Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The conflict intersystem and the change agent

As International Affairs Representative in Germany for the American Friends Service Committee, the writer lived in West Berlin and developed and maintained contacts with high officials of the German Democratic Republic as well as of West Berlin and the Federal Republic. It was part of his deliberate function to talk with officials who, because of the difficulties of the German situation and the Federal Republic’s policy of nonrecognition of the German Democratic Republic, were not talking to each other. A considerable amount of time was also spent with State Department officials in Berlin and in the
Reframing Competency in Management Development: a critique

The competency framework has attracted interest in the business world at a time when organisations are faced with the pressing need to develop the right calibre of people and particularly their managers. Organisations have always been striving to develop the ‘effective’ manager. Nowadays the demand to achieve this goal rests on the rate of change which necessitates continuous transformation. the competency framework has therefore been enthusiastically applied as a panacea, sometimes with little thought of its potentially wider implications. the article starts with a critical appraisal of the competency framework as a basis of management development activities and presents some emerging results from current research to illustrate the arguments. Based on the above analysis, the critical issues which need consideration are then highlighted.
The Efficiency of Greek Public Pension Fund Portfolios

Greek public pension funds can invest up to 23% into risky assets and are not allowed to invest outside Greece. This paper seeks to investigate the costs of investment constraints on pension fund portfolios. In particular we try to quantify the losses that portfolios suffer due to under-diversification and sub-optimal asset allocation. We find that the high concentration of Greek equity portfolios imposes a substantial return and utility loss which is further increased when the lack of international diversification is taken into account. Restricting the weight of equities to 23% of the total portfolio, leads to sub-optimal asset allocation that costs as much as 2% (3%) per annum compared to a balanced domestic (global) benchmark.
Tin-based organo-Zintl ions: alkylation and alkenylation of Sn9(4-).

Reactions of nine-atom deltahedral clusters (Zintl ions) of tin, Sn 9 (4-), with alkyl chlorides, RCl (R = (t) Bu, (n) Bu, (s) Bu), and alkynes (Me3Si-C[triple bond]C-SiMe3, Ph-C[triple bond]CH) yielded the corresponding alkylated and alkenylated clusters [Sn 9-R] (3-). The triple bonds of the alkynes are hydrogenated to double bonds in the process. These are the first tin-based organo-Zintl ions, that is Zintl ions of tin that were subsequently functionalized with organic groups. They are analogous to the recently reported germanium-based derivatives. The (t) Bu-, vinyl-, and styrene-functionalized clusters [Sn 9- (t) Bu] (3-), [Sn 9-CH=CH 2] (3-), and [Sn 9-CH=CH-Ph] (3-), respectively, were structurally characterized in the solid state with [K(2,2,2-crypt)] (+) countercations and in solution by electrospray mass spectrometry. Crystal data: [K(2,2,2-crypt)] 3[Sn 9- (t) Bu]. 2py, triclinic, P1, a = 14.4259(3), b = 16.2725(4), and c = 22.5593(5) A, alpha = 86.092(1), beta = 78.952(1), and gamma = 65.114(1) degrees , V = 4714.48(7) A (3), Z = 2; [K(2,2,2-crypt)] 3[Sn 9-CH=CH 2]. 2py, triclinic, P-1, a = 15.6988(3), b = 17.4195(4), and c = 17.4432(4) A, alpha = 86.299(1), beta = 81.566(1), and gamma = 85.349(1) degrees , V = 4696.27(18) A (3), Z = 2; [K(2,2,2-crypt)] 3[Sn 9-CH=CH-Ph]. tol.0. 75py, monoclinic, C2/c, a = 38.5883(9), b = 23.3893(5), and c = 25.0192(5) A, beta = 120.269(1) degrees , V = 19502.6(7) A (3), Z = 8.
Quantum model of catalysis based on a mobile proton revealed by subatomic x-ray and neutron diffraction studies of h-aldose reductase

