crossed triangular bowtie dipoles is proposed and investigated for circular polarization (CP) applications. It is fed by a novel balun, i.e., a transition from a microstrip line to double slot lines, providing symmetrical electric field distributions at the feeding port. Measurements of an optimized antenna prototype show that it can achieve an impedance bandwidth of over 57.6% for SWR ≤ 2, a 3-dB axial-ratio bandwidth of 39%, a broadside gain of 8-10.7 dBi, and symmetrical radiation patterns over the whole operating band. The operating principles of the proposed antenna are analyzed carefully and found quite different from crossed thin-wire dipoles with very weak coupling. Problems in the feeding balun, greatly deteriorating the CP performance at the resonance, are clearly addressed and solved. Detailed parametric studies are given in the final part of this paper.
Is Australia Really a World Leader in Closing the Gender Gap?

Abstract In the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2006 Global Gender Gap report, Australia was highlighted as a world leader in closing the gender gap. With reference to the Economic Participation and Opportunity Index (one of four components in the WEF Gender Gap Index (GGI)), this article assesses whether or not Australia is deserving of this recognition. Closer analysis shows that convergence in the participation gap flowed from increased participation in part-time, low-paid, and precarious jobs. Research also shows that women's entry into professional jobs has led to the feminization of some positions and that vertical segregation remains an ongoing problem. In highlighting these disparities, this article questions the capacity of the GGI to provide an adequate understanding of women's labor market participation and economic attainment.
Attitude towards ecotourism and environmental advocacy: Profiling the dimensions of sustainability

Using a marketing-oriented theoretical backdrop, this article investigates the attitudes, opinions, and behaviors of ecotourists participating in what some ecotourism researchers have labeled soft ecot ourism events. Results indicate that this market is comprised of somewhat older, educated, and affluent ecotourists who participate in these events for entertainment as well as learning. However, contrary to the belief that this market segment only contributes to steady state sustainability, results of this study suggest that there is significant evidence of members contributing towards enhancive sustainability. Validating previous research in the area, results indicate that a large segment of the population attending soft ecotourism events represents the structured ecotourist typology, and the boundaries between soft, structured, and hard ecotourists overlap. A large and significant segment of the population participating in soft ecotourism is actively engaged in conservation and advocacy efforts; thus, the structured ecotourist concept may prove especially useful in both evaluating commitment to sustainability as well as developing marketing and public policy suggestions.
Coagulation factors II, V, IX, X, XI, and XII, plasminogen, and alpha-2 antiplasmin and risk of coronary heart disease.

AIM To examine whether plasma levels of coagulation factors II, V, IX, X, XI, and XII, plasminogen, and alpha-2 antiplasmin are associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) in a prospective case-cohort study. METHODS This case-cohort sample consisted of 368 African-Americans or whites with incident CHD that occurred between 1990-92 and 1998, from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, and a cohort random sample of n=412. Hemostatic factors were measured in the case-cohort sample using plasma stored at -70 degrees C since 1990-92. RESULTS After adjustments for age, sex and race, coagulation factors IX and XI, and alpha-2 antiplasmin were associated positively with risk of CHD: The hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] for the highest vs lowest quartiles was 1.52 [1.01-2.27] for factor IX; 2.26 [1.47-3.48] for factor XI; and 1.64 [1.05-2.57] for alpha-2 antiplasmin. However, as these hemostatic factors were correlated with classical risk factors, their association with CHD was attenuated and no longer statistically significant after multivariable adjustments. No association was observed between CHD and factor II, V, X, or XII, or plasminogen. CONCLUSIONS Positive associations of factors IX and XI, and alpha-2 antiplasmin with incident CHD were not strong and accounted for by classical coronary risk factors.
mRNA Trans-splicing in the Human Parasitic CestodeEchinococcus multilocularis *

An identical 36-nucleotide exon was identified at the 5′ termini of different mRNAs from the cestodeEchinococcus multilocularis. We provide evidence that this exon constitutes a new spliced leader (SL) that is obviously trans-spliced to echinococcal pre-mRNAs, donated by a non-polyadenylated, trimethylguanosine-capped SL-RNA of 104 nucleotides. Sequence comparisons indicated that cestode and trematode SLs are likely to be derived from a common ancestor gene. No conservation was, however, observed concerning the spectrum of mRNAs that is trans-spliced in cestodes and trematodes, indicating that trans-splicing of a particular flatworm mRNA is not correlated with the function of the encoded protein. We also show that the echinococcal gene elp, encoding a member of the ezrin/radixin/moesin protein family, is expressed via two alternative transcripts, spliced either cis or trans at an identical splice acceptor site. This was accompanied by the formation of differentelp primary transcripts, harboring a complete or a truncated upstream intron, which supports the hypothesis that alternative cis/trans-splicing depends on the presence or absence of an upstream splice donor site. A putative SL gene was also identified on chromosomal DNA of Echinococcus granulosus, indicating widespread utilization of trans-splicing in the genus.
Types of technological scanning in manufacturing SMEs: an empirical analysis of patterns and determinants

As the component of environmental scanning that is concerned with science and technology, products, production processes, hardware and information systems, the concept of technological scanning, especially in small business, has received little empirical attention in the past. This paper aims to better define the different technological scanning practices of small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs) and identify the main factors that determine these differences. This is done without relation to organizational effectiveness as technological scanning is but one of many potential influences on business performance. Using data obtained from a mail survey on the scanning practices of 324 SMEs, the study hopes to increase our understanding of how various entrepreneurs confront various environments in practice. The research model used is based on the notion that, to define different technological scanning practices in small business, four aspects must be considered: strategic orientation (objectives pursued); typ.