We present results of combined studies of the enzyme human aldose reductase (h-AR, 36 kDa) using single-crystal x-ray data (0.66 Å, 100K; 0.80 Å, 15K; 1.75 Å, 293K), neutron Laue data (2.2 Å, 293K), and quantum mechanical modeling. These complementary techniques unveil the internal organization and mobility of the hydrogen bond network that defines the properties of the catalytic engine, explaining how this promiscuous enzyme overcomes the simultaneous requirements of efficiency and promiscuity offering a general mechanistic view for this class of enzymes.
Least Controls for a Class of Constrained Linear Stochastic Systems

This paper introduces a class of constrained linear stochastic systems. The main objective is to investigate whether there exists a least control, in a sense that it exerts least effort in controlling the system to within a predetermined region. Our approach of finding a least control is: a to characterize a class of functional polyhedral sets of functions which have least elements, and b to construct a least-control process through these least elements. Existence of a least control is established. And the connection between a least control and a solution of the dynamic complementarity problem DCP is also discussed.
Residential and job mobility: Interregional variation and their interplay in US metropolitan areas

While studies on residential and job mobility are typically conducted on a micro scale, an examination of region-wide mobility dynamics can also be meaningful, as it can reflect the importance of system-wide factors and complex interlinkages among numerous micro-level decisions. This study explores how region-wide residential and job mobility rates vary in the US and identifies factors that shape their variation with emphasis on the interplay between the two mobility variables for the periods before (2005–2007) and during (2008–2010) the recent recession. An analysis of the data for 342 US metropolitan areas shows that job mobility had a sizable positive impact on residential mobility during both time spans, while the reverse connection was found to be relatively weaker and context-sensitive. The analysis also detects the critical roles of housing market conditions and regional economic structures, suggesting that mobility decisions are largely shaped by various macro-level factors.
Cold anaesthesia decreases foraging recruitment in the New World bumblebee, Bombus occidentalis

Summary Cold narcosis is commonly used for immobilizing bees and has been found to have no effect on mortality and fecundity in honeybees. We present the first study examining the effect of cold narcosis on recruitment and foraging in bumblebees. In a controlled laboratory setting, we observed that the number of foraging Bombus occidentalis, a New World bumblebee, increased after the focal forager returned to the nest with rich 2.5 M sucrose solution. However, cold narcosis (˜4° C, ˜5 min) significantly reduced the ability of B. occidentalis foragers to incite nest mates to forage in a flight arena: 22% fewer total foragers and 56% fewer new recruits were present in the flight arena 10 min after the return of a cold-treated bee compared to the numbers present after the return of an unmanipulated bee. These results demonstrate unanticipated effects of cold anaesthesia on bumblebee foraging behaviour, suggesting that the use of cold anaesthesia should be treated with caution in bumblebee foraging studies.
Hopping and swimming in the leopard frog Rana pipiens: II. A comparison of muscle activities

Electromyography (EMG) was used to examine muscle activity of the major hip, knee, and ankle extensors during both hopping and swimming in leopard frogs. Chronic EMG electrodes were implanted for periods of 7–10 days. This permitted us to record EMG activities during both hopping and swimming from the same electrode, allowing a direct comparison of the timing and amplitudes of muscle activity between the two behaviors. We could then relate these activities to the kinematics of locomotion. In both behaviors, all three extensors were synchronously activated 30–50 ms before limb extension began. However, the hip extensor turned on relatively earlier in hopping than in swimming when on time was expressed as percent of stride. The hip and knee extensors were activated relatively longer in hopping and the ankle extensor relatively longer in swimming. The amplitudes of the rectified, integrated EMG signals were roughly twice as large in hopping as in swimming for all three muscles, supporting the notion that propulsion in hopping requires more force than in swimming. The EMG burst durations differed little between the muscles or, in relative duration, between the behaviors. As has been found in other quadrupeds, the EMG bursts began before visible movement and ceased at or before hindlimb extension was completed. In our animals, however, we found a consistent, low level (10–30% of maximum amplitude) of EMG activity that continued 60–200 ms past the end of the burst and into the suspension periods in both hopping and swimming. We hypothesize that this unusual activity may be present in frogs so that the hind limb remains aero(hydro)dynamically stable as the frog arches through its leap or glides in swimming following completed limb extension. Thus, the timing and pattern of the EMG bursts are consistent with those present in other tetrapods and support conservatism of neural control. However, the prolonged low‐level activity suggests flexibility in the control pattern and variation according to specific behaviors. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gender and social disparities in esophagus cancer incidence in Iran, 2003-2009: a time trend province-level study.

BACKGROUND Esophagus cancer (EC) is among the five most common cancers in both sexes in Iran, with an incidence rate well above world average. Social rank (SR) of individuals and regions are well-known independent predictors of EC incidence. The aim of current study was to assess gender and social disparities in EC incidence across Iran's provinces through 2003-2009. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data on distribution of population at province level were obtained from the Statistical Centre of Iran. Age-standardized incidence rates of EC were gathered from the National Cancer Registry. The Human Development Index (HDI) was used to assess the province social rank. Rate ratios and Kunst and Mackenbach relative indices of inequality (RIIKM) were used to assess gender and social inequalities, respectively. Annual percentage change (APC) was calculated using joinpoint regression. RESULTS EC incidence rate increased 4.6% and 6.5% per year among females and males, respectively. There were no gender disparities in EC incidence over the study period. There were substantial social disparities in favor of better-off provinces in Iran. These social disparities were generally the same between males and females and were stable over the study period. CONCLUSIONS The results showed an inverse association between the provinces' social rank and EC incidence rate in Iran. In addition, I found that, in contrast with international trends, women are at the same risk of EC as men in Iran. Further investigations are needed to explain these disparities in EC incidence across the provinces.
Reduced-Form Versus Structural Modeling in Environmental and Resource Economics

We contrast structural and reduced form empirical studies in environmental and resource economics. Both methodologies have their own context-specific advantages and disadvantages, and should be viewed as complements, not substitutes. Structural models typically require a theoretical model and explicit assumptions about structural errors in order to recover the parameters of behavioral functions. These estimates may be required to measure general equilibrium welfare effects or to simulate intricate feedback loops between natural and economic processes. However, many of the assumptions used to recover structural estimates are untestable. The goal of reduced form studies is, conversely, to recover key parameters of interest using exogenous within-sample variation with as few structural assumptions as possible—reducing reliance on these assumptions assists in establishing causality in the relationship of interest. Reduced-form studies do, however, require assumptions of their own, e.g., the (quasi) randomness.
THE CAPYBARA (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) AS A RESERVOIR HOST FOR Trypanosoma evansi

Discovery of two ill horses and three dogs naturally infected with Trypanosoma evansi near an experimental station in the Eastern Plains of Colombia led to a search for reservoir hosts of the parasite. Infection was detected in 8/33 healthy capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), none of the remaining 14 horses, and none of 32 Zebu cattle (Bos indicus), 18 paca (Cuniculus paca) and 20 spiny rats (Proechimys sp.). Contrary to common opinion, the results indicated a carrier state in the capybara. Diagnosis was based on morphology, behaviour in albino rats, and pathogenicity and host range in domestic animals.
The Determinants of Firm Exit from Exporting: Evidence for the UK

Abstract This study seeks to understand to what extent new exporters are able to survive in international markets and whether exit from exporting is more likely to be associated with firm-level heterogeneity or more general factors such as trade costs and/or barriers to entry and exit (such as sunk costs). This study presents the first analysis undertaken for a nationally representative group of UK firms on the determinants of exit from exporting, using panel data covering all market-based sectors of the UK during 1997–2003. Our findings suggest that the probability of a firm ceasing to export is directly influenced by its productivity and other attributes associated with firm-level productivity differences (such as size and foreign ownership). Micro-finance factors, such as profitability and the ability to finance through long-term debt, play an additional role. Lastly, sectoral differences (e.g. industrial concentration) also help explain the firm’s exit decision, whilst trade costs lead to a higher probability of exiting from selling internationally.
Transgenic mice with hematopoietic and lymphoid specific expression of Cre

Bacteriophage P1 Cre/loxP based systems can be used to manipulate the genomes of mice in vivo and in vitro, allowing the generation of tissue‐specific conditional mutants. Wehave generated mouse lines expressing Cre recombinase in hematopoietic tissues using the vav regulatory elements, or in lymphoid cells using the hCD2 promoter and locus control region (LCR). The R26R‐EYFP Cre reporter mouse line was used to determine the pattern of Cre expression in each line and enabled the assessment of Cre activity at a single‐cell level. Analysis showed that the vav promoter elements were able to direct Cre‐mediated recombination in all cells of the hematopoietic system. The hCD2 promoter and LCR on the other hand were able to drive Cre‐mediated recombination only in T cells and B cells, but not in other hematopoietic cell types. Furthermore, in the appropriate tissues, deletion of the floxed target was complete in all cells, thereby excluding the possibility of variegated expression of the Cre transgene. Both of these Cre‐transgenic lines will be useful in generating tissue‐specific gene deletions within all the cells of hematopoietic or lymphoid tissues.
Accountability and nonprofit organizations: An ethical perspective

Given limited market regulation and no direct voter regulation, how nonprofit organizations can be made accountable is a serious and long-standing issue for the sector. The expectations and demands of various constituent groups associated with nonprofits are often conflicting and even contradictory. Nonprofits need to come to terms with legitimate expectations, base them on reasonable standards, and work through each of them in ways consistent with the others and with the respective missions of the organizations.
Tests for Two-Day Candlestick Patterns in the Emerging Equity Market of Taiwan

Using the Taiwan 50 Index component stocks for the period from January 2, 2002, to December 31, 2009, this study examines the predictive power of candlestick trading strategies. A four-digit numbers approach is employed to categorize two-day candlestick patterns. We find that the Taiwanese stock market is not efficient. We also document that two candlestick bullish patterns consistently outperform others. The main contributions of this study include addressing a range of two-day candlestick patterns, finding existing patterns not profitable, and showing two new patterns as profitable.
The novel subset of CD14+/CD16+ blood monocytes is expanded in sepsis patients.

Staining with CD14 and CD16 monoclonal antibodies will identify two monocyte subpopulations in human blood: a major population of regular monocytes, which strongly expresses the CD14 antigen (CD14++), and a minor population with weak expression of CD14 and expression of the CD16 antigen (CD14+/CD16+ cells). As shown herein, the latter cells account for 45 +/- 22 cells/microL and 9% +/- 5% of the monocytes in healthy control donors (n = 35). In septicemia patients, the CD14+/CD16+ cells can become a major population, with more than 50% of all monocytes in 3 of 18 patients and with more than 500 cells in 4 of 18 cases. There was no correlation of CD14+/CD16+ cells to any clinical parameter except for CD14+/CD16+ percentage and body temperature (P = .013). The CD14++ regular monocytes showed a substantial decrease in CD14 antigen density in 9 of 11 patients. Three-color immunofluorescence shows that the CD14+/CD16+ monocytes in septicemia patients when compared with the CD14++ monocytes exhibit a higher level of class II antigen and a lower level of CD11b and CD33 antigens, consistent with a more mature nature of the CD14+/CD16+ cells. Levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) were increased in septicemia patients; 3 of 5 patients with high numbers of CD14+/CD16+ cells (> 200/microL) had high levels of IL-6 (> 250/U/mL). These data suggest that septicemia may lead to substantial changes in blood monocyte composition and this may be related to elevated levels of cytokines such as IL-6.
‘As time goes by’: Explaining the transposition of maritime directives1

The aim of this article is to explain the speed with which Member States transpose EC directives in the maritime sector. By discussing earlier work, the focus is on explanatory factors related to the contents of the directive that needs to be transposed and the context within which national transposition takes place. The authors' expectations have been tested using data across seven Member States and 32 maritime directives. Using survival analysis based on Cox regression, several political-administrative and legal factors are identified that have an impact on the speed of transposition. The political sensitivity of the directive and the total number of national implementing measures lengthens the duration of transposition, while the degree of specialisation of the directive, the use of package law and experience speed up transposition. The authors also find that the impact of some of these explanatory factors changes over time. This underscores the importance of taking time seriously and to explore time dependency in further theoretical work on explaining policy-making processes.
The Application of Structural Equation Models in Industry: Tendencies

Modeling the cause and effect is traditionally solved using some regression technique when the independent and dependent variables are continuous or measurable. Often, however, the variables are constructs or dimensions and their measurement is given by several other variables, such as in the case of industrial productivity and then traditional methods do not apply. For solve that problem, the structural equation modeling is applied in social sciences and engineering, and recently there is reported a lot industry applications. This article reports a literature review, which was performed in different databases, such as Sciencedirect, Web of Science, Springer, among others. The industrysector, educational institutions, authorÂ´s country, year of publication, the journalÂ´s name, among other variables were analyzed. It has been found that countries with more publications is the United States of America and Spain, but the best academic and consolidated research groups are in Spain, Mexico, Finland, Cyprus, among other countries. The journal that published these issues is Industrial Marketing Management.
Introduction: The Dual Evolution of Europeanization and Varieties of Governance

The concept of governance has exploded in popularity. While some criticize it for imprecision, others regard its diffuseness as well suited to analysis of the ambiguous institutions and processes of the European Union. In this introductory article, we review some of the underlying controversies and survey the articles which comprise this special issue of the European Journal of Industrial Relations . These offer some hints for the future direction of the European polity at a time when its very foundations seem precarious.
Portable embedded device to analyse the effect of color blindness on EEG

This project deals with the development of a portable embedded device which is capable of analysing the effect of color blindness on EEG signal. Python Running on Beagle bone black is used to display the colors on the monitor in a predefined interval of time. The electrode used to capture the EEG signal is connected to Beagle board and the sensor is calibrated properly to adjust the capturing voltages. The Energy and Entropy of the signal is calculated and matched with the reference energy to conclude the person is color blind or not.
Convertible Bond Arbitrage: Risk and Return

This paper specifies a simulated convertible bond arbitrage portfolio to characterise the risks in convertible bond arbitrage. For comparison the risk profile of convertible bond arbitrage hedge fund indices at both monthly and daily frequencies is also examined. Results indicate that convertible bond arbitrage is positively related to default and term structure risk factors. These risk factors are augmented with the simulated convertible bond arbitrage portfolio, mimicking a passive investment in convertible bond arbitrage, to assess the risk and return of individual hedge funds. We provide estimates of the performance of two hedge fund indices (an equally weighted and value weighted index) and a sample of convertible bond arbitrage hedge funds using a factor model methodology. Lagged and contemporaneous observations of the risk factors are specified, controlling for illiquidity in the securities held by funds. Our results cover two time periods. Initially we find evidence of abnormal risk adjusted returns in the individual hedge fund data and the equally weighted hedge fund index and no evidence of abnormal risk adjusted returns in the value weighted hedge fund index. When we examine performance during the credit crisis of 2007 and 2008 we find evidence of negative abnormal returns amongst individual hedge funds and the hedge fund indices.
A New Technology for Combining Small Samples Based on Clustering and Its Applications

Samples are important research objects of data mining. Limited by the basic theory of data mining, the sample size cannot be too small. However, it is difficult to collect enough data in some applications. Sometimes, strict requirement for sample collection lead to the generation of many small sample sets with similar characteristics. If the constraint for data collection is relaxed, the similar samples may be combined into a large sample set. The process of combining small samples is essentially a process of clustering, since both processes involve grouping data based on similarity. A new clustering algorithm, which is independent of the similarity, is presented in this paper. With this algorithm, 1516 samples of flights records are reduced to 4 large sample sets. The experiments show that the combining is helpful for determining the probability distribution of the samples, which is useful for flight delay early warning system